Children and Youth

Children and Youth

All ages welcome

Children, and their families, are valued by Quakers. Our testimony of equality applies to children too. Children call the adults of the Meeting by their first name and regard them as Friends, whatever their age. Children are welcome at Meeting for Worship. Even quite young children can cope with a short period of silence, especially when they see the adults and other children around them sitting quietly. Children may speak in Meeting for Worship if they feel they have something to say, and this is respected as is any other contribution.

Aotearoa/New Zealand Friends pay special attention to the involvement of families and children of all ages, and young adults. This takes several forms: 

Inter-generational Activities: Friends value and encourage the participation of people of all ages, genders and ethnicities. We organise regular social activities for families and enjoy inter-generational activities at Summer Gathering and other Quaker events. Read more about families, children and Quaker life here.

Children’s programmes: Some Quaker Meetings, including Mt. Eden, Wellington and Christchurch have regular programmes for pre-adolescent children, generally up to about age 10. The children meet with adults and do creative projects focusing on learning about life, spirituality and Quaker practice. In general, our child and youth programmes focus more on process and less on content, often stressing respect, diversity, relationships, curiosity and exploration. Children usually join the full Meeting for Worship for the last 10 minutes or so, and often report on their activities at the Rise (end) of Meeting. 

Junior Young Friends (JYFs) are kids in Year 9 to 13 in high school, so ages 13 - 17.  They are encouraged to participate in the Meeting as part of their age group, including adult-facilitated Meetings for Worship (such as the “Ten and Ups" at Mt. Eden Meeting), but also have their own annual Camp, and activities at the yearly Summer Gathering. Often strong and important bonds are formed between young people that continue on into adulthood. Learn more about their activities here.

Young Friends (YFs) are those 18 - 39. There is an annual Young Friends camp each Easter and an online Meeting for Worship that links Young Friends around the country. Learn more about their activities here.