Kids & Teens

Children and youth have big questions and concerns. As a community, we help young people find the courage and confidence to develop their own answers with many sources and mentors as guides.

kids and teens

questions encouraged

Religious Education

Our RE program is based on the Soul Matters curriculum with the central goal of fostering circles of trust and deep listening. Monthly themes will lift up a particular spiritual path. Examples of monthly themes are Courage, Wonder, or Belonging.

  • grouped by age
  • questions encouraged
  • nature focused
  • foster self-acceptance
  • play based

Youth Group

Junior and Senior High youth group meets from 11:30-1:00 every Sunday. This allows a deeper faith exploration while connecting with peers. Our youth group also enjoys extra events throughout the year such as lock-ins and haunting our trail during our annual Trunk or Treat.

Nursery

We are proud to offer a free nursery to children ages 0-3 during our Sunday services. Registration is not required in advance, but we encourage time before service to get settled.

  • developmentally appropriate toys
  • room to play and move
  • private restroom
Babies and Toddlers

A fun and safe place to play

comprehensive sex-ed

age-appropriate, consent based, inclusive content

Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) – Sexual Education Program

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a sexual education program developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association, and we offer sessions for youth in both junior and senior high. With a holistic approach, OWL provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality.

  • age-appropriate
  • cohorts by age
  • gender inclusive
  • registration required
  • Sexuality inclusive
  • Consent focused

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education program. Co-developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ, OWL includes a range of age-appropriate sessions for children, youth, and adults.

At UUS, we typically offer the junior high module every other year, and we we recently began a high school session that we also hope to repeat on a regular basis. Registration is required.

Contact the Director of Lifespan Religious Education for information on future sessions.

Our Whole Lives Overview

Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. With a holistic approach, Our Whole Lives provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality.

Our Whole Lives Offers…

  • Accurate information presented in developmentally appropriate ways
  • Affective and emotional learning
  • Guiding values and principles
  • Activities that help participants clarify values and improve decision-making skills
  • A safe and supportive peer group
  • Acceptance of diversity
  • A social justice approach to inclusive sexuality education
  • Step-by-step instructions for program promotion, implementation, and facilitation
  • Parent orientation that affirms parents as their children’s primary sexuality educators
  • Facilitator trainings and continuing education to increase knowledge, skills, confidence
  • Expert user support from OWL Program Associate (UUA) and OWL Program Coordinator (UCC)
  • Sexuality and Our Faith, an optional religious supplement for use in Unitarian Universalist and United Church of Christ settings.

Our Whole Lives Values…

While Our Whole Lives is secular, it is not value-free. The program gives clear messages about the following key sexuality issues:

  • self worth
  • sexual health
  • responsibility
  • justice and inclusivity

Our Whole Lives recognizes and respects the diversity of participants with respect to biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and disability status. The activities and language used throughout the program have been carefully chosen to be as inclusive as possible of this human diversity.

Upcoming Family Events

Below are some of our upcoming family and youth events and programming.

Family-friendly Events

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Service on Sundays at 10; Office Open Mon-Thurs 9-4 By Appointment

2355 Oakdale Rd, Coralville, IA 52241