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It's hot but we've been doing some cool work at UUSGS!

Summer Sundays

Each Sunday over the summer, we offer a similar structure for school-aged children.  Programming begins at 10:30AM.  Families are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled in:

  • 'Ice Cream' Check-In (see below) and Parent Sign-In
  • Welcome -- What friends are here today? Sharing of Names... When we are here we do our best to ASK! Rule Review
  • Ritual -- Chalice Lighting, Grounding, Sharing Acts of Goodness and/or Things from the Heart, Song
  • Fun & Games with Youth Leaders -- Games & activities led by UUSGS Youth Leaders (see below).  (Supervised independent play is available, too, as needed.)
  • Under the Parachute -- Come together to wind down as we play & sit together under our parachute!
  • Snack & Parent Pick-Up -- Snack and water are provided.  (Please make sure teachers are informed of any food-related needs or restrictions.)

Youth Leadership, Summer Fun...

Three UUSGS youth spent a weekend in early July doing a deep dive into stages of child development, spiritual development of children, and inspirational resources around child-initiated learning through play.  One special focus was neurodiversity and how different people understand and experience the world. The youth did playground observations, interviewed kids and parents, and did lots of reflecting about -- and engaging with -- other UUSGS kids. They and our program are emerging stronger for it! Our youth student leaders also spent time coming up with activities that they will be leading, with the support of our regular staff, over the summer:

  • July 6th: Summer Tag!  (Freeze Tag, Mario Tag, Simon Says...)
  • July 13th: Summer Road Trip! (Red Light/Green Light, Obstacle Course)
  • July 20th: Circle Up for Summer! (Drip Drip Drop, Duck Duck Goose, The Floor is Lava)
  • July 27th: Summer at the Museum! (Fishy Fishy, Wax Museum)
  • August 3rd: Summer Dance Party! (Musical Chairs, Freeze Dance...)
  • August 10th: Soaring Into Summer! (Paper AIrplances, Four Corners)
  • August 17th: Finding Summer! (Nature Hunt, Hide & Seek)
  • August 24th: Passing the Summer Fun! (Hot Potato, Silent Ball, Capture the Flag)
  • August 31st: Summer Sock Hop! (Sock puppet-making and puppet skit)

Shared Expectations: The Ice Cream Model

At the end of June, program leaders and teachers led an "Ice Cream" activity with our kids to introduce a tool to support both kids and our staff.  The goal is to help children to name when they are feeling "melty" or are "puddling". While youth leaders and teachers debuted this with the kids, parents gathered with Darcie to work together reviewing a slideshow of the plan, making sure parents' voices and children's needs were heard and reflected in our approach. Here is the link, with new updates made following our dialogue. Darcie is also working on a "social story" that will be available for children. This work is foundational and will continue to evolve as the REFM committee and larger community continue to work to center our practice of being a family of families rooted in shared values.

Summer Family Hikes Have Begun...

Join UUSGS for peer-led hikes thorughout the summer. The next one is Saturday, July 12th, led by the Vose family.  Stay tuned to our web calendar for more dates as they are added.  Have an idea for a hike?  Want to lead one?  Be in touch!

Shared Ministry...

Our congregation's commitment to the next generations is not only for parents and kids.  We regularly seek out and welcome volunteers.  Many parents report just how important it feels that other caring adults are part of their childrens' lives.  This partnership is fun and meaningful for all... and we could use a few more helpers this summer.  Interested?  Please contact Darcie ASAP.  
*All volunteers and staff must pass a CORI background check.  The process is easy, and ensures the safety of all in our program.

Programs
Religious Education & Family Ministry