UUSGS is a spiritual home to children and youth of all ages
We believe that developing religious identity is a lifelong process. From the youngest age, children are encouraged to explore their sense of self, their relationship with others and their understanding of the divine. In individual, small group, large group, intergenerational, in person and online gatherings, children, youth and families are provided stimulating and transformational opportunities to learn and grow spiritually.
CARING DEEPLY ABOUT CHILDREN
Growing Good People
Simply put, Unitarian Universalists believe that every child born is a redeemer. We believe that our responsibility as a faith community is to cultivate, nurture, challenge and support the growth of that human into a respectful, responsible, life-loving person who knows they are valued and shows others the same deep acceptance. To that end, UUSGS offers programs for children and adults that support and encourage the development of authentic religious identity and offer opportunities for transformative experiences.
FUN WITH A PURPOSE
Infants & Toddlers
Trained UUSGS staff provide nurturing and fun nursery care for very young children during worship services as well as select other UUSGS activities. Staff actively engage children in developmentally appropriate activities which encourage the early building blocks of core UUSGS principles, such as healthy attachment and relationships and engagement in nature.
LEARNING ABOUT OURSELVES
Preschool & School Age
As children are developmentally ready, they are engaged in more structured liturgy and religious education exploration.
Some Sundays, children remain in worship with their families for intergenerational exploration. Other Sundays, children experience their own "Children's Chapel", complete with invocation, chalice lighting, and sharing of joys and sorrows.
Children participate in separate age-appropriate classes and activity programs, as well as peer mentoring mixed age groups.
MAKING THEIR WAY
Teens & Youth Group
The focus for our youth program is living their beliefs in the world. Having completed their Coming-of-Age process and Credo statement, youth are encouraged to apply these learnings in navigating the challenges of high school, peer relationships, and charting a course for their future in adulthood. Service projects within and beyond the congregation, intergenerational programming, and teen-focused activities (lock in, camp-out, music night, etc.) are all important vehicles for youth to engage their faith.
LEARNING ABOUT OURSELVES
Rites of Passage
To mark some transitions along the way, UUSGS recognizes a few rites of passage
A celebration of students, generally high school seniors, who are leaving the Youth Group and moving forward on new journeys.
LIFESPAN SEXUALITY EDUCATION
Our Whole Lives
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. With a holistic approach, Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, social media, and cultural influences on sexuality. Classes are offered for grades K-2, 4-6, and 7-9, with on-going support for youth and young adults
