Children & Youth Programs
Sunday Morning Religious Exploration
During our 11am Sunday morning service, our children and youth preschool through grade 8 participate in Religious Exploration in the CARE Building after the Time For All Ages in service. They are grouped PreK-Kindergarten, 1st-5th Grade, and 6th-8th Grade. Our 1st-5th Grade group has an interactive service led by staff and volunteers, then children choose an activity based on their interests and connected to the theme.
Through the Soul Matters curriculum, they will be focusing on the same broader themes that ERUUFians are engaging each month in worship and in Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles. This learning happens through playing, discussing, community building, learning about Unitarian Universalism, considering their own beliefs, creating/building, finding out about other faith traditions and more.
For specific class times, visit the ERUUF calendar of events or contact the RE Staff. Register Now
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a series of positive, comprehensive, and age-appropriate educational programs that promote sexual health for multiple age groups. OWL 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 goes beyond behavior and anatomy to help participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
Middle School Youth Group (MSYG) - Grades 6-8
MSYG offers opportunities for all ERUUF 6th-8th grade youth to come together after the 11:00am Sunday service for fun group games, community service and social justice, and exploring their beliefs and values, as well as fun overnights! The group is supported by the staff and youth advisors.
- Dates: September - May
High School Youth Group (HSYG) - Grades 9-12
High School Youth Group (HSYG) is a great place to have fun and meet a community of other youth that share our UU values. Youth meet weekly, outdoors around the fire pit in the woods. Youth gather for games, events, activities, and service projects throughout the year. HSYG includes opportunities for community building, worship and faith formation, justice making, learning and leadership.
- Dates: September - May
Coming of Age (COA)
Next offered in 2026-2027. COA is a program for 9th-10th grade youth to encourage reflection on what they believe about the world, how they want to be in the world, and what does it mean to be Unitarian Universalist. Youth meet with a panel of congregational elders to support them on their journey of discovery and build relationships across generations. The program culminates with a youth-led worship service in which youth share their personal credos.
- Dates: September 2026 – May 2027
Youth Staff R.E. Internships
Youth are invited to apply to serve as assistant R.E. Teachers for our preschool and elementary age groups. The experience is truly emblematic of UU values: covenantal relationships rooted in community and mutual respect. This internship offers youth a chance to practice bringing their UU values into a work environment. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed Coming of Age at ERUUF or another UU congregation.
