Field Trips
Class outings are planned for specific purposes within a given curriculum as well as to enhance class bonding. While students may bring an occasional guest to regular classes, guests are discouraged on field trips.

When a field trip is planned, parents receive a reminder letter and a permission slip (usually by mail). Because of church liability considerations, the release form/permission slip must be signed by a parent or your child will not be permitted to accompany the class on the outing.

Intergenerational Activities
Throughout the year a number of special intergenerational activities are scheduled which give us an opportunity to celebrate together. These special times include family potlucks, the Spring Retreat, Seder, Solstice, Annual Picnic, Mitten Tree Service (on Christmas Eve), Ice Cream Social, and other programs where children and adults are together in fun and fellowship. Please bring your children and enjoy the warmth of our community.

Social Responsibility
The Religious Education Program is designed to encourage young people to develop a social conscience and to take action to influence change. Our young people help with Plan International (for foster children), the UU Service Committee, Guest at Your Table collection, All Souls Thanksgiving food collection, the Secret Santa program, Culpepper Garden retirement home, Goodwin House, Christ House, Carpenter's Shelter, and projects sponsored by adult committees within the church. In addition, the RE program and teachers make continuing efforts to integrate social responsibility projects into the curricula for all classes.

Youth Choir
Children eight years and older are invited to join an active Youth Choir, which rehearses weekly and sings for Sunday services and other events periodically. This experience provides excellent vocal and musical training. To register, contact the Director of Music.

Theater
Opportunities for involvement in plays and skits can be found throughout the RE year, both within classes and Chapel and All Church Sunday services. In addition, the UUCA-Theater 2000 produces at least one play a year for the UUCA- and community-wide audience, with roles for children and adults alike. Please contact the Director of Religious Education to discuss upcoming production and acting opportunities.

Flexible Opportunities
Many of the exciting opportunities at the Church do not have a long life-span; instead, they spring up and disappear as needed. Recent examples of such efforts include a Mom-Daughter Activity Group, Learning and Behavioral Disabilities Support Group for Family Members, a Girls' Self-Esteem Class, and a UU Parenting Class. The RE program tries to remain flexible and listen to the RE members' needs, crafting opportunities for families to get together around an issue.

If you have an idea for such a group or activity (whether a short-term project or a long-term effort), please contact the Director of Religious Education or a member of the RE Council. Don't be shy; we want to hear your ideas! New groups form quickly at UUCA, often because it is surprising how many people and families share the same concern within the UUCA community.