Programs for Youth

Youth activities are geared for youth in grades 7-12 (or the homeschool equivalent).  They offer fun, fellowship, games, and a youth-centered exploration and development of faith. 

Our Youth programs are interfaith gatherings, run jointly for youth from our church, and the Hartland Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, known as “the Brick Church.”  Our Youth programs are led by the ministers of both churches, the Rev. Lucia Jackson from the Brick Church and the Rev. Paul Sawyer from our church.

Junior Youth Group
A middle school group (grade 6–8) takes place on alternate Tuesdays after school, from 2:45-4:15 at the Brick Church. This group focuses on fun, community-building activities, and age-appropriate faith development in both the UU and UCC traditions.

Senior Youth Group
The Senior Youth Group (Grades 8–12) meets on the first Sunday of the month from 5:00–7:00 pm in the Yurt, and on the third Wednesday of the month from 6–7:30 pm at the Brick Church.  The Senior Youth group works on community-building, spiritual growth, exploration of issues of faith and spiritual development, and service to the community.

Service Projects and the Mission Trip
Our Youth will also plan special events, including fun trips, fundraisers, and service projects, including both day-long and overnight events.

During the summer, all youth in grades 8–12 are invited to participate in a week-long trip, focused on providing service to people in need.  These trips usually travel to a location outside of Hartland, to allow for stronger community-building among the youth and adults who participate, and to allow an experience of service in an area that is different from our everyday experience.

This year’s Mission trip will take place July 26–August 1, 2009.

Coming of Age Program
High-school-aged youth are also welcome to participate in our Coming of Age program, led by the Rev. Paul Sawyer, which takes place weekly on Wednesdays, 6–7:15.  This program invites young Unitarian Universalists (or other seekers) to explore their own faith, the history, theology, and practices of Unitarian Universalism and other faith traditions.