Our program for 5-12 year olds aims to provide a Comprehensive Religious Education guided by Unitarian Universalist principles. 

 

General Format for Elementary School Age Program:

• 11am to ~12pm

• Parents sign-in child in RE room.

• RE group joins congregation for first part of service in the sanctuary. Sometimes specific music or readings will be aimed at the children during this time.

• Children light chalice and share their Joys and Concerns in RE room.

• Lesson topic introduced by Director of Religious Education or assistant.

• Lesson presented utilizing a book, video, or other resource.

• Discussion held on the topic to help children understand the content.

• Extension activity may be provided such as a craft related to the topic.

• Snack provided (related to topic when appropriate).

• Free Play (games, toys, outside).

• Sign-out. Parents receive hand-out for the day’s lesson and can ask any questions regarding the content or lesson plan.

• Check out Religious Education Lesson Examples

 

Progress Tracking and Incentives:

• All children receive an annual tracking map.

• Children who follow RE Rules and complete a lesson successfully, receive a sticker to add to their map for a specific location.

• For families able to commit to regular attendance for at least 3 months

  • Child receives 11x14 poster of annual tracking map, displayed on RE wall

  • Quarterly incentive (e.g., gift card for completing at least 3/4 of lessons)

    • Child can make up missed lessons by working with DRE.

  • Note- no fee for members; non-members small fee to help cover materials

• Children’s progress celebrated in sanctuary at end of year.

 

Communication:

• Parents receive a weekly lesson hand-out with summary, definitions, and resource links (example)

• Enrolled families receive a weekly RE newsletter keeping them informed of upcoming lesson topics and events.

 

Hogwarts Summer Camp:

Every August (usually second weekend) we hold our famous Hogwarts summer camp. Camp has a different overall theme each year and a featured exhibit (e.g., Magical Universe- StarLab from Imagination Station). Kids are sorted into houses and attend themed classes with same-age peers. There is also a featured craft, giant water slide, scavenger hunt in our prairie, movie on big screen, Candy Shop, and of course quidditch! It’s a great community event!

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Last update 2-4-24