Online Inspirational Youth Programs

SRF Online How-to-Live Classes for Children and Teens

New Fall Class Series Starts in September

Online Classes ― Registration Now Open
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    Online Classes ― Registration Now Open

    SRF Online How-to-Live Classes for Children and Teens

    “Building Joy-Filled Spiritual Friendships”

    The fall session of live, interactive classes conducted via Zoom will take place September 9 – December 23 (see details about class schedule and structure below).

    Registration now open


    Creating a Spiritual Foundation for All Ages

    Paramahansa Yogananda felt deeply for the welfare of youth and took a lifelong interest in their all-around education. Building on the rich, in-person offerings developed for SRF Youth Programs over many decades, SRF online How-to-Live programs teach young people how to lay a spiritual foundation for their lives, one that becomes a sustaining positive influence long after the series of classes.

    Curriculum

    Children and teens will join in the practice of the SRF Energization Exercises and meditation, and engage in discussions, storytelling, and other activities that illustrate Paramahansaji’s wisdom for building strengths, facing challenges, and approaching life with the abundant joy and self-confidence that come from spiritual understanding and experiencing “how-to-live” education.

    The classes are designed to:

    • Promote peer interaction and student support, similar to in-person gatherings, through small classes (organized with separate classes for boys and girls);
    • Help introduce your child or teen to Paramahansa Yogananda’s inspiring “how-to-live” principles, using age-appropriate approaches (see age ranges below);
    • Provide an immersive experience in an online learning environment that encourages uplifting fellowship; and
    • Establish spiritually grounding friendships and a sense of inner peace and security.

    Schedule

    Classes are on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month September 9 through December 23, 2023.

    Classes are only being taught in English, but there are currently three class times to choose from to accommodate those living in various time zones.

    Children: 9 – 12 years

    • 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. (PT)
    • Class duration: 60 minutes

    Teens: 13 – 14 years

    • 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. (PT)
    • Class duration: 60 minutes

    Teens: 15 – 17 years

    • 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., or 5:00 p.m. (PT)
    • Class duration: 60 minutes

    Teachers

    Many of the teachers have served as long-time SRF Sunday school teachers, and a number of them work professionally as teachers. All teachers and teaching assistants have completed extensive training in age-appropriate instruction, online classroom management, and youth protection.

    To help make this program so widely accessible, the classes are currently being offered free of charge.

    We understand that there may be occasional unavoidable absences, but sincerely hope that your child or teen can regularly attend the classes. Interest in this program is high, and we want to ensure there is adequate space for all children and teens who want to attend. Out of respect for those who may be on a waiting list for this program, if you find that your child or teen will be unable to regularly attend classes, please contact us so we can make the space available for another family.

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    If you have any questions, please email helpdesk@yogananda-srf.org or call 760-421-5151.

    We hope that these new online classes will help children and teens set their feet on the path of spiritual development, leading to truly satisfying inner and outer lives. May God bless you and your family!

    In divine friendship,

    Self-Realization Fellowship
    Youth Services

    P.S. If you would like to make a donation in support of SRF and our online How-to-Live classes for youth, please go to: DonateSRF.org/Youth. Thank you!

    Registration now open
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    Program FAQs

    About the program

    How long is the program?

    This program session runs from September 9, 2023 through December 23, 2023.

    What is the class schedule?

    Classes are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. On those days, each child/teen will have a class at their scheduled time: 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. (PT).

    How long is each class?

    Classes are 60 minutes in duration.

    How many children/teens will attend each class?

    The average class size will be approximately 15 to 20 students, however this is dependent upon how many registrations are received. Attendance could be higher or lower.

    Can I donate to support this program?

    Yes! Please go to: DonateSRF.org/Youth. Thank you!

    Registration

    How many classes can I register my child/teen for?

    Your child/teen will be registered for all classes through the end of the current program session, which goes until December 23.

    Will my child or teen need his/her own email account?

    If a child/teen does not have their own email account, you can use the email address of a parent or guardian to register them. Each child/teen will be registered based on a unique email address. The program link will be sent to that email address and will allow each child/teen to join their age-appropriate class.

    My child is almost at the required age (9 years), can he/she still attend?

    Children who will reach the required age within two months of the start of the program will be able to attend.

    How do I change the class time that I requested when I registered my child for the class?

    Please contact Youthservices@voluntaryleague.org to notify and reschedule.

    Attending classes

    Will I receive a reminder about the class?

    Yes, a notification will be emailed to both the parent/guardian and child/teen prior to the start of each class.

    Is there any preparation that parents or children/teens need to do in advance of the class?

    No preparation is required. Over time, things such as pre-class activities may be added. Your child/teen might find it helpful (but it's not necessary) to have basic supplies such as: paper, notebook or journal, pen, pencil, colored pencils, or markers.

    Is there any homework required?

    No homework is required.

    Can my child/teen attend using their smartphone?

    Although a computer or tablet is ideal for visibility of the controls and the group, a cell phone will work. Families are encouraged to create a calm environment in a designated area and turn off notifications on the device being used to allow children/teens to focus during class.

    Can I be in the room with my child/teen during the class?

    Yes, however, to create a classroom environment, parents are asked not to be visible on camera. Once the program begins, please be gently attentive if there are any technical difficulties your child is experiencing, but otherwise you can respect their individual unfoldment by allowing them to engage on their own.

    What if I can’t find my login information for the class?

    Please refer to the "set password” email sent to the email address you used to register your child/teen (usually the child/teen’s email address) or contact YouthServices@voluntaryleague.org for assistance.

    Can my child/teen attend multiple classes that are being offered for their age group?

    To allow as many children and teens to attend these classes as possible, we ask that students attend only one class each Saturday.

    What If my child/teen cannot attend the class they are registered for?

    If it is a one-time conflict, they may join one of the other class times for their age group on that day. If they will not be able to attend regularly at their registered time, please contact YouthServices@voluntaryleague.org to notify or reschedule.

    My child/teen has a friend visiting. Can the friend also attend the class?

    Yes, the friend can attend the class but will need to register for future classes.

    After my child/teen has attended classes, is it possible to change to a different class time? What is the process?

    In some cases it may be possible to change class time, depending on availability. Please contact Youthservices@voluntaryleague.org for assistance.

    Journey to Lake Shrine Video Series

    Journey to Lake Shrine Video Series

    We are happy to present an online experience especially for youth: “Journey to Lake Shrine.” This five-part video series was created by SRF’s Youth Services Department in light of our in-person youth programs currently being on hold due to the pandemic, and as a way to connect youth around the world in an ever-greater bond of joyful spirituality and supportive fellowship.

    Each of the five episodes in the “Journey to Lake Shrine” series is structured as a day of learning and fun, similar to a day at an in-person youth program.

    Though created especially for youth, this special video series can be enjoyed by all ages. Look for further installments in upcoming weeks!

    “Journey to Lake Shrine” includes:

    • stories about Paramahansa Yogananda and the Lake Shrine's early days
    • information about Lake Shrine’s wildlife, unique buildings, and special features
    • short guided meditations led by monastics and affirmation practices to help youth easily and effectively apply “how-to-live” principles.

    Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 1

    Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 2

    Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 3

    Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 4

    Journey to Lake Shrine: Part 5

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