Religious Exploration
2024-2025 Religious Exploration
This year we are offering classes for two age groups: ages 4-9 and ages 10 and up. Classes consist of stories, games, crafts, and discussions around being kind to ourselves, being kind to each other, and being kind to the earth. The kids learn about the beliefs and customs of a variety of religious and secular holidays and are active participants in the lessons. That is why it is called "Religious Exploration," we allow the kids to explore different ideas so they can decide for themselves. To enroll your child for the first time, please click the button below. Returning families can access the class schedule on Church Center.
Ages 4-9
Weeks 1-6:
"JETPIG Cooperative Challenge" written by Sara Krakauer
This is a curriculum to teach children about the 6 values of Unitarian Universalism (article two) through imagination and teamwork. Each session, children will be presented with a story about the JETPIG that challenges them to solve a problem. They will have to use teamwork to figure out how to help the JETPIG. Each session’s challenge will allow children to reflect on one of the six values.
Remaining Weeks:
LEGO ValUUes and was written by Kathy Smith.
The 17 sessions in this curriculum introduce the Article II values (pluralism, interdependence, generosity, equity, justice, transformation, and love, plus kindness) through storybooks, discussion, and play activities. Each session includes an opening circle with an opening question and centering exercise, a story with discussion prompts, and a choice of play activities that carry out the theme of the day (including at least one simple LEGO build).
Ages 10 & Up: Toolbox of Faith
Virtue Ethics: An Ethical Development Program for High School Youth
We make hundreds of decisions every day. Some are small. Some are life changing, although we may not know their significance when we make them. This program's premise—in the words of the Buddha, recited in every workshop Opening—is that "our thoughts and actions become habits and our habits shape our character." We have some control over our character. We can shape the person we want to be by making intentional, thoughtful decisions.
"Every intersection in the road of life is an opportunity to make a decision." — Duke Ellington
This first workshop lays the foundation for the program by demonstrating how we make decisions and how ethical decision making can shape one's character for life. An opportunity to examine how living our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to
make ethical decisions even though to do so is often difficult. In this and future workshops, participants work together to untangle situations where conflicting ethical standards make it hard to discern the "right" decision.