The curated programs and resources on this page aim to equip youth theology programs by preserving the practices of the Duke Youth Academy, which served hundreds of high school students over nearly 20 years. As part of DYA, countless Divinity students, faculty, and administrators shaped a vibrant community in practices of baptism, hospitality, prayer, worship, and word.
Online
For Church Staff
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For Laity
For UMC Clergy
Mentor Group Curriculum
A 30-page resource based on the original work of former DYA directors and ministry coordinators, this curriculum was designed in light of feedback from students and mentors over several years of DYA sessions. It contains background information to help you prepare to lead a mentor group or train a team of mentors. There are also seven detailed lesson plans encompassing diverse learning modalities: creative activities and exercises, needed supply lists, lectionary texts, and songs. This curriculum will invite students into rhythms of discerning God’s presence and action, theological reflection, and prayer. It offers structured flexibility so it can be adapted to varied youth theology contexts.
You have permission to use all or part of the curriculum. Please cite the “Duke Youth Academy Mentor Group Curriculum” if you intend to revise or adapt the curriculum for your needs. See the DYA Toolkit article "Mentoring” for additional context and rationale for this curriculum.
Download DYA Mentor Group Curriculum (pdf - 1.14 MB)
Practices Project Curriculum
This 15-page resource guides students to investigate their theological interests after a youth theology residency experience through creative, student-directed, project-based learning. The resource includes a workshop handout, project checklist, community mentor instructions and orientation email, and quarterly reflections to be submitted over a year of working toward creating and executing the Practices Project. Practices Projects can take numerous shapes: preaching, service projects, leading a Bible study on race and gender, designing a worship service, or a scripture poetry online magazine.
This curriculum was designed when DYA transitioned from a two-week residential program to a one-week residential program in 2013-2014. It offers structured flexibility so it can be adapted to other youth theology contexts.
You have permission to use all or part of the curriculum. Please cite the “Duke Youth Academy Practices Project Curriculum” if you intend to revise or adapt the curriculum to your needs. See the DYA Toolkit articles “Mentoring” and “Theology of Technology and Online Learning” for additional context and rationale for this curriculum.
Download Practices Project Curriculum (pdf - 1.24 MB)
The Gratitude Project: Celebrating 20 Years of The Duke Youth Academy magazine
A digital publication that celebrates the legacy of DYA in a captivating visual product illustrating DYA’s history. The magazine features archival photography, alumni stories, timelines, and infographics depicting DYA’s impact.
DYA Toolkit
This toolkit organizes the best practices and resources of the Duke Youth Academy, including thought pieces, curricular and recruiting resources, and digital tools.
Download DYA Toolkit (pdf - 744.38 KB)
“Vocation of the Church: Remembering Our Baptism”
Ellen Davis (Duke Divinity School), Rev. Justin Coleman (University United Methodist Church), and Dr. Sujin Pak (formerly of Duke Divinity School) offer reflections during the DYA Legacy Celebration in October 2020. This conversation was moderated by Dr. Elizabeth DeGaynor (Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Formation, Virginia Theological Seminary; Academic Ministry Coordinator at Duke Youth Academy).
“A Liturgy of Lament”
This liturgy was developed for DYA for use during and after a pilgrimage through Durham, focused on stories of racism and the fight for justice.
Download A Liturgy of Lament (pdf - 531.75 KB)