Expectations for our Coming of Age program

We expect the Coming of Age program to be enriching for all, including youth, parents, mentors, and leaders.

We expect YOUTH to gain
• A sense of themselves as individuals on their own and as part of the church community
• The ability to take on increased responsibility for themselves and as part of their families, the church, and society
• An appreciation for the theological diversity among Unitarian Universalists, including their own place in that spectrum
• Skills for articulating their beliefs and morals
• Assurance of their unconditional acceptance at First Unitarian Church of Baltimore
• Increased confidence and maturity in group process and group decision making
• Knowledge about UU history and values
• Experience with fun and challenging activities

We expect PARENTS (especially those who participate in the parent circle) to gain
• Perspective on their relationship with their youth and
• A new understanding of their youth as a person
• Opportunity for reflection about themselves as parents
• Appreciation for the positive contributions they have made so far as parents
• A sense of connection with others who are parenting youth emerging from childhood

We expect MENTORS to gain
• Intergenerational connections
• New energy for their own faith journey
• An opportunity to reflect on their own values
• Affirmation for their important role in the church community
• Wisdom about their deepening UU identity
• Experience with fun and challenging activities

We expect ADULT LEADERS to gain
• Intergenerational connections
• Growth in our own faith
• Joy as we witness youth forming friendships and developing as people
• Experience with fun and challenging activities