When initially viewing this curriculum, it was clear from the beginning what “age group” the curriculum was for and I was also able to, within a few sentences, gain an understanding of the mission and goals of the sexuality retreat. The organizational structure of this retreat was clearly presented and easy to follow.

Through this sexuality retreat the youth actively participate in naming what needs to be learned. There are non-threatening ways that youth engage in the conversation and remain participants through the retreat. The retreat format also seems to be formatted with a focus on community. Through the materials provided the leaders are not always “leading” the entire retreat. The youth are taking an active role and engaging in the community.

In using Mary Boys’, Educating in Faith: Maps and Visions as a guide, this curriculum can help us to learn in our faith. Boy’s resource asks us why it is important to educate in faith. Through the curriculum provided by Davis, we find that the retreat focused on human sexuality shows the importance of educating in faith. Youth – especially youth in middle school and high school will learn about sexuality from society. Davis’ curriculum highlights the importance of the church educating youth in sexuality. The church’s perspective may often be different from society and the curriculum provided will also help to reveal more about God and help to reveal Christ through the retreat. The goal of the retreat (as stated) is not to talk about what is right or wrong, but to talk about how sexuality is a gift from God. Through the retreat, youth will see new aspects of God revealed and can also learn what God has gifted them and what he desires for each youth.

Davis’ curriculum also provides a variety of learning methods. Through the sexuality retreat, youth are challenged to think cognitively about what they know. There are activities that are outlined that will help the youth to name, identify, and define concepts of sexuality. Not only will youth think cognitively about human sexuality, but they will also have the chance to discuss and evaluate what they currently think and what information is being presented. Through the activities that are presented, youth will be engaged and will be able to express and exhibit their thoughts and questions.

This sexuality retreat is a great resource for leaders working with middle school and high school youth. It helps youth to engage in a conversation that connects what they know about God and what that means for sexuality.

In addition to this insightful curriculum here is a link to some additional resources provided on Youth Specialities website. At the bottom of the article you will find a bibliography with additional resources listed. http://www.youthspecialties.com/freeresources/articles/sexuality/teaching_sex_ed.php. Another website that provides additional resources is found online at: http://www.religiousinstitute.org/online-guide/annotated-bibliography-of-sexuality-education-curricula. While some of the resources may be more effective than others, this site provides suggested resources for studying sexuality at different age levels.

Utilizing Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe: Rubric for Six Facets of Understanding

1. Explanation: In Depth/Sophisticated
It seems very fair to deem Davis’ curriculum “In Depth” or even “Sophisticated.” The hypothetical relationships were compelling and complex. They were so much more than the simplistic, black-and-white, pointed questions usually directed at youth. The explicit and implicit content of the scenarios (including the “Famous Last Words”) explained circumstances that would truly fertilize a conversation. In other words, the nuance of human sexuality is so properly explained by the scenarios depicted that the fully complex range of human reactions are to be expected.

2. Interpretation: Profound
The scenarios presented to youth by Davis’ curriculum are, in a word, “nuanced.” The “rich and insightful story/context” demanded by this high rating are present in the Famous Last Words narrative. One transformative event is held close and examined from an incredibly diverse array of perspectives. These perspectives serve the good purpose of taking the reader (or youth student) to an empathetic place. The multiplicity of witness to the event of AIDS contraction removes the easy hindrance posed by black-and-white objectivism. It is not so easy for the reader to dub the young woman “slutty,” or “irresponsible.” Instead, we are compelled to understand her anxiety, eagerness, and insecurity. She becomes human as opposed to hypothetical.

3. Application: N/A or Lacking
There is no guide for leaders instructing them in the implementation of this wonderful curriculum. It would be helpful to know a retreat order, or see a small group leader guide, or something of that kind.

4. Perspective & Empathy: Insightful & Mature
As aforementioned, this curriculum refuses the standard: simplistic morality lessons for our youth. There is not, properly speaking,, a “good” or “bad” figure. There are only complex figures. To appropriately represent another’s complexity is to delve into their circumstance with respect, if not always utter approval. So, this curriculum earns (in my opinion) the highest rating offered for these two considerations.

5. Self-Knowledge: N/A or Circumspect
There is no explicit reference to the limitations inherent to these conversations. There is no explicit reference to the complex nature of “truth” in the sexuality arena. This may not be a terrible omission because the curriculum itself inheres such diverse and neutrally represented points of view.

OVERALL: Excellent
Strengths: 1. This honors the complexity of human sexuality. 2. This honors the maturity and capacity of youth in matters of human sexuality.
Limitation: 1. This could provide more of a guide for leader implementation.

Utilizing Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe: Rubric for Six Facets of Understanding

1. Explanation: In Depth/Sophisticated
It seems very fair to deem Davis’ curriculum “In Depth” or even “Sophisticated.” The hypothetical relationships were compelling and complex. They were so much more than the simplistic, black-and-white, pointed questions usually directed at youth. The explicit and implicit content of the scenarios (including the “Famous Last Words”) explained circumstances that would truly fertilize a conversation. In other words, the nuance of human sexuality is so properly explained by the scenarios depicted that the fully complex range of human reactions are to be expected.

2. Interpretation: Profound
The scenarios presented to youth by Davis’ curriculum are, in a word, “nuanced.” The “rich and insightful story/context” demanded by this high rating are present in the Famous Last Words narrative. One transformative event is held close and examined from an incredibly diverse array of perspectives. These perspectives serve the good purpose of taking the reader (or youth student) to an empathetic place. The multiplicity of witness to the event of AIDS contraction removes the easy hindrance posed by black-and-white objectivism. It is not so easy for the reader to dub the young woman “slutty,” or “irresponsible.” Instead, we are compelled to understand her anxiety, eagerness, and insecurity. She becomes human as opposed to hypothetical.

3. Application: N/A or Lacking
There is no guide for leaders instructing them in the implementation of this wonderful curriculum. It would be helpful to know a retreat order, or see a small group leader guide, or something of that kind.

4. Perspective & Empathy: Insightful & Mature
As aforementioned, this curriculum refuses the standard: simplistic morality lessons for our youth. There is not, properly speaking,, a “good” or “bad” figure. There are only complex figures. To appropriately represent another’s complexity is to delve into their circumstance with respect, if not always utter approval. So, this curriculum earns (in my opinion) the highest rating offered for these two considerations.

5. Self-Knowledge: N/A or Circumspect
There is no explicit reference to the limitations inherent to these conversations. There is no explicit reference to the complex nature of “truth” in the sexuality arena. This may not be a terrible omission because the curriculum itself inheres such diverse and neutrally represented points of view.

OVERALL: Excellent
Strengths: 1. This honors the complexity of human sexuality. 2. This honors the maturity and capacity of youth in matters of human sexuality.
Limitation: 1. This could provide more of a guide for leader implementation.

Utilizing Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe: Rubric for Six Facets of Understanding

1. Explanation: In Depth/Sophisticated
It seems very fair to deem Davis’ curriculum “In Depth” or even “Sophisticated.” The hypothetical relationships were compelling and complex. They were so much more than the simplistic, black-and-white, pointed questions usually directed at youth. The explicit and implicit content of the scenarios (including the “Famous Last Words”) explained circumstances that would truly fertilize a conversation. In other words, the nuance of human sexuality is so properly explained by the scenarios depicted that the fully complex range of human reactions are to be expected.

2. Interpretation: Profound
The scenarios presented to youth by Davis’ curriculum are, in a word, “nuanced.” The “rich and insightful story/context” demanded by this high rating are present in the Famous Last Words narrative. One transformative event is held close and examined from an incredibly diverse array of perspectives. These perspectives serve the good purpose of taking the reader (or youth student) to an empathetic place. The multiplicity of witness to the event of AIDS contraction removes the easy hindrance posed by black-and-white objectivism. It is not so easy for the reader to dub the young woman “slutty,” or “irresponsible.” Instead, we are compelled to understand her anxiety, eagerness, and insecurity. She becomes human as opposed to hypothetical.

3. Application: N/A or Lacking
There is no guide for leaders instructing them in the implementation of this wonderful curriculum. It would be helpful to know a retreat order, or see a small group leader guide, or something of that kind.

4. Perspective & Empathy: Insightful & Mature
As aforementioned, this curriculum refuses the standard: simplistic morality lessons for our youth. There is not, properly speaking,, a “good” or “bad” figure. There are only complex figures. To appropriately represent another’s complexity is to delve into their circumstance with respect, if not always utter approval. So, this curriculum earns (in my opinion) the highest rating offered for these two considerations.

5. Self-Knowledge: N/A or Circumspect
There is no explicit reference to the limitations inherent to these conversations. There is no explicit reference to the complex nature of “truth” in the sexuality arena. This may not be a terrible omission because the curriculum itself inheres such diverse and neutrally represented points of view.

OVERALL: Excellent
Strengths: 1. This honors the complexity of human sexuality. 2. This honors the maturity and capacity of youth in matters of human sexuality.
Limitation: 1. This could provide more of a guide for leader implementation.

Utilizing Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe: Rubric for Six Facets of Understanding

1. Explanation: In Depth/Sophisticated
It seems very fair to deem Davis’ curriculum “In Depth” or even “Sophisticated.” The hypothetical relationships were compelling and complex. They were so much more than the simplistic, black-and-white, pointed questions usually directed at youth. The explicit and implicit content of the scenarios (including the “Famous Last Words”) explained circumstances that would truly fertilize a conversation. In other words, the nuance of human sexuality is so properly explained by the scenarios depicted that the fully complex range of human reactions are to be expected.

2. Interpretation: Profound
The scenarios presented to youth by Davis’ curriculum are, in a word, “nuanced.” The “rich and insightful story/context” demanded by this high rating are present in the Famous Last Words narrative. One transformative event is held close and examined from an incredibly diverse array of perspectives. These perspectives serve the good purpose of taking the reader (or youth student) to an empathetic place. The multiplicity of witness to the event of AIDS contraction removes the easy hindrance posed by black-and-white objectivism. It is not so easy for the reader to dub the young woman “slutty,” or “irresponsible.” Instead, we are compelled to understand her anxiety, eagerness, and insecurity. She becomes human as opposed to hypothetical.

3. Application: N/A or Lacking
There is no guide for leaders instructing them in the implementation of this wonderful curriculum. It would be helpful to know a retreat order, or see a small group leader guide, or something of that kind.

4. Perspective & Empathy: Insightful & Mature
As aforementioned, this curriculum refuses the standard: simplistic morality lessons for our youth. There is not, properly speaking,, a “good” or “bad” figure. There are only complex figures. To appropriately represent another’s complexity is to delve into their circumstance with respect, if not always utter approval. So, this curriculum earns (in my opinion) the highest rating offered for these two considerations.

5. Self-Knowledge: N/A or Circumspect
There is no explicit reference to the limitations inherent to these conversations. There is no explicit reference to the complex nature of “truth” in the sexuality arena. This may not be a terrible omission because the curriculum itself inheres such diverse and neutrally represented points of view.

OVERALL: Excellent
Strengths: 1. This honors the complexity of human sexuality. 2. This honors the maturity and capacity of youth in matters of human sexuality.
Limitation: 1. This could provide more of a guide for leader implementation.

I agree with Sarah Harrold's review below. I've looked at this retreat in the context of a course (the student submitted it), so I've had a chance to review it carefully. Harrold's conclusions are apt: this is an excellent resource. About the only context in which it would not fit well, would be a narrowly conservative one which had a differing theological perspective.

This is, quite simply, an incredible resource. Sexuality is a major topic of interest, concern, anxiety, and curiosity among junior and senior high students and this addresses it head-on. The resources included here contain everything that is needed for the retreat; the leaders need to only find the participants, gather the materials (paper, markers, food, etc.), and book the place for the retreat. Even the letter to the parents is included. This retreat does an excellent job of applying Jane Vella’s principles of learning. It creates a safe environment for youth to talk about their questions and thoughts regarding sexuality, to create relationships with other adults that will allow for future conversations, and it provides many opportunities for collaborative learning. The material is presented through small group time, videos, creating their own “life paths”, a “question box”, real-life case studies, and large group activities. It also has the adult volunteers acting as “participating leaders” – they will certainly have a leadership role and need to be mature enough to work with 8th graders on the topic of sexuality, but they are expected to share their thoughts and opinions and help with the learning process, not merely be chaperones. This curriculum also has a mission statement that is given and the curriculum is accountable to that, following through with what is meant to be taught. This retreat is also meant to be a place to explore the area of sexuality, not simply to say what is “right” or “wrong”, both in actions and in self-understanding. If a church has a particular stance on this issue, some things may have to be modified. Overall, it is an astounding resource.