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 have a place 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 teachers foster a justice-oriented responsibility to ourselves, our fellow humans, and our planet, while keeping our values and love at the center.
Kinsey Shackelford, Religious Education Manager
Registration
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 our classes, and to ensure a smoother check in process.
All children and youth begin in the service with their family, then are dismissed to classes after the Story for All Ages. Sunday Morning Middle and High School programming is on pause from June 2024-September 2024.
Children and Youth Safety Policy
To connect with other families, you can also request to join the Families with Children and Youth group on Facebook.
Summer 2024
Welcome to Magic Summer!
Sundays from 11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Join us this Summer after the Story for All Ages for classes
focused on Social Justice and Inner Peace. The curriculum is geared toward
for PreK-5th, but Youth and Grown Ups are welcome!
June 16 Support Black-Owned Businesses
June 23 Connecting with Covenant
June 30 The Art of Protest
July 7 Book Notes/Affirmations for Church
July 14 Taste Fair Trade Chocolate
July 21 Climate Change Helpers
July 28 Seed Starter Balls
August 4 Pride Sunday
August 11 Backpack Blessing*
August 18 Stay Centered
August 25 Splash Day**
*On Backpack Blessing, you’re invited to bring school bags!
**On Splash Day, you’re invited to bring clothes to get wet in!
Questions? Email Kinsey.Shackelford@AustinUU.Org
Volunteering with Religious Education
There are so many ways to volunteer in our program!
Even if you don’t feel comfortable teaching, there is a spot for you.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
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 CampUU, 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, along with the Families with Children and Youth group on Facebook.
