Middleschoolers - 7th, 8th and 9th Grades
Coming of Age (COA) Program
Coming of Age is a program that explores Unitarian Universalist beliefs, history, worship and social concerns, as well as the challenges and responsibilites of growing up. They explore these with mentors and other youth. One of the highlights for the kids and their mentors is to go to the Water House rope course in Monroe, WA. Through the course they do mentally challenging activities in which they learn teamwork and community. The Coming of Age program runs from October through May every other year.
Youth are encouraged to express their views about personal philosophy and theology using reflection, journaling and discussion. This age is a time when issues of "What do I believe?" and "What will I contribute to the world?" become vitally important. An adolescent is often asking probing questions as to the meaning of life, the nature of truth, and what in the universe is worthy of trust and commitment.
This program gives them a context for exploring those ideas.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) Program
Comprehensive Sexuality Education
Is a series of comprehensive sexuality education resources. Written by professional sexuality educators for use in churches, school, and community settings. Resources are based on the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education produced by the National Guidelines Task Force. Sexuality and Our Faith provides materials for incorporating faith-based teaching into each session. The program runs from September through June every other year.
OWL’s goal is to help children and youth to make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, health and behavior in the context of their faith. It also equips them with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas:
- human development
- relationships
- personal skills
- sexual behavior
- sexual health
- Society and culture.
Comprehensive sexuality education encompasses not only reproduction but also gender identity, body image, friendship, and emotional development.
OWL Core Values
- Self Worth
- Sexual Health
- Responsibility
- Justice and Inclusivity
