Children and Youth

Upcoming Events

Programming for Senior Youth

Youth Programming

Weekly class for 8th-12th grades, concurrent with the Sunday Service

Nourishing the spirituality of young people is a key function of Unitarian Universalist communities. Through worship, ritual, small group ministry and other practices, our high school youth can find support, inspiration and transformation here.

Our youth are exposed to a variety of curriculum and experiences as they are asked to consider how to live their values in a challenging world. Learning, listening, sharing, developing self-awareness, action in the larger community — all are aspects of this year’s work.

Registration

We ask that all families register for the 2023-24 Religious Education Program using the following link: 2023-24 CYRE Registration. This includes returning families and new families, both member and non-member. There is no fee.

Special Programming for Youth

  • Our Whole Lives sexuality education program
  • Planning and coordinating youth-led services
  • Coming of Age program
  • Youth trips
  • Youth CONferences

Social Justice and Community Outreach Opportunities

Our sixth UU principle calls us to “help build a peaceful, fair and free world.” We take this call seriously and offer opportunities throughout the year for our youth to engage in service and justice work.

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

Used across the country in Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ congregations, this lifespan sexuality education curriculum is based on four primary goals:

  1. To provide accurate, developmentally appropriate information
  2. To increase self-esteem and understand relationships with and responsibilities toward others
  3. To develop interpersonal skills, including communication, decision-making and problem-solving
  4. To teach responsibility for personal health and safety

Five levels of curricular materials are available, geared to grades K-1, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and adults. The senior high class is offered on a rotating schedule as needed.

Youth Worship Services

Every year, the high school religious education class plans and coordinates a worship service for the congregation in the fall. In addition, graduating seniors are “bridged into young adulthood” during a service led by a minister and Director of Lifespan Religious Education.

Coming of Age

Every other year, the Children and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) program offers a nine-month Coming of Age program for our high school youth. Coming of Age includes a mentoring component, service projects, two weekend retreats and Sunday evening small group discussion sessions.

Youth Trips

Our program offers its high school youth varied opportunities for growth in the form of various trips.

Youth CONferences

Youth CONs hold an almost sacred place in the hearts of many UU youth. These weekend-long retreats include age-appropriate worship, workshops, small group activities, dances, coffeehouses, food and the opportunity to meet other UU youth. Two kinds of CONs are available in our district:

  • Mountain CONferences: Held at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center, these weekend CONs are offered each fall and spring. All UUCC youth planning to attend a Mountain CON are required to attend an orientation session, held in the fall, with a parent. We encourage parents to volunteer as trip “advisors.” Registration and payment information is sent via email from the CYRE program.
  • Congregation-based Youth CONferences: These CONs are hosted by individual congregations and youth groups in our district.

Social Events for Children, Youth, and Families

Various opportunities for children, youth, and families to connect with one another and with the larger congregation are planned throughout the year. Keep an eye out for them in the congregation’s weekly newsletter, Currents.