Junior Youth Groups

Bahá'í junior youth groups are a unique and powerful part of the Bahá'í community-building framework, focused on empowering 11- to 14-year-olds (often called the junior youth age group). It’s a spiritual empowerment program that helps young people in that in-between stage (not quite children, not yet teens) develop their intellect, sense of purpose, and capacity to serve their communities.

These groups:

• Study meaningful texts that explore themes like justice, kindness, overcoming challenges, and the power of words and action.
• Discuss real-life moral and social issues that junior youth care about.
• Do service projects to make a positive impact in their neighborhood.
• Develop friendships and teamwork, often through games, art, music, and collaborative activities.
• Are guided by a trained mentor (called an "animator")—usually an older youth or adult who facilitates rather than teaches.

What's special about it?

• It’s not religious instruction, but it is spiritually grounded—centered on the belief that every young person has noble qualities and the potential to transform the world.
• It's very action-oriented, giving youth tools to analyze their environment and contribute meaningfully.
• Youth of all backgrounds are welcome.

Think of it as a youth empowerment group with spiritual depth and a strong service component.