Children's Groups (0-13 years)

In our children's groups, we seek to provide safe and caring spaces where the spirit of each child and youth will blossom. We strive to create a nurturing atmosphere and a place of belonging where all can grow spiritually by developing inner peace, wisdom, and an understanding of the world around us.

Nursery

(any age; no leaders, but a registration record is kept for office use)

The Lounge near Worship Hall has closed circuit TV for parents who would like to listen to the Sunday service while attending to the needs of little ones who are too restless to stay in the service.

Toddlers to 2's: First Steps

Little people meet in a large room with blocks, equipment for dramatic play and climbing, music, stories, and caring adults. First Steps is a happy and save atmosphere for connecting and growth. This group will be cared for by a team of four leaders along with parent volunteers.  

3-4 Year Olds: Celebrating Me & My World

This full-year curriculum celebrates the wondrous qualities of children and the animals, objects, and people around them. Children are provided with experiences and opportunities to grow in trust and caring and to develop their self-identity and sense of connected-ness with all of life.

5-6 Year Olds: Spirit Play

This curriculum is a UU adaptation of Godly Play and Montessori methods that presents stories reflective of our faith.  Children explore questions such as: Where did we come from? What is our purpose?What are our gifts? What happens when we die? Why are we lonely and sad sometimes? Stories are told in a group using concrete materials, followed by experiences of wondering and art responses. 

7-8 Year Olds: A World of New Friends: An introduction to world religions (Sept. - Dec.)

Unitarian Universalism teaches us that there is some wisdom to be found in all the great religions of the world. This curriculum is designed to use a child?s curiosity flavored with stories, art, drama and song to introduce them to the many truths and many faiths that richly color our earth and enrich our lives. Children will meet a new "friend" each week and learn all about their religion. Included are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Earth-centered religions, Sikhism, and Judaism.

7-8 Year Olds:Love Will Guide Us (Jan. - May)

Using the night sky and the North Star as metaphors, children learn to seek guidance in life through the lens of our Unitarian Universalist Sources, with an emphasis on love. Together we ask: questions such as, "Where did we come from?" "What is our relationship to the Earth and other creatures?" "How can we respond with love, even in bad situations?" "What happens when you die?" Sessions apply wisdom from our Sources to help children answer these questions. Children will learn that asking questions is valued in Unitarian Universalism, even as they begin to shape their own answers.

9-11 Year Olds: Bibleodeon

This curriculum introduces Hebrew and Christian Scriptures by presenting the best known stories with such props as the Bibleodeon microphone and interactive challenges such as the Cain-Abel crime scene. Participants act in playlets, illustrate a time line, give awards to outstanding biblical women, and more. They experience the bible as one of many wonderful UU sources.

12 & 13 Year Olds: Coming of Age

The Coming of Age program honours the important transition from childhood to youth, marking this human passage for twelve & thirteen year olds with rituals, learning, testing, and celebration. The curriculum provides opportunities to gain self-confidence, develop a personal value system, and expand their vision of themselves and the world, defining and assuming their important role in community. These junior youth are encouraged to participate meaningfully in this engaging and dynamic experience, which includes two retreats and culminates in a special Coming of Age worship service in the spring.

Elementary Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education

5-6 Year Olds, 9-11 Year Olds
Beginning in February
For details please click here.