The League of Youth

Contents

Youth Programs

Self Study

Degrees for Youth

Seeker

Neophyte

Apprentice

Mage

Suggested Activities for the Neophyte Degree

Youth Programs

The Order provides intense learning and practice opportunities for both adults and youth. It is recommended that adult degree training not begin until the age of 18. We believe it is important that all youth explore many different faith practices before committing to one.

For those youth who are interested in the study and practice of Paganism, the Order offers three degrees. These degrees may be earned within a class setting provided by an Academy of the Order, through working with a Mentor of the Order, or through self-study supervised by a parent or legal guardian.

For ages 5 - 8, there is the Neophyte Degree. Earning this degree requires activity in at least 20 Neophyte classes or activities.

For ages 9 -11, there is the Apprentice Degree

Young adults ages 12 - 18 may apply for the Mage Degree. The successful completion of these degrees includes the fulfillment of Achievement Awards. Below is a complete list of youth degrees and awards.

top

Self Study

We recognize that it may be difficult for youth interested in study to find a suitable Mentor or Academy of the Order. In such a case, a parent or legal guardian may act as a Mentor regardless of whether or not he or she is a member of the Order or parents may choose another adult to be a mentor. Acting as a Mentor, parents may contact a Circle and sign his or her child up for degree training appropriate to the age of the young person. When an Achievement Award or degree is complete, the parent may request the proper status and recognition. We award badges and other items to signify successful completion of a degree or activity.

To register a child or young adult, contact a Circle and please provide the following information:

  • your name and city of residence
  • the name and age of your child or young adult
  • the degree being sought
  • your plan of study
  • reasons for wanting to begin study
  • a statement from you declaring that you will help your child study and learn in a way that will help him or her strive to the highest achievement.

top

Degrees for Youth

YOUTH SEEKER

A Seeker is any youth who has dedicated to the League of Youth (personally or with a group).

top

NEOPHYTE

The goal of the youth degree of Neophyte is to create a welcoming community for Pagan children.

Preparation:

  1. You must be at least 5 years old.
  2. Find a Mentor or Academy teaching Neophyte classes or begin self-study
    with a parent, legal guardian, or designee.
  3. Announce your intention to begin study.

Study:

  1. Learn what it means to be Pagan.
  2. Learn what it means to be a member of the Order.
  3. Participate in at least 20 Neophyte or Pagan related classes or activities led by a Mentor, Academy Teacher or by one of your parents or legal guardians.

Additional Activities:

  1. Help out with a service project.
  2. Participate in an Neophyte Degree Initiation.

top

APPRENTICE

The goal of the youth degree of Apprentice is to introduce children to Pagan practices and the Pagan community.

Preparation:

  1. You must be at least 9 years old.
  2. Find a Mentor or Academy teaching Apprentice classes or begin
    self-study with a parent or legal guardian.
  3. Announce your intention to begin study.

Study:

  1. Complete the requirements for the following Achievement Awards:
    • Living Paganism
    • The Elements
    • The Magic Circle
    • The Ritual Altar
    • Basic Ritual
  2. Complete the requirements for any 10 additional Achievement Awards.

Additional Activities:

  1. Help design, organize, and engage in a service project.
  2. Create a personal altar.
  3. Create and enact at least one personal ritual.
  4. Participate in an Apprentice Degree Initiation.

top

MAGE

The goal of the degree of Mage is to provide youth a chance to deepen their Pagan practice and prepare for adult training.

Preparation:

  1. You must be at least 12 years old.
  2. Participate in a coming of age ritual at age 14.
  3. Complete the requirements for the Apprentice Degree.
  4. Find a Mentor or Academy teaching Mage classes or begin self-study
    with a parent or legal guardian.
  5. Announce your intention to begin study.

Study:

  1. Complete the requirements for the following Achievement Awards:
    • Pagan in the Community
    • Pagan in the Family
    • Pagan in the World
    • Caring for the Environment
    • Deities
    • Magick
    • Religious Tolerance
    • Phases of the Moon
    • The Sabbats
    • Pagan Ethics
    • The Threefold Law
  2. Complete the requirements for 15 additional Achievement Awards.

Additional Activities:

  1. Help design, organize, and lead a major service project.
  2. Attend at least three adult public rituals.
  3. Attend at least one adult class.
  4. Participate in a Mage Degree Initiation.

top

Activities For Neophytes

The following are suggested activities for the Neophyte degree. Feel free to use them or to create your own. For every ten Neophyte activities completed, a General Achievement Award is given.

My Story

  • make up a Pagan story.
  • tell it to others.

Eye on the Weather

  • learn about basic weather.
  • watch and record weather patterns for a week.

Walking

  • go for a nature walk.
  • record your sights and impressions.


Observe the Outdoors

  • go into a natural setting and sit quietly.
  • record all your sights and impressions.


My Journal

  • keep a journal for at least a week.

Dream Journal

  • record your dreams in a dream journal for at least a week.


Pagan Crafting

  • make a craft item that reflects your beliefs.


Meeting other Pagans

  • have a party or attend a social gathering of other pagan children.


Helping Others

  • find a way to help someone who may need help.


Emergency

  • find out what to do in home emergencies.


Planting

  • plant a seed and tend to the growing plant.


Singing

  • memorize and perform a simple Pagan chant


Feed the Birds

  • feed a group of wild birds.


Clean Up

  • help clean up an outdoor place that needs cleaning.


Read a Book

  • find a good Pagan book and read or have it read to you.


Pet Care

  • learn ways in which to care for your or another person’s pet.


Visit an Animal Shelter

  • visit an animal shelter and learn how the animals are cared for.

Moon Watching

  • observe the changes in the moon for at least two weeks.

Star Gazing

  • identify star patterns in the night sky

Pagan Art

  • create an art work with a pagan theme.

top
last update 9/21/05