Youth Groups
Middle School Youth Group (MSYG)
Middle School Youth Group (MSYG) is open to youth in grades 6-8. MSYG is the social complement to our Middle School Religious Education classes. The emphasis is on fun, with social activities and social action projects that encourage bonding among participants. Guidance is provided by adult volunteers.
Meetings are held on two Friday evenings each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. We begin with a chalice lighting and check-in, where youth may share thoughts, feelings, and experiences in confidentiality and in an environment of acceptance and support. The meeting proceeds with games and other activities.
MSYG also participates in activities outside of UUC. Past activities have included bowling, hiking, bonfires, and a visit to Squires Center for a game night.
MSYG may also participate in social action projects, as well as lock-ins at the church. We hope to arrange a convention or “CON” meeting with other regional UU congregations in the near future. During lock-ins, youth spend the night “locked” in the meeting house – always with two or more advisors. The lock-ins include games and other activities
MSYG follow the policies set forth by the Religious Education Committee.
Contact Director of Religious Education Karen Hager to learn more about MSYG.
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)
Our high school youth group, Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU), is our Congregation’s opportunity for all interested youth from ages 14 to 18 to have fun, share spiritual interests, and serve others.
Meetings, held most Sundays from 6 to 8pm, begin with a check-in when teens share thoughts, feelings, and experiences in confidentiality and in an environment of acceptance and support. Planning of future events is followed by games and other activities.
Once a month, youth and advisors have an OOCE (Out Of Church Experience) such as laser tag, bowling, tubing, hiking, or other fun activity.
Other events include fundraisers, service projects, lock-ins at the church, a special coffeehouse fundraiser usually in January, and often a regional youth convention or “CON” meeting at a nearby UU congregation. During lock-ins, youth spend the night “locked” in the meeting house – always with two or more advisors. The lock-ins often include a night hike, games, food, music and other fun activities. The coffeehouse is a time for youth, parents, and friends to show their talents and enjoy baked goods as well as a great fundraiser for the YRUU.
The YRUU teens lead two youth services each year during the Sunday morning UU Congregation meeting, in which each member of the group contributes to part of the sermon or service. Typically, several members also perform original poems or musical pieces.
The activities of the YRUU follow bylaws set by the YAC (Youth-Adult Committee). This group is a decision-making and organizing body that includes adults in the UU congregation and youth from the YRUU.
Youth empowerment is an important goal of YRUU. Teens gain the ability and agency to make decisions and create change in their own lives and in the lives of other people.
Youth and advisors form partnerships that ultimately allow youth to:
- express themselves publicly
- gain respect for adult allies
- express their creativity
- work for a good causes
- think critically
- contribute to the congregation and larger community
For more information about YRUU, please contact YAC co-chairs Steve Keighton and Sally Pfeiffer.