LifeSpan
Overview
At Prairie UU, we focus on all ages developing their faith together as Unitarian Universalists. Adults, youth, and children participate together in as many aspects of the community as possible. We learn together and create a community in worship and celebrate together in our times of fellowship. All of our Lifespan education classes from elementary through adult are based on the Soul Matters curriculum, each exploring the same monthly spiritual theme in engaging and age-appropriate ways. We also weave justice education and service into our worship and education classes. On fourth Sundays each month, Service Sundays, we usually have a shorter service and then go out into the community to do service or learn more about a justice issue. At Prairie UU, you will find an interactive, caring, and creative way to participate in the community for families, couples, and singles of all ages. You will have the opportunity to learn and experience the development of your Unitarian Universalist faith and values.
Registry for Lifespan provides access for the whole family to all of our Lifespan programs – whole-week, and it helps the Lifespan Team to prepare for the religious education needs of all of our members, from early elementary through adults.
LifeSpan Team
LifeSpan Education Team, Our LifeSpan Education Team, is comprised of two groups of volunteers. Our Team Leads and Team Facilitators. The goal of the Team Leads is to coordinate and support the educational programming for our community. Our Leads are responsible for the curriculum, meet monthly and rotate leadership. The goal of the Team Facilitators is to support the educational programming by facilitating weekly learning hour sessions on Sunday mornings. Our Facilitators meet quarterly to schedule session activities. We are looking for those interested in teaching and sharing with each Track. All are welcome to join us at any time.
Children
Our young people of all ages enjoy safe and fun programs in which they learn, grow, and build relationships and memories to last a lifetime. We offer childcare every Sunday for babies and toddlers, classes for lower and elementary-aged children, and youth groups for middle and high school youth. We have a Coming of Age program for 8th graders and offer the renowned UU OWL (Our Whole Lives) sexuality programming. One Sunday each month, our middle and high school teens go out to brunch, and we have our own High School Summer Camp. Our youth and children also participate in our Service Sundays, which have had outreach into the homeless community and a horse therapy farm, as examples this year. Our children and youth learn that they are a beloved part of our whole community.
Youth
High School Summer Camp
High School Summer Camp is one week every summer in Winter Park. Students going into ninth grade to just graduated are eligible. Summer Camp is led by an excellent staff of adult volunteers. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, hot tubbing, talent show, skits, game night, BBQ, ice breaker games, “last night” party, camper-led Sunday chapel, focus groups, preparing and cleanup of meals, and “Capture the Flag.” Past special programming has included Rachel’s Challenge (anti-bullying), Responsible Sex Education Institute (a division of Planned Parenthood), and The Blue Bench (dealing with sexual assault).