Junior High

Seventh and Eighth Grades

Our programming for middle school youth offers a variety of experiences to recognize their growing independence and support them through their transition from childhood to adolescence.

Coming of Age Class

The Coming of Age Program offered to our 7th and 8th grade youth during the 9 and 11am Sunday services is intended to be a rite of passage and complements the Religious Education program’s guiding theme for the year -- UU Identity (2009-10). The purpose of the COA program is to for participants explore their own religious and spiritual beliefs, and the history, programs, and organization of both this congregation and the Unitarian Universalist denomination. Adult mentors are a major component of the program. Each participant has a mentor who will meet and work with him or her on a one-on-one basis during the spring. The culminating project of the COA program is the development of a personal faith statement by each participant. These faith statements are presented to the congregation and the young people are honored during the Coming of Age recognition service scheduled for June 13th, 2010.

For more detailed descriptions of the curriculum materials currently in use at each grade level, please see our Religious Education Prospectus.

Worship Sundays

On the third Sunday of each month, the COA youth remain in the sanctuary for the regular congregational worship experience. They are provided with questions about the sermon topic during class during the previous week for subsequent discussions with their families, teachers, and peers. This experience is intended to help the youth explore their faith and begin to build a bridge to the adult church experience.

Boston Heritage Trip

In October of 2010, our Coming of Age class will be traveling to Boston for first hand experiences of the Unitarian Universalist Association and its roots. While in Boston, our kids visit sites of historical importance for Unitarians. This trip takes place every other year. Parents/guardians are expected to work cooperatively with the COA youth on fundraising for this trip throughout the 2009-2010 church year.

Our Whole Lives

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a nationally renowned program on human sexuality developed in collaboration by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. The program presents a comprehensive approach to human sexuality in an age-appropriate manner and is based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice and inclusivity. The curriculum helps young people apply these values to their behavior and provides them with information and skills they can use throughout life. Junior High O.W.L. includes a comprehensive parent orientation, and parent permission is required for young people to participate in this class. OWL is scheduled to be offered in the 2010-2011 church year.