Lyttleton Street youth learn about healthy bodies, minds, souls

CAMDEN—Youth at Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church have been learning valuable information about their bodies, their minds and their souls.

After a one-year study of the Bible using The Story, youth have been involved in learning about their physical, mental and emotional health.

In September, a group of professionals gathered to present information to teens (eighth to 12th grades) at a retreat called Truth About Sex. Local attorneys talked about legal ramifications of being sexually active (consent, inappropriate pictures and text messages, statutory rape, etc.); doctors presented information about STDs and other physical issues; Lyttleton Street UMC ministers talked to teens about God’s design for sex; and a church couple shared their testimony about their decision to practice abstinence until they were married.

In October, a representative from Surviving Assault Standing Strong taught self-defense techniques to girls (grades six to 12), while boys (grades six to 12) learned Dating Dos and Don’ts (etiquette, who pays, etc. ) and how to tie neckties. The boys were led by church member Hank Kerfoot.

National Alliance on Mental Illness came to their United Methodist Youth Fellowship gathering the first Sunday of November and shared important statistics about mental illness, mood disorders, suicide and more. Representatives shared warning signs that youth can look for if they suspect they, or someone they love, is suffering from depression or another form of mental illness.