UUCA’s Children and Youth Religious Education is multifaceted and values connection. Children and youth have the opportunity to participate in developmentally-appropriate programming that includes the exploration of multiple faith traditions and our Unitarian Universalist values. Not only do they develop friendships with each other; they also benefit from dedicated adult leaders and mentors.

“It takes a village,” and with our focus on building multiple relationships within the faith community, our hope is to help parents parent beyond their capacity.

We are currently on summer break! Classes will begin again in August. Workshops and childcare are available for ages nursery-5th grade during worship. 

FALL 2023 OFFERINGS:

CHILD CARE

Our child care experience is hosted by two professional staff each Sunday and includes stories and free play.

10 AM each Sunday.

PRESCHOOL

Chalice Children: Early childhood is filled with curiosity and wonder. Chalice Children strives not just to teach about our Unitarian Universalist faith, but also to provide experiences around the strength of community, the wonder and awe that transcend everyday understanding, and life issues we all share. In a group setting, with loving adult guides, young children can engage in spiritual seeking, develop their openness to sharing, and experience the benefit of a supportive community. Their time in Chalice Children can set a pattern for the rest of their lives and bring lasting benefits.

Sundays at 10 unless otherwise noted.

K-1

Our Whole Lives, fall programming: This comprehensive and progressive program helps children ages five through seven begin the lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and values about identity, relationships, safety and health. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it offers new and expansive ways of addressing gender identity and roles, sexual orientation, race, and ability. Activities, songs, and movement breaks are accessible to every child and keep young children interested and energized.

World of Wonder, winter/spring programming: This program delves deep into our Unitarian Universalist seventh Principle. It instills respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part and appreciation of its beauty, excitement, and mystery. It is founded on the premise that direct experience in nature is essential to children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development. Time spent experiencing and exploring during the kindergarten and first grade years begins a practice that can bring lifelong openness to the wonder nature can spark.

Sundays at 10 unless otherwise noted.

GRADES 2-4

Cartuuns: There is no reason why children can’t have fun while they are learning! CARTUUNS uses animated shorts from Pixar and Disney as the basis for discussion about the values inherent in Unitarian Universalism. Wondering questions and entertaining activities abound in this engaging program.

Sundays at 10 unless otherwise noted.

GRADES 5-6

The Fifth Dimension, fall programming: The Twilight Zone tackled a diversity of social issues and political statements not seen in shows of its time. Its creator, Rod Serling (himself a Unitarian), believed that controversial messages and dialogues were needed to get a point across, and purposely created a science fiction show to get such messages past corporate censors.  The result was five seasons of timeless episodes that resonate as strongly today as they did in the late fifties and early sixties. The Fifth Dimension uses episodes of The Twilight Zone as the basis for discussions and activities on a wide variety of topics. 

In The Middle, spring programming: Designed for tweens and young teens, In the Middle allows participants to engage with larger spiritual themes through exploration questions, games, meditations, stories, and art engagement. This program is one of experiential learning, evoking a sense of fun, not just the conveying of information.

Sundays at 10 unless otherwise noted.

GRADES 7-8

Our Whole Lives: Unlike many other sexuality curriculum currently available, this program is comprehensive and progressive. In an inclusive and developmentally appropriate manner, it addresses sensitive topics that are typically excluded. Topics move beyond the usual anatomy, physiology and STI information and prevention–although those are certainly covered–to include body image, social media/internet, bullying/bystander responsibilities, healthy relationships, sexual decision making, and consent education. The underlying values of the program also reflect the justice-oriented traditions of Unitarian Universalism.

Sundays at 10 unless otherwise noted.

“YRUU” - Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (Grade 9-12)

Young Religious Unitarian Universalists) “YRUU” takes the spiritual lives of our youth seriously! Youth have the opportunity to deepen and explore spiritual practice, to do informed service and social justice action projects together, to develop their leadership skills, and to create bonds that will last a lifetime.

Combined Childcare/Preschool during Worship

Our multi-age childcare experience is hosted by two professional staff each Sunday during service and includes stories and free play.

Sundays at 11.

K-3 Workshops during Worship

Each month, the children experience multiple workshop offerings including age-appropriate yoga and movement games, crafts, and a cultural story/cooking experience.

Sundays at 11.

Our Whole Lives

Developmentally Appropriate Sexuality & Consent Curricula

Honest, accurate information about sexuality changes lives. It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and has the potential to save lives. For these reasons and more, we are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL), a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula for use in both secular settings and faith communities.

Interested in signing your child or youth up for our next OWL class? Fill out this form.