Middle-School Group: Grades 6, 7 and 8

Description
UUCA sixth, seventh and eight graders-- those enrolled in Sunday-school classes, and those who are not enrolled, but whose families are affiliated with the church convene regularly. Together they forge friendships, develop a sense of themselves as Unitarian Universalists, envision contributions to the larger community, and provide a safe and supportive space for one another as they reflect on their personal values and spiritual journeys. With adult support, the middle-school group, the "Unitarian Universalist Tweens" (UUTs, pronounced "yoots"), design their own worship and sharing circles, select social service projects, and establish group guidelines for appropriate activities and behavior.

Throughout the year, UUTs also organize events, such as camping trips, bonfires, social service projects, pot-lucks, Outward-Bound-type outdoor activities, and general good times (e.g., laser tag, ice skating, dance parties, ski trips). UUTs also plan regular drop-in meetings where UUTs can hang-out and do what they want.

One of the objectives of the UUTs program is to encourage youth leadership.  The program evolves during the year, so keep an eye on the RE News section of The Arlingtarian for new ideas and activities that they may suggest or implement! If you are interested in joining their efforts, please contact one of the UUTs’ advisors or the MRE.

Classroom Aides. Often middle-schoolers gain as much from guiding others as they would from enrolling in the Religious Education Program themselves. It is possible to attend class during one session and to help the other. Teen aides must be in grade seven or above and will participate in the teacher training sessions scheduled in the fall and winter. Please contact the Director of Religious Education if you are interested in assisting a class.

Other Activities. Please also see "Other RE Activities" for programs available to UUTs.

Youth Program: Grades 9-12

The Youth Program's goal within our religious community is to:

• provide a bridge between childhood and adulthood;
• facilitate discovery and appreciation of personal gifts and talents, a joy of living, and a belief in life's potential in a setting which accepts diversity and exploration; and
• identify what participants, as adults, will need from a church and why they would choose to be a part of one.

Coming of Age - 9^th grade

Ninth-graders are invited to embark on a series of experiences which help them to build awareness that all life is a journey, a series of transitions toward greater responsibility.  Meeting several times a month on Sundays from 10-11am, and through several retreats and other activities, these youth celebrate their maturation in a ceremony in a springtime church service.

Youth Group - 9-12th grades
This group is run by youth with the assistance and support of several adult advisors. Youth Group activities come in all shapes and sizes - weekend retreats, social outings, hikes, volleyball, "movies with a message," and fund-raisers. Youth Group plans and presents Youth Sunday, an annual All Church Sunday with a theme of significance to the young people themselves. All activities involve adult advisors and often parent volunteers. Youth Group convenes during or after the 11:15 service each Sunday.

Youth-Adult Committee.
Ensuring that programming for grades 6-12 meets the needs of youth and the expectations of parents and church community, the YMC is a liaison group for youth and the R.E. Council. The committee includes representatives from the adult community, various preteen and teen activity groups (e.g., Coming of Age, UU Tweens), and the Youth Group, meeting monthly to discuss events, activities, programs, and policies.

Affirmation Class.
In the Spring, the RE Youth Group forms a class for high-school juniors and graduating seniors to discuss fundamental religious questions and the UU faith with the UUCA Ministers and others. The class also organizes a field-trip to Boston to visit historical UU churches, the Unitarian-Universalist Association, and other sites. Please note that the structure of this class may also change from year to year, so check with the RE office for details.

Other Activities.
Please also see "Other RE Activities" for programs available to Youth.