Registration deadline 12/15/2023
Orientation for Participants, Parents/Guardians and Mentors
Wednesday January 10, 2024 (zoom)
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Orientation for Youth, Mentors, Parents/Guardians (Mandatory)
During this mandatory informational meeting, leaders will review the program goals, content, completion requirements with the participants, their parent/guardians and mentors.
Program Sessions
A detailed program outline for each session will be provided during the Orientation session. Each session will include engaging activities and discussion, community building, and spiritual exploration. Following a potluck dinner, participants will engage in a variety of activities designed to promote spiritual growth and connection.
* There may be one optional Saturday to Sunday overnight (Date and location to be determined)
All six sessions are on Saturdays, and run from 1:30 - 8:30 PM
Session 1: January 20, 2024
Session 2: February 10, 2024
Session 3: March 9, 2024
Balance due for optional Boston trip.
Session 4: March 23, 2024
Session 5: May 4, 2024
Session 6: May 18, 2024
Boston Trip (tentative/optional): Thursday April 11 4:00 PM – Sunday April 14, 2024
The trip is not yet definite. We will try to have an answer by orientation.
This traditional trip includes a visit to the Unitarian Universalist Association headquarters and other famous UU historical sites. It begins on Thursday afternoon (after school) and ends on Sunday evening. Youth are transported by 15 passenger vans and sleep in a UU church. Note that participation in the Boston Trip is not required to complete the COA program. The additional cost is estimated at $250 (the actual cost will depend on the number of participants). A virtual tour of the UUA is also available on the UUA website.
Recognition Service: Saturday June 15, 2024, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
A special worship service (location to be determined) is held to celebrate the completion of the program by the participants in the COA program and to recognize their mentors. Family members are encouraged to invite friends and extended family to the service. A reception sponsored by LIAC will follow the Recognition Service.
SELECTING A MENTOR
The mentor is an adult from the youth’s congregation chosen with the help of the youth’s parents and Religious Educator. The goal is for the youth to build a relationship with another Unitarian Universalist adult outside of their immediate family circle.
The mentor should be a Unitarian Universalist and a role model for the youth. Potential mentors will be required to sign an ethics form stating that they have not been convicted of any crime against a minor. The mentor must be able to meet with the youth, face-to-face, at least once each month to monitor the completion of program requirements.
The mentor is required to attend the Orientation in January and the Recognition Service in June. Please make sure the mentor is available for both events, as well as face-to-face meetings at least once each month. Mentors are required to follow safe congregation guidelines (which will be reviewed during Orientation) for all face-to-face meetings as well as electronic communications.
Youth are encouraged to ask their Religious Educator for guidance in selecting their mentor. Mentors do not attend any of the five program sessions or take part in the Boston trip.
Long Island Area Council of UU Congregations
28 Brentwood Road, Bay Shore, New York 11706, United States
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