COA Program Description
Orientation for Participants, Parents/Guardians and Mentors
Wednesday February 1, 2023
6:30 - 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.
Please bring completed and signed Medical form & Covenant.
(Deadline to Register)
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 will be one optional Saturday to Sunday overnight (Date and location to be determined)
Saturday February 11, 2023
Session 1: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday March 4, 2023
Session 2: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday March 25, 2023
Session 3: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Balance due for optional Boston trip
Saturday April 15, 2023
Session 4: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
April 20, 2023 4:00 PM – April 23, 2023
Boston Area Trip (suggested/optional) - The trip is not definite yet. 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.
Saturday May 13, 2023
Session 5: 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday May 20, 2023
Make Up Session (if needed) 2:00PM - 9:00PM
Saturday June 3, 2023
Recognition Service: 3:00 PM - 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 his or her 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 December 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 DRE for guidance in selecting their mentor. Mentors are invited to a Mentor Training. Mentors do not attend any of the five program sessions or take part in the Boston trip.
Contact for questions, clarification
