Programs for 6th – 12th Graders from Sept. 2023 to Jun. 2024

Every Sunday we offer youth group for our teenagers to gather to building community through games, service, and meaningful discussions. We also offer additional programs for High Schoolers to make a deeper commitment to serving our community or exploring their spiritual beliefs.

Middle School Youth Group

6th – 8th graders meet in the Teen Cave during service for reflection, games, and faith exploration led by Em Puertolas.

In the Fall the group will explore the values of UU Community through games and service projects. In the Winter and Spring they will explore world religions with visits to different faith centers.

There are also four planned Friday Social Nights with movies and fun on October 27th, December 15th, February 16th, and April 19th.

High School Programming: Youth Group, Coming of Age, Teen Assistant Program

Youth Group

High Schoolers meet 1st – 3rd Sundays from 11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m. in the Teen Cave led by Dana and Em. We share joys and sorrows, engage in discussions led by teens, and play games while enjoying snacks and ramen. On 2nd Sundays we will engage in deeper spiritual reflection and activities.

We will have two planned overnights on October 28th – 29th and February 17th – 18th.

Coming of Age

Coming of Age is a beloved program that guides youth in examining the great religious questions and clarifying their own beliefs or “credos”.  Participants will have a mentor (church member) they will meet with monthly as well as participate in a spirituality retreat and heritage trip.

In build a strong sense of community and deeper container for learning, participants commit to attend youth group every 2nd Sunday, Coming of Age sessions with mentors every 4th Sundays (except Nov and Dec), and two overnight retreats Dec 2-3 and April 12th-14th

Teen Assistant Program

During the service, teens have the opportunity to support Family Ministry and the Worship as paid assistants. Teens will work 2-4 Sundays a month supporting programming for infants to elementary aged youth or supporting A/V needs in the Sanctuary. Accepted teens who are 14 years old will be paid $10 an hour. A zoom interview with Dana is required for this program. Please email Dana at dana@uufr.org if you would like to schedule an interview.

Other Opportunities

Ministry of Dungeons and Dragons: With the guidance of Dungeon Master Zane Potorti , we will be organizing monthly D&D games for 6th-12th graders. Middle schoolers will be led by Zane Potorti and should plan to meet for a 5 hour game monthly. Parents of participating middle schoolers will need to pay $25 per game and sign up to help with supervision and snacks. High schoolers will be led by teen dungeon masters for 2-3 hour games monthly. Please know there may be a waitlist as we work to identify more Dungeon Masters to facilitate games.

Sunday Morning Service: Teenagers are also invited to explore other ways to serve during service by becoming a Worship Associate, Choir Member, Welcome Table Greeter, or joining the Social Hour Team. To learn more about any of these opportunities email dana@uufr.org.