Melbourne young people dedicate summer months towards spiritual transformation

Youth in Melbourne have been dedicating their holiday period to contributing towards the advancement of their communities following a conference that brought together more than 150 young people from across the state. 

The contributions take many forms, from participating in camps exploring spiritual themes and their application in daily life, through to facilitating moral educational classes for children and spiritual empowerment groups for junior youth, and organising gatherings for devotion and prayer where the youth can explore the link between worship and service. 

The Melbourne youth conference explored themes related to the period of youth, community-building and mutual support, early adolesence and contributing to the advancement of civilisation.  

The conference acted as a catalyst for participants to make tangible plans to contribute to the spiritual, social and material affairs of their own neighbourhoods. Following the Melbourne conference, the youth of Tarneit in West Melbourne completed a five-day intensive institute camp in their neighbourhood, completing Ruhi Books 1 and 2 while also visiting friends in their community. The youth also planned and facilitated a junior youth camp in their area.

Book 1 from the Ruhi Institute focuses on Reflections on the Life of the Spirit and explores the Baha’i Writings, prayer and the purpose of life, while Book 2 looks at service to one’s community through the application of the Baha’i principles. 

According to one participant at the Tarneit camp, she always had a strong desire to help and serve others. “Reading through this content has made me realise I want to do this even more,” she said. 

Another participant said the unit in Book 2 exploring uplifting conversations was helpful. “The vocabulary has allowed me to express myself better, even to my friends. The key is to help others and myself on our spiritual journey and incorporate that more in my life,” she said. 

Another youth-led junior youth camp was recently held at Mount Morton Baha’i Centre of Learning in Melbourne with tens of young people aged 12 to 15 coming together to develop their powers of expression, discover their sense of purpose, and meet other like-minded junior youth. 

According to one participant, the camp was “an exciting environment” and an opportunity to meet new friends and go through some inspiring material. 

“On each section we got to delve deeper with discussion, spending more time learning about the topic,” he said. “One of the topics that stuck with me was on competition in how we strive for excellence, and whether it is helpful or harmful. The conversation around this topic seemed to really engage us. It felt like a great consultation.” 

Youth have also been using the time they have during their holiday period to facilitate programs dedicated to the spiritual education and training of young people. 

From regional towns including Bendigo and Ballarat, through to neighbourhoods in the city, the youth have been organising spiritual education classes that nurture the inherent moral capacities of children and inspire them to act towards betterment. 

All around the world, Baha’i youth, aged between 15 and 30, often dedicate time to serving their community during the summer months. Whether through setting aside a period of devoted service at a specific location or engaging in campaigns and activities that enrich the spiritual and social fabric of their surroundings, the summer holiday period serves as the perfect time to pray, study, and act for the younger generations. As presented in the 114 Youth Conference materials: