Youth Programs

Children and youth who feel connected to a church want to come to church. Here at First Parish we offer many opportunities for our children and youth to make connections with each other outside of our Religious Education classes. Our youth groups help build community among our children and youth, encourage each of our youth to develop an understanding of his/her identity as a Unitarian Universalist, and help each youth to develop a personal sense of value within the church and wider community.

Here at First Parish of Stow and Acton we offer:

• Club UU (children in grades K-6)
• Junior Youth Group (7^th& 8^thgrade)
• Senior Youth Group (9^ththrough 12^thgrade)
• High School Discussion Group
• OWL (Our Whole Lives) program for 7^th-9^thgrade youth. This program offers a sexuality and faith curriculum and is offered every other year (will be offered next in 2012-2013).
• Coming of Age program for 10^thgraders, which publicly recognizes their growth into the adult community.

All of our programs are open to any interested youth. Families need not be members of the church for youth to participate in the programs. All we need is parental permission.

Club UU

Club UU is a youth group for children in grades K – 6. It meets once a month to encourage children from both services to get to know each other and to build a sense of community.  At these meetings we share food, play cooperative games, and just have lots of fun!

Junior Youth Group

This group is for youth who are in grades 7 & 8.  It meets twice monthly.  This group emphasizes building community by having fun, collaborating with other local UU churches, and being involved in social justice projects.  We plan several overnight retreats throughout the year.

Senior Youth Group

Senior youth from grades 9-12 meet three times a month. This group also emphasizes building community through fun, social activities, collaborating with other local UU churches, and participating in social justice projects. We plan several overnight retreats throughout the year. In the spring of 2012 our Senior Youth will be going on their first mission trip.  The location will be decided by our youth and adult advisors in the fall.

High School Discussion Group

The High School Discussion Group meets several Sunday mornings a month during Religious Education time. Students determine with their facilitators what their discussion topics will be.  Topics include some Bible stories as well as highlighting occasional sermon themes.

OWL (Our Whole Lives)

Every other year, our 7^th-9^thgraders have the opportunity to participate in the Our Whole Lives program.  This is a human sexuality program that was developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association.  Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives not only provides facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.  We will next offer the Our Whole Lives Program in the 2012-2013 church year.

Coming of Age

In Unitarian Universalist churches, as in other faith traditions, we recognize the transition from childhood to impending adulthood.  Here at First Parish, our 10th grade students participate in a Coming of Age program where they reflect on their growth from childhood, learn about themselves, and prepare for adulthood.  We mark this transition with a year-long program that includes five parts: pairing youth with adult mentors; discussions and retreats that emphasize self-awareness and confidence-building; service to the church and community; development of a personal statement of faith (a credo); and a culminating affirmation ceremony.

NOTE: For current schedule information about any of our youth programs or events please visit the Youth Programs Calendar. Schedules are also available from the Director of Religious Education, Michelle Cote (RE [at] fpc-stow-acton [dot] org, 978- 897-8149), and on the monthly church calendar.