Upcoming Religious Education (RE) Classes, and other RE news:

K/1^st/2^nd Grade OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education)  This program is in the works and will begin soon. This curriculum supports parents in educating children about birth, babies, bodies, and families. The sessions will engage children with stories, songs, and activities, and include a weekly HomeLink—a homework project for parents and children to do together, promoting dialogue between parent and child. I’ll send out additional information via parent email later in the week.

April 3: These nature lovers will meet again Sunday morning, 4/3, IN PERSON! We’ll start in the Great Hall with the service beginning at 10:30, and we’ll stay through the Story for All Ages; then we’ll cross the street with adult supervision and head to our first-floor Waters House classroom! Masking and social distancing will be required, and we will have an air filtration unit in the classroom.

April 4: K-6th Celebrating Spring–6-6:45 pm! Movement and stories to share via Zoom. Contact Robin Ahearn for the link

5^th/6^th/7^th Grade OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) is in the works and will begin soon. It is an in-person curriculum and will be taught by trained facilitators Bryan Cherry and Erin Piotrowski. More information to follow. This 10-session curriculum includes a parent orientation and is designed to help children gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills they need to understand and express their sexuality in holistic, life-enhancing ways.

Like the other OWL programs for different age groups, this comprehensive, developmentally appropriate program introduces key topics like values, body image, gender and sexual identity, peer pressure, and healthy relationships with sensitivity and inclusiveness.

7^th/8^th Grade THE FIFTH DIMENSION:

April 3: Their next meeting is Sunday morning, 4/3, IN PERSON! We’ll start in the Great Hall with the service beginning at 10:30, and we’ll stay through the Story for All Ages; then we’ll cross the street and head to our second floor Waters House classroom—the large classroom with the TV. Masking and social distancing will be required, and we will have an air filtration unit in the classroom.

8^th/9^th Grade OWL: This group’s next in-person meeting is Sunday evening, 4/3. More detailed information will be provided by the fabulous facilitators.

SENIOR YOUTH (9^th-12^th):

April 3: They will meet IN PERSON beginning at noon! (Please note the time change.) Masking is required and there is a filtration unit in the classroom.

11^th/12^th Grade OWL (Our Whole Lives sexuality education) is in the works and coming soon. It is an in-person curriculum and will be taught by trained facilitators Barbara Cornell and

Sara Tyo. Using a comprehensive approach, this program helps senior-high youth gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. Includes a parent orientation and 12 sessions.

Would your Youth like to attend General Assembly, either virtually or in person in Portland, Oregon?!  Here’s the link for more info: https://www.uua.org/ga

Or, might your Youth like to attend camp at Camp Unirondack in northern NY?! Here’s the link for more info: https://www.unirondack.org

FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE with any of these youth experiences, check out Youth scholarship opportunities with the Aninger Fund!

The Aninger Fund is a trust fund created for the sole purpose of supporting leadership opportunities for the junior and senior youth of our congregation.

In the past, religious education youth have requested money to attend leadership and spiritual programs. Some excellent opportunities are available through the UUA (UU Association) and CER (Central Eastern Regional Group) and include, but are not limited to: River Rising, General Assembly, Summer Seminary for youth, Multicultural Leadership School (youth), and youth conferences. In return for the scholarship, the recipients share their experiences with the congregation through written work in our weekly email newsletter, Circuits, participation in a service or a presentation at Coffee, Crullers and Conversations.

How and when do I apply?

The application deadline for leadership opportunities occurring this spring is May 1st. Applications will be reviewed at the May RE Team meeting and any applications received after the May 1st deadline will not be considered until the November 1, 2022, review (if they are still relevant). Junior and Senior youth can download an individual or group application through the UUSS website, and submit the completed application to Director of Lifespan Religious Education Robin Ahearn.

TO CHECK OUT UU CAMP OPPORTUNITIES, VISIT: HERE!