8^th Grade  OUR WHOLE LIVES (OWL)

(This year’s OWL program will take place on Sunday evenings. Please contact the RE office for more information.)

OWL is a class-based program of comprehensive sexuality education.  OWL is based on a philosophy that helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, comprehensive sexuality education provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but also helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, social, and political aspects of sexuality as well. Although this program is generally provided for 8^th graders, we remain flexible regarding 7^th or 9^th graders participating with parents’ discretion. OWL courses are led by adults who have been specifically trained for this curriculum.

9^th Grade   COMING OF AGE (CoA)

(This unique year we have a very small CoA group. These youth will be working with adult mentors in our FP Bedford community. Please contact the RE office for more information.)

Many cultures have a rite of passage that recognizes the transition from childhood to youth years and young adulthood. The Unitarian Universalist tradition has such a passage that we call “Coming of Age.” Our Coming of Age year is one of inquiry, service and worship.

YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS

6^th, 7^th & 8^th Grades   JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP

(usually meets Wednesdays 7-8:30pm. Youth and parents will be notified about exact meeting dates, activities and events.)

A time of fun for our middle school-aged youth with opportunities for downtime, games, socializing, social action projects, and a sleepover.

10^th, 11^th & 12^th Grades   SENIOR YOUTH GROUP

(usually meets Sundays 7-9:00pm. Youth and parents will be notified about exact meeting dates, activities and events.)

Senior High youth are invited to actively affirm and promote our Unitarian Universalist Principles, as well as their Coming of Age credo statements in various ways throughout the year.  Youth are welcome to participate in as many or as few of the long term, short term, and one time events of a wide-spread offering of interests.