Youth Initiative
Prevention Through Identity, Honesty, and Connection in Catholic Education
Building Resilient Catholic Youth
The Lazarus Project Youth Initiative offers a structured, faith-integrated prevention program designed specifically for middle school religion classes. Developed in response to anonymous student feedback identifying rising trends in anxiety, isolation, and perfectionism, this curriculum provides a proactive framework for resilience.
Unlike external assemblies or one-off presentations, this program is delivered by your own teachers during regular class periods. It integrates psychological resilience building with Catholic theological anthropology, providing students with practical tools for navigating the challenges of adolescence while deepening their understanding of their identity in Christ.
Every implementation begins with a scheduled testimony talk from Kyle Wilke, sharing personal experiences and establishing a foundation of authenticity and trust with students before the curriculum begins.
Program Overview
Target Audience
Middle school students (grades 6-8) in Catholic school religion classes
Program Duration
Integrated into regular religion class periods throughout the school year
Program Launch
Begins with Kyle Wilke's personal testimony to students, establishing authenticity and trust before curriculum implementation
Faith Integration
Seamlessly blends psychological resilience with Catholic theological anthropology
Three Core Pillars
Identity
Helping students understand their fundamental identity as beloved children of God, created in His image and likeness. This foundation provides stability against the pressures of comparison, perfectionism, and the search for external validation.
- Understanding being created "imago Dei"
- Exploring unique gifts and talents
- Building confidence in God's unconditional love
- Resisting comparison and perfectionism
Honesty
Creating safe spaces for authentic self-expression and emotional honesty. Students learn to name their feelings, acknowledge struggles, and understand that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
- Naming and processing emotions
- Understanding the power of vulnerability
- Breaking through isolation and shame
- Developing emotional intelligence
Connection
Fostering genuine community and meaningful relationships. The program emphasizes that we are created for communion with God and others, providing practical tools for building healthy friendships and support networks.
- Building authentic friendships
- Understanding healthy boundaries
- Developing empathy and compassion
- Creating support networks
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Phase
Focus: Establishing identity in Christ and understanding God's love
Students explore biblical stories of identity, engage in reflective activities, and begin to articulate their own understanding of who they are in God's eyes.
Self-Awareness Phase
Focus: Developing emotional intelligence and honest self-reflection
Through guided exercises, students learn to identify and express their emotions, understand the difference between thoughts and feelings, and practice honest communication.
Community Building Phase
Focus: Creating authentic connections and support systems
Students engage in team-building activities, practice active listening, and develop skills for building and maintaining healthy friendships grounded in Christian love.
Integration Phase
Focus: Applying learned skills to real-life situations
Students work through case studies, role-play challenging scenarios, and develop personalized action plans for maintaining resilience in their daily lives.
Support for Educators
Complete Curriculum Materials
Detailed lesson plans, activity guides, and assessment tools designed for seamless integration into existing religion curricula.
Professional Development
Training sessions for religion teachers to effectively deliver the program and support student engagement.
Ongoing Consultation
Regular check-ins and support throughout implementation to address questions and adapt the program to specific classroom needs.
Assessment Tools
Methods for measuring program effectiveness and student growth in resilience and self-understanding.
Expected Outcomes
Increased Resilience
Students develop coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and peer pressure
Improved Self-Esteem
Grounded understanding of personal worth and identity in Christ
Stronger Community
Authentic friendships and support networks within the school
Better Communication
Enhanced ability to express emotions and needs appropriately
Deeper Faith
Stronger connection between personal experiences and Catholic faith
Healthier Choices
Improved decision-making skills and resistance to negative influences
Getting Started
Initial Consultation
Schedule a meeting with Kyle Wilke to discuss program fit, Kyle's testimony presentation, and implementation timeline
Teacher Training
Participate in professional development sessions to familiarize educators with curriculum materials and teaching strategies
Pilot Implementation
Begin with a pilot group of classes to test materials and gather feedback for program refinement
Full Rollout
Expand to all middle school religion classes with ongoing support and evaluation
Beyond the Classroom: The Lazarus Youth Group
As students progress through the Youth Initiative curriculum, we recognize their desire for deeper connection and ongoing support. The Lazarus Youth Group emerges naturally from classroom conversations, providing a student-driven space where faith, friendship, and personal growth continue to flourish.
Mid-Program Q&A Sessions
Scheduled opportunities for students to engage in open, grounded discussions with Kyle Wilke about their experience with the program. These sessions provide a safe space for students to share what they've learned while giving the Lazarus Project valuable feedback for continuous improvement.
Student Ambassador Program
Identifying and empowering student leaders who can help shape the youth group using direct input from their peers. These ambassadors bridge the transition to high school, ensuring the program's values and support systems continue as students advance.
Peer-Led, Student-Driven Model
Under our guidance, students take ownership of their spiritual and emotional development. This approach creates authentic community where young people support one another through shared experiences, challenges, and celebrations of faith.
Building Bridges to High School
Creating vital continuity for current 7th and 8th graders as they transition to high school. The youth group maintains Catholic identity through ongoing fellowship, service opportunities, and faith formation that extends beyond the classroom setting.
Our Vision
The Lazarus Youth Group represents more than an extracurricular activity—it's a living community where students experience the transforming power of authentic friendship rooted in Christ. By providing ongoing support and leadership opportunities, we help young people discover that they are never alone in their journey of faith and personal growth.
Interested in learning more about the youth group formation process? Contact us to discuss how your school community can participate in this exciting extension of the Youth Initiative program.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact us to schedule a presentation for your school or to discuss how the Lazarus Project Youth Initiative can support your students' spiritual and emotional development. Every program begins with Kyle Wilke's personal testimony to your students, followed by ongoing support throughout implementation. We offer complimentary consultations to Catholic schools interested in this transformative program.