The purpose of the Coming of Age program is to foster and support our young people as they enter adolescence and begin the process of developing a mature identity; to develop a group of peers who will support one another through high school in an honest and gentle manner; to develop healthy and lasting relationships between youth and adults; and to recognize the growing independence of and to encourage and to help formulate youth development in such a direction that they become individuals capable of facing the challenges of life and to experience life’s joys.
This group of young people has the opportunity to focus their thoughts on their religious beliefs and attitudes and develop the skills to articulate them. Working with adult mentors and as a group, they read and discuss a variety of authors in the UU arena, compare beliefs and experiences with those of other religious traditions, engage in social action projects, take field trips and have fun. At the end of the year, the members of the class are honored by delivering their affirmation/belief statements to the congregation during a Sunday morning service. This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people to clarify their values and religious understandings as they enter the grown-up world with its many pressures and decisions.
The year for this group culminates with a trip to Boston. This trip is an opportunity for the young people to visit the locations where Unitarianism first developed in this country. It is also a lot of fun! The trip is funded through parent contributions, support of the congregation, and various fundraising activities.
