Spiritual
Exploration
Programs
We provide spiritual exploration (SE) for pre-school through high-school-age children and youth, as well as nursery care for the youngest children. Our SE program is offered at no cost to members and visitors. Ours is a child-centered philosophy which seeks to help children and youth find the sacred within themselves while nurturing their development and introducing them to Unitarian Universalist values and principles by way of example.
We affirm the worth and dignity all our children and youth. We recognize each person as a spiritual being regardless of age. We encourage each person to explore their religious ideas and questions. We invite children and youth to take part in the world as a whole, supporting their efforts to change our world for the better.
We do ask that you register your children and youth for our Spiritual Exploration program. This helps us know you better, be aware of any allergy or health issues, and helps us plan for staffing and supplies.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Our Whole Lives is a series of sexuality education curricula for six age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, young adults (ages 18-35), and adults.
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
Coming of Age
This program is for 7th-10th graders. Coming of Age marks the transition from childhood to young adult that is as old as history. They have included ritual abductions, vision quests, and bar and bat mitzvahs, all to help youth learn about themselves and prepare for adulthood.
Many Unitarian Universalist congregations mark this transition with year-long coming of age programs, which generally include four parts: pairing youth with adult mentors; discussions and retreats that emphasize self-awareness and confidence-building; service to the church and community; and a culminating affirmation ceremony.
Contact us for more info.
Programs for Children and Youth
Panda Bears are our youngest children. These kids are infants and toddlers. We provide childcare for this age. They play, hear stories, sing and make crafts.
Panda Bears (Childcare) - 0-5 years
Polar Bears - Pre-K - K (3-6 years)
Sun Bears - 1st - 3rd grade
Black Bears - 4th - 7th grade
Moon Bears - 8th - 12trh grade
Youth Group - 6th - 12th grade
Safety
We follow a number of safety policies, including:
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All staff, teachers, and helpers working with children and youth undergo a criminal and sexual offender background check before they volunteer. All teachers are members of CUUB.
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At least two adults are required to be present during all children and youth classes and activities.
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All classrooms are provided with hallway windows so that activities are viewable at all times.
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First aid kits are available in each classroom and throughout the building.