Youth
Youth Programs:
Where young people find acceptance, community, and the courage to make a difference.
UUCD Youth Group for grades 7-12
Our Youth Group is a small group ministry for youth exploring the principles and sources of the Unitarian Universalist faith while developing leadership skills and building community through acts of service to the UUCD congregation and the local area. Each year, the group creates and upholds its own covenant and meets regularly as they learn and grow together, holding space for each other’s joys and challenges.
Coming of Age for grades 8-10
The Coming of Age (COA) program is the culmination of UUCD’s Religious Exploration program Through engaging conversation, supportive guidance, and individual reflection and writing, each youth will develop the confidence to share a statement of their personal theology in a joyful ceremony where youth are recognized as full participants in our faith community.
The Coming of Age (COA) program is typically taken the year after youth complete the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program. COA requires a full year commitment and consistent attendance during the school year.
Our Whole Lives (OWL) for grade 9
Sunday Nights at UUCD September-May
Registration is Required.
** 8/7/2025: OWL Program Now Open for Registration **
Created in partnership by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalists, the OWL program is a more comprehensive sexuality curriculum that addresses sexual and gender identity, consent, healthy relationships, and justice issues. OWL is offered each year for rising 9th graders through a partnership with Peace Church and Pilgrim Congregational Church, with each congregation providing trained facilitators. Registering for OWL requires a time commitment from families as the group meets at UUCD on Sunday nights from 5:00-6:30 pm. The program runs from late September/early October through mid-May (including breaks, etc.). We hope to have a list of youth registered by the end of the third week of August when details for the parent orientation will be sent out. The program is limited to 10-15 youth. To register or to learn more information, please email Amanda Hunter at amanda@peaceuu.org or call 218-724-3637.
Social Justice Action for grades k-12
Social justice activism is woven into youth experiences at UUCD. Past actions include:
“Kids Take a Stand” lemonade stand to raise money for children separated from their parents at our southern border
Letter writing campaign on behalf of plastic bag ban in Duluth
Participation in Youth Climate Strike
Participation in March for our Lives
Black Lives Matter marches, rallies, and protests
Reproductive justice advocacy
Additional Youth Events
UUCD youth stay busy, engaged, and active! In addition to OWL, Coming of Age, and Youth Group, they are given many opportunities to engage with the broader UU community. Past experiences have included:
Midwest Leadership School
Retreats
UU Youth Conferences (“Cons”)
Summer Camps
Social Outings
Resources For Youth
High School-Age Youth: Hub of resources from the Unitarian Universalist Association.
Blue Boat Blog: UUA blog with lots of resources & reflections for youth and young adults.
Queer Resources for Youth: Resources about sexual/affectional orientation and gender identity for youth, their families and allies; youth with parent(s) who identify as such; and those who work with them.
Race and Identity video resources : A UU crowd-sourced compendium of short videos for youth to explore race and identity.
Resources For Families
While UUCD family ministry comes in many shapes and sizes, at its core, family faith development is a journey of relationships. Family members connect with one another, the faith community, and the universe to discover and rediscover a dynamic, sustaining faith.
Ready to learn more?
Reach out to our Director of Religious Exploration, Kate Alworth, for more information.
Email: dre@uuduluth.org