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Religious Exploration for Children
and Youth: A Cooperative Program
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Why Religious Exploration?
We come from a long tradition of questioning and searching, of loving kindness and good works. We have powerful stories and visions of hope to share with Summit’s children and youth. Our program aims to help them develop morally, ethically and spiritually through age-appropriate activities that are engaging, substantive and fun. Groups are divided by age and school grade, but we’re flexible about placing children in the best group for them.
Sunday mornings at Summit
Children go directly to their classrooms at 9:50, and at the sound of the chimes just before 10:00, teachers lead their classes into the sanctuary where they sit together for the beginning of the service. After the intergenerational story, the children and teachers return to their classrooms for the day’s lessons. A snack time follows, then an activity period of arts, crafts, games, music and/or a continuation of projects begun during the morning’s classes. Parents are welcome to join in with Activity Time or to attend the Circle Discussion occurring at the same time, with both ending at noon.
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2007-2008 Classes
Three-year-olds and younger receive tender loving care along with stories, songs, games and arts and crafts.
Pre-schoolers and kindergarteners make connections with their families, their church community and their world through a wonderful variety of meaningful stories and reinforcing activities.
First and second graders participate in Creating Home, a UUA curriculum that emphasizes the value and sacredness of home, both family home and church home.
Third through fifth graders experience The Power of Story, working creatively, artistically and dramatically with stories from different religious and cultural traditions.
Sixth graders delve into Toolbox of Our Faith, a UUA curriculum that offers a different tool each week as a metaphor for a quality or concept, such as a compass for integrity, duct tape for flexibility and a hammer for power.
Seventh through ninth graders participate in Coming of Age, marking the transition from childhood to youth with a rich variety of experiences.
High schoolers work with Sacred Threads, a curriculum that exposes them to the rich legacy of Asian religions and seeks common ground between those and Unitarian Universalism. They also discuss environmental issues and activism, work toward the greening of Summit and attend the service once each month.
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Intergenerational Community
Summit’s children and youth participate in the life of the fellowship beyond Sunday mornings. They are involved in our social justice projects, assist with fundraising efforts, present dramatic and musical programs, and pitch in with both routine and special projects. We have quarterly family gatherings which include food, activities, singing — and fun!
UU Principles for Children
We believe:
That each and every person is important
That all people should be treated fairly
That our churches are places where all people are accepted and where we keep on learning together
That each person must be free to search for what is true and right in life That everyone should have a say in the things that concern them
In working for a peaceful, fair, and free world
In caring for our planet.
UU Children’s Affirmation:
We are people of open minds, loving hearts, and
helping hands.
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How can you help make this program successful?
Religious Exploration is a cooperatively run program, supported by the congregation, with no registration fees other than an occasional contribution for snacks. We encourage pledging to the fellowship’s general fund as well as lending a hand to the work of the program. Check with our DRE or Committee Chair about the many ways you can be involved. Every adult in our Summit community is welcome to participate in our cooperative program, parents and non-parents alike!
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