Our Offerings for Children and Youth (Teens)
Religious Education Program for Children and Youth
Spring 2024
Our Whole Lives for 5th and 6th Graders
and
Our Whole Lives: PArents and Caregivers as Sexuality Educators
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is the comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education program authored and run jointly by the UUA and the United Church of Christ. Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality. Learn more about the program here. This Spring, we are offering OWL for 5th and 6th graders, as well as a separate program for parents/caregivers interested in developing their skills as sexuality educators of their children.
OWL 5/6 starts with a Kickoff from 3-5:30pm on Sunday, Feb 25. This special extended session is for students AND parent/guardians, and it is mandatory. The remaining 10 sessions run Sundays from 2-3:30 pm, and are for students only. Session dates are 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, and 5/19. The class fee is $100 for the first student in a household and includes textbooks; subsequent students in a household may enroll for $70 each, and do not receive their own textbooks. Scholarships are available, and no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Our scholarship program is outlined in the Registration Form. This class is limited to 12 students.
OWL for Parents and Caregivers runs Sundays, from 2-3:30 pm. We will meet 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, and 4/7, 4/14, and 4/21. The information and attitudes that adults share with their children—intentionally or by default—carry extraordinary power. Many adults struggle to wield this power effectively and confidently. Often, their own experiences, perspectives, and worries get in the way. These sessions invite parents and caregivers to find support and courage with one another. There is no cost to participate in this class. Minimum enrollment for the class to run is 6. Register here.
For more information, contact our Religious Educator, Regina McConaghy.
Sunday Mornings: On some Sundays, we worship as an all-ages community. Children and youth join in the worship service with their families, with quiet activities provided for anyone who listens better with something in their hands. On other Sundays, children and youth begin in the sanctuary with their grown-ups to join in the welcome, chalice lighting, singing, and a Time for All Ages. Then they may participate in a kids’ breakout with activities designed for their age group, such as story, movement, conversation, or art.
Kindergarten - 5th Grade Class: Stories, experiential learning, and creative projects help children get to know Unitarian Universalist principles and how they can guide our actions. We use a variety of curricula from the Tapestry of Faith program (see samples here: https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/children) and child-led service projects.
Middle & High School Class (Grades 6 through 9): At this time we have a combined middle and high school class, focusing on discussion and development of beliefs. Tapestry of Faith curricula is often used for this age group (see samples here: https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/youth) to explore common questions and learn about faith.
Nursery: We do not currently offer nursery care. Babies and toddlers are welcome in the sanctuary with their grownups, and a few toys for young children are available for their quiet use during the service.
Other Activities:
Social Justice: Children and youth participate in service projects, typically directed by their interests. These may include helping at a food bank, raising money for local charities such as homeless shelters or the Humane Society.
Sexuality Education: The “Our Whole Lives” (OWL) curriculum offers honest, accurate information about sexuality. It is centered in the shared values of self worth, sexual health, responsibility, and justice and inclusivity. Learn more about OWL here: https://www.uua.org/re/owl. Contact our Religious Educator, Regina McConaghy, to find out when OWL classes for your age group will be offered!
Kids' Garden: A garden space in front of the church helps children connect with nature.
Milestones and Other Celebrations: Parents may choose to have a Child Dedication Ceremony welcoming their children into the church community. Graduating high school seniors have a coming-of-age commemoration known as a Bridging Ceremony. We celebrate holidays and seasons in many ways, from honoring Samhain to decorating the Christmas tree to holding an Easter Egg Hunt, along with other traditions that bring together members of all ages to create memories.
