With delight we continue our tenth year of lively, engaging programming for children and teens. Our joyful mission is to awaken the heart of great wisdom and compassion in the next generation. Fifteen volunteer teachers and one staff specialist in Buddhist curriculum for young people serve seven age groups, nursery to high school.
Mindfulness and/or meditation are part of each class. We convey the teaching message with stories, presentation and discussion. We embody the teaching with creative activities ranging from games and skits to journaling and service projects. Rather than tell students what they "should" do, we co-create awakening practices, then encourage students to experiment and find what works best for them.
The program depends on parents serving as teachers, substitute teachers, and helpers. We kindly request that one family member co-teach every third year. Lesson plans are provided, and you receive credit toward classes at the center. If teaching is not a good fit, we can find an alternative service.
Classes meet every other Sunday at 9:00 am.
To learn more, or to volunteer, contact Katharine Krueger, our Children and Youth Practice Coordinator.
Our topic for 2009–2010 is Walking in Peace: Understanding the Four Noble Truths
Winter Session: Finding Freedom by Taking Responsibility: The Joy of the Second Noble Truth
Through stories, movement and engaging mindfulness practices, students will experience how suffering is created by cravings, aversion and feeling separate. Mindfulness of what we want and don’t want helps us see this firsthand – and in doing so, we find ways to interrupt unhelpful responses and savor the present moment.
Spring Session: Walking our Talk: Embodying the Eightfold Noble Path
Awareness, wholesome behavior and being boundlessly open to all beings: Through compassionate action, we'll discover how the three facets of the Eightfold Path are eminently doable for children and youth. All-ages camp-out and Sunday Morning Meditation: Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 29–30.
Nursery (6 months–3 years; newborns by arrangement)
Preschool (ages 3, 4 & some 5s)
K–1 (kindergarten & grade 1)
Early Elementary (grades 2 & 3)
Upper Elementary (grades 4–6)
Middle School (grades 7–9)
Winter Session Dates: January 10 and 24, February 7 and 21, March 7
Time: 9:00–10:35 am
Fee: $55 per child for 5-week winter session (members: $35)
(The actual cost per student is $235. Donations are welcome.)
Registration remains open throughout the quarter, with tuition prorated.
Zen for Teens is a new group for high school students (Grades 10–12) led by David Schoeller, from Macalester Zen Group. The group will discuss life issues and questions from the perspective of Buddha's teachings, meditate and engage in other class activities. By unleashing your natural compassion and creativity, you become empowered to meet and overcome life's challenges. Not a high school student but know someone who may be interested? Please pass this information on to them.
Session Dates: January 24, February 7 and 21, March 7
Time: Sundays from 10:45 am–noon
Grades: 10–12
Fee: $15 per person
You may register using the Children and Youth Practice Registration forms, available here, at the Center or by calling 651-222-6968, ext. 1 or emailing
If cost is an obstacle, please apply for work-study or a fee waiver by contacting our Program Coordinator.