Since 2020, the RE (religious education) program has been an outdoor and online experience. The 2021-22 program year, which runs mid September through mid June, was entirely outside through December! Taking advantage of our playground plus several woodland acres and adjacent Portland trails, children develop their Unitarian Universalist values and identities surrounded by nature! From having a parade through the forest with instruments and UU music to building the world they dream about in a fairy house village to cooperative games that emphasize teamwork and encourage empathy, there are many opportunities for faith development in this nature and play-centered program!

Junior and Senior Youth Groups also met outside through December, gathering for discussion and games around the bonfire and sometimes helping with activities for the younger kids.

Due to the recent surge in COVID cases, the RE program temporarily moved online in January. In January and February of 2022, children and youth keep the fun going by gathering throughout the week.

Senior Youth (grades 9-12) are meeting on Sundays for discussion and cooperative storytelling/role playing games. Friends from anywhere, including other time zones are welcome!

Junior Youth (grades 5-8) are meeting on Thursdays for interactive party games that encourage youth to get to know each other and relieve stress through lots of laughter! Again, friends from anywhere are welcome!

RE Story Time (Pre-K – all ages) is every Tuesday night. Families with younger children and anyone else who loves a good story is invited to join us for interactive or otherwise engaging stories and other fun activities!

Additionally, we will continue to offer outdoor family events for RE children and youth like ice skating, sledding and family bonfires throughout the winter and early spring of 2022!

Reach out to the Director of Religious Education, Emily C. Jones at dre@a2u2.org to get more information or links to any of these opportunities in our vibrant RE program.

Emily’s website is here: http://emilycjones.com/

Emily’s blog is here: https://www.a2u2.org/category/dre-blog/