Welcome to First UU Austin’s Children and Youth Religious Education!
We’re so glad you’re here!
The goal of this program is to provide a space for children and youth to bring their whole selves, just as they are. Just like in the church at large, the Religious Education Department strives to create an environment of love, belonging, and growth in our community. Through our programming, staff and volunteer teachers foster a justice-oriented responsibility to ourselves, our fellow humans, and our planet, while keeping our values and love at the center.
-Sol, Manager of Religious Educations. sol.cornell@austinuu.org
Programs for Children and Youth
New to First UU? Register your child here.
Registration is encouraged for children under the age of 18, even for visitors. We gather your contact information to ensure your child’s well-being during their time with us.
Sunday Morning Schedule:
10:00-10:50 – Religious Education Classes:
Classes are grouped by grade level but are flexible, Children are welcome in whichever class serves them best.
Prek-2nd – Beginning spiritual development and encouraging love centered values through play and hands-on activities.
2nd-5th – Learning about Unitarian Universalism and other faith traditions, and developing spiritual identity through stories, games, and short discussions.
6th-8th – Expanding understandings of faith and living values with guided peer discussion and active learning.
High School Youth Group – Creating your own statement of beliefs, supporting individual interests and identity, and fostering a sacred youth community.
PreK-5th grade must be picked up by a caregiver or designated adult at 10:50. 6th-12th graders may leave class to find their caregiver and go to service.
11:00-11:15 – Start in Service; Story for All Ages
Fidgets, coloring sheets, and books are available outside the Sanctuary foyer. All ages will begin in the service, then be sung out to go to their Music Class or to the playground.
11:15-12:15 – During Service
On select dates, they’ll be dismissed to either Children’s Music Club (1st-5th), or Youth Choir (5th-12th) if they are part of those activities.
Children are invited to the playground for free play. Youth are welcome to come to the playground as well.
Children must be picked up by a caregiver or designated adult when the service ends. Youth are welcome to find their caregiver or designated adult.
Children and Youth Safety Policy
Volunteering with Religious Education
There are so many ways to volunteer in our program!
Even if you don’t feel comfortable teaching, there is room for you. Feel free to reach out to Sol (head of children and youth RE) at sol.cornell@austinuu.org with any questions.
Additional Programs
Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education (OWL)
Our Whole Lives (OWL) was created in part by the Unitarian Universalist Association, and is an accurate, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate course about human sexuality. OWL
addresses issues such as body development, gender identity, sexuality, reproduction, relationships, and sexual health. OWL classes for ages K-Older Adult are taught at First UU Austin by trained facilitators on a yearly basis. Visit our OWL page for our curriculum schedule and more information.
Music Programs for Children & Youth
The Children’s Music Ensemble and Youth Choir offer the children and youth of First UU Austin a high level of musical experience and the opportunity for personal expression of faith.
Summer Camps
Every summer First UU Austin offers Chalice Camp, a day camp for ages 6 and up designed to build comfort and community at church and foster familiarity with UU concepts.
Each summer, UBarU – a UU camp and retreat center – offers week-long summer camps for 4th-12thgraders near Kerrville, Texas.
Special Events
Special Events in RE All Year Round!
Summer Camp – Backpack Blessing – Splash Day – Family Potlucks – Pride Sunday – Halloween Fest – Christmas Pageant – Surprise Pals – Pet Blessing – Baby Parade – Youth Sunday – Easter
To receive weekly updates about special events in Religious Education, add yourself to the Families of Children and Youth Group on Planning Center.
