Children & Young People in the Society of Friends Our Meetings value their children. A child who is an active participant in our Quaker communities may be listed as a 'child or youth of the meeting' … Meetings have a responsibility to see that their children have opportunities to develop an understanding of Quaker belief and practice. When the young person reaches the age of adulthood, this may be seen as a kind of 'graduation' and Meetings may choose to mark this in some way. Notwithstanding the above, children of any age who wish to be members of the Society may apply and be visited in the normal way. If approved, they will be called 'members'. Handbook of Practice and Procedure , Section 5, 5.1.3 Child Membership

'Where do you see that of God, the Inner Light, in your children?'

[One parent answered:] "I see it when they are asleep'"… another described her child when intent on a project, eyes sparkling, a slight frown, as she worked to get the building of blocks balanced just right. Another described his child dancing, keeping the beat, bending and twisting, with sparkling eyes and shining face. The essence of their being seems there shining through. They seem in tune with the universe'.
From Answering that of God in our children, by Harriet Heath, Pendle Hill Pamphlet 315, 1994.

Activities for children within the Quaker community

Junior Young Friends are aged 12 -16. Regional Meetings organise camps for Junior Young Friends, and there are special acitivites planned during the annual national gatherings at Yearly Meeting in January.

Young Friends are aged 16 -30 and normally hold camps twice a year, at Easter and immediately prior to Yearly Meetings in January. For further information about Young Friends, go to http://youngfriends.co-operista.com/tiki-index.php .