Coming of Age: Meet & Greet and Information Session

8/24/2025 Contact Kelly Skinner
Faith Development is excited to offer Coming of Age for youth in 8th, 9th, and 10th grades this year. UUCUC hasn't provided this program in person since 2018-2019. The volunteer leaders this year are Julia Cronin, Paul Kaiser, Ben Leff, and Steve and AJ Hertzog.
There will be a Youth and Family Meet & Greet, Lunch, and Information Session on Sunday, August 24 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Big Bluestem Room for all who are interested in learning more. Over a light lunch, we will distribute the complete schedule and go over the details of the program.
If you are interested in participating and want to provide feedback on meeting times and potential retreat dates, email Kelly Skinner.
Coming of Age is a significant rite of passage in all UU congregations, marking the transition from childhood to youth within our faith. The purpose is to help youth deepen their faith, identify their guiding values, and articulate their unique spiritual beliefs. It's also a way for them to build trust and deeper relationships with adults and other youth in the congregation. For UUs, it’s helpful to think of Coming of Age as a spiritual journey, rather than an initiation into faith or a class where we are learning the “right answers.” It’s an exploration during which youth discover things about themselves and try on various beliefs to figure out what feels right for them.
The Coming of Age program has several components:
- Regular meetings on Sundays (time TBD)
- Connections with adults from the congregation through one-on-one mentoring, guest speakers, and our team of facilitators
- Overnight fall retreat and weekend spring retreat
- Planning a justice/service project
- Fun activities include a ropes course, watching movies and talking about their spiritual aspects, playing games, and laughing a lot
- Ongoing conversations about the “big questions” of life
- End-of-Year Celebration Service and Personal Statements
It is important for parents and youth to discuss participation in Coming of Age. It's a powerful experience for youth, but parental involvement and support are essential. The whole family needs to understand this program and get all their questions answered.
The program starts on Saturday, September 6, with a Family Dinner at 5 p.m., followed by a Youth Late Night event. Sunday meetings begin on September 14.
If you have any questions, email Kelly Skinner or set up a call or time to meet online or in person using her Calendly.