Children & Youth Religious Exploration

A Place to Wonder, Grow, and Belong

Children and Youth Religious Exploration (RE) at First Parish Milton is more than Sunday classes. It’s a place where children and youth are encouraged to ask big questions, explore their values, build meaningful relationships, and discover what it means to live with compassion, justice, and integrity.

Everything we do is rooted in the shared values of Unitarian Universalism—interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity, and equity. 

Through play, storytelling, conversation, service, and social action, we nurture curious minds, compassionate hearts, and courageous spirits.

What to Expect (September–June)

Each year, our program is shaped by the interests of participating children and youth and the unique gifts of our volunteer leaders. 

Sunday Morning Nursery (Ages 0–3)

Children of all ages are always welcome in worship. For families who prefer it, we also offer a loving nursery for our youngest children. Our RE Assistant Nursery Staff provide attentive care in a dedicated space filled with age-appropriate books, toys, and art materials so little ones can play and explore while caregivers enjoy worship or take a well-deserved moment to recharge.

Sunday Morning Religious Exploration

PreK–Kindergarten

Inspired by Spirit Play, our PreK–Kindergarten class invites children to hear stories, wonder together, and respond through art, play, and conversation. Along the way, they begin making Unitarian Universalist stories, values, and traditions their own.

Elementary

Elementary-aged children explore Unitarian Universalism and traditions of friends and neighbors through discussion, hands-on activities, field trips, and creative projects. Along the way, they practice UU values as well as develop their innate empathy, curiosity, and cultural humility while learning about diverse traditions and worldviews. Past curricula have included Crossing Paths (Soul Matters) and Holidays and Holy Days by Charlene Brotman and Barbara Marshman.

Youth (Grades 5–12)

Youth gather in their own welcoming space to build community, explore topics that matter to them, and consider how their values shape everyday life and how they can make a difference. Conversations are thoughtful, authentic, and youth-led whenever possible—and yes, there are always games and snacks.

Leadership Opportunities for Teens

Youth can also serve our congregation as:

• Religious Exploration Assistants
• Nursery Assistants
• Audio Technicians during worship

These leadership roles help teens develop confidence, responsibility, and valuable job skills while giving back to the community.

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education program developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association.

OWL provides honest, age-appropriate information that helps young people build healthy relationships, develop self-confidence, challenge stereotypes, make informed decisions, and respect themselves and others.

We are currently gathering interest for classes for:

• Grades 7–9
• Grades 10–12

More opportunities during the Year

Religious Exploration extends beyond Sunday mornings. Throughout the year, we offer opportunities for all ages to connect, celebrate, serve, and grow together, including:

• Seasonal celebrations, including Christmas Pageants and Lunar New Year
• Multigenerational worship and activities, like Pet Blessings and RE Sunday led with the kids and youth
• Family gatherings and milestone celebrations, including Child Dedications
• Service projects such as Blessing Bags, Elder Honoring Gifts, and Stockings for Our Immigrant Neighbors
• Opportunities to advocate for justice and serve our wider community
• Community events like Trunk or Treat and Summer Playdates

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay connected to upcoming programs and events.

Our Approach

Every family arrives with its own traditions, beliefs, questions, and experiences. We honor that diversity and welcome it. Rather than giving children all the answers, we aim to create a caring environment where they can wonder, ask questions, explore different perspectives, and discover their own beliefs alongside caring adults and supportive peers. We expect and invite each young person to explore the Sacred and the world around them and we believe by doing so they will become leaders who can have a positive impact on our changing world. 

Volunteer with RE

Our Religious Exploration program exists because caring adults choose to share their time and talents.

Whether you enjoy storytelling, leading discussions, creating art, organizing activities, mentoring youth, or simply offering a warm welcome, there’s a place for you here.

You don’t need to be a teacher or have all the answers. We provide curriculum, training, and ongoing support so you can feel confident and connected.

There are many ways to volunteer, with opportunities to fit different schedules, interests, and experience levels. We’d love to help you find the role that’s right for you.

Join Us

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been part of First Parish for years, we’d love to welcome your family into Religious Exploration.

Ready to get started? Questions? We’d love to hear from you. 

Reach out to Susannah or the RE Committee to:

• Register your child or youth for any offering above
• Volunteer with Children & Youth Religious Exploration
• Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

We look forward to connecting with you and your family!

Susannah Bales
Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration
redirector@fpmilton.org
470-223-0337