Programming for Junior Youth

Youth Programming

Weekly class for 5th -7th 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 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.

Special Programming for Middle-School Youth

• Our Whole Lives sexuality education program
• Planning and coordinating youth-led services
• Mountain 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 junior youth class (7-9) is offered nearly every year.

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.

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.