Discuss with your young people what it means to be responsible for something. Get them to list a few things they already hold responsibility for, and what they would also like to be accountable for.

Give them the following list of scenarios and ask them to decide what age (not considering the law) a person should be given responsibility for each:

• Driving
• Having their own house key
• Making a cup of tea on their own
• Babysitting
• Doing the shopping
• Staying home alone

Often responsibility is not just about taking care of other things, but taking care of ourselves too. In what ways do we not take responsibility for ourselves? (Overeating, not washing, taking drugs, speaking out of turn)

Read Genesis 1: 28-30 and 2: 15-17. Adam was given huge responsibility over what God had created. Christians believe this was then handed down the generations, and we today are responsible for looking after the earth, the sky, the sea and all the animals. Look up details of world action charities and encourage your group to join a campaign for protecting the Earth.

Read the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and discuss:

• Describe how the three men used their talents.
• How was the responsible nature of the first two men rewarded?
• What happens to the third man who buries his talent?
• What lesson is Jesus giving here?