Youth Programs
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6th Grade through 7th Grade
Riddle & Mystery: 16 Big Questions for the group to unpack with a wide range of inquiry, activity and exploration. The first three echo Paul Gauguin’s famous triptych: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? The next ten, including Does God exist? And What happens when you die?, could be found on almost anyone’s list of basic life inquiries. The final three are increasingly Unitarian Universalist: Can we ever solve life’s mystery? How can I know what to believe? What does Unitarian Universalism mean to me?
8th Grade through 9th Grade
Along with a check in time and games the group will engage in three curriculums:
- Families: photo-documentary project with sessions that engage participants in deconstructing and reconstructing the notion of family.
- Gather the Spirit: Perhaps, today, there is no more compelling focus for our stewardship than the clean, drinkable water all life on Earth requires. Through a lens both scientific and religious, this program addresses the importance of water, the inequity of access to clean water, and actions we can take as Unitarian Universalist stewards.
- Exploring Our Values Through Poetry: Poetry can be an accessible and profound tool in our spiritual practice as we journey twoard becoming more conscious as human beings and as Unitarian Universalists. This program utilizes poems that are concerened with elements of the spiritual life: acute observation, conscious and continuous inquiry, the unveiling of reality, hope and hopelessness, the afterlife, and the tenderness of the human condition.
10th Grade through 12th Grade
We use an “Open Forum” format in which a topic is introduced and lively, meaningful discussion follows. These topics are brought to the group by both adults and youth. This is a place where they can be open in exploring their own feelings, beliefs and opinions as well as learning to acknowledge those of the other youth and leaders in our faith community. They are encouraged to:
- Pay attention/listen to each other’s needs and wants
- Acknowledge that all are “teachers” and all are “learners”
- Encourage each other and share our spiritual journeys
Youth Sundays (See also YRUU and Worship)
The Annual Youth Service is an opportunity for High School youth to share what is on their minds with the congregation. It is always a refreshing look at life!
Middle School Conference
The Middle School Social Action Conference is a weekend gathering of Middle School age youth (6th, 7th & 8th grade) from around the Southwest District. It is a time for developing friendships, workshops, worship and social action.
Youth in Chapel
Youth in Chapel is held monthly at 11:15 am for Middle and High School youth. This participatory style of worship service invites the youth to explore and reflect on monthly QUUEST themes.
