CHILDREN & YOUTH
First Unitarian provides a warm, open, supportive community within which our children can learn and grow. Our program teaches personal values, ethical living, UU principles, and the varied sources of our religious heritage. UU religious education gives kids a framework to develop their spiritual selves among friends and caring adults.
Registering for Religious Education
There is no fee for the Sunday program. However, registration is required for all participants. Registration allows us to properly plan, staff, and fund our RE and childcare programs. Information and registration forms are always available here, and on Sunday mornings in the RE foyer and the Connections table in the Sanctuary foyer.
We Are a Safe Congregation
We care about the safety and welfare of our children and youth. Our RE staff and volunteers undergo background checks in order to work with children, and we maintain a “two adults at all times” safe church policy during all RE activities and classes.
Vision Statement for Children and Youth
Through participating in the religious education program at First Unitarian, children and youth will:
- Develop social inclusiveness skills and feel a part of this church community.
- Have practical experiences that relate to UU principles, expanding and enriching their daily lives as they grow towards adulthood.
- Learn to incorporate UU beliefs into their personal beliefs and learn to express those beliefs.
- Learn to respect and appreciate the faiths of others.
- Develop a spiritual foundation to take on their life’s journey.
Special Offerings in Religious Education
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
A nationally acclaimed, lifelong human-sexuality curriculum developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association in partnership with the United Church of Christ. First Unitarian OWL classes are taught by trained volunteers to age-appropriate groups of children, youth, and adults.
UU Summer Camp
UU kids love Summer Camp; many remember it as a highlight of their youth. Campers congregate for one week each July in the beautiful Sacramento Mountains near Cloudcroft.
Coming of Age Classes
Each spring we offer Coming of Age classes to our eighth graders as they prepare for high school. Coming of Age students learn more about UU’ism and themselves as they prepare “This I Believe” statements and lead a service for the entire congregation.
Special Events
The annual holiday pageant and parties, intergenerational dances, regional conferences, social-justice training, and other leadership and outreach opportunities round out First Unitarian’s RE program.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Religious Education program follows a cooperative model. That means we need YOU!
We request that everyone with a child in the RE program make a volunteer commitment each year. There are many ways you can help, from helping with special events to weekly classroom teaching. Every volunteer is important, and we value every minute donated to the program.
You need not be a RE parent to help out. Interested? Check out the “Religious Education Volunteer” brochure for more information.