600+ UUs on a college campus?
Sound good? It gets even better. The SI Youth Program is a weeklong place to explore and learn about UU ethics and values without some of the constraints of today’s society, while still in a safe environment.
A core part of SI, the Youth Program offers age-appropriate programming for about 125 youth split between the junior high group (7th – 9th grade) and the senior high group (10th - 12th grade). Each group has its own theme speaker for an hour in the morning, after which both groups come together to participate in a variety of morning workshops, such as music jam sessions, political discussions, crafts, tie-dying, games, dancing, and planning for that evening’s youth worship. Following lunch in Kenyon’s new dining hall, you can attend a variety of intergenerational afternoon workshops (everything from ultimate Frisbee to Dungeons & Dragons.) Your evenings will be filled with various activities, including talent shows, card games, dances, games, hand-drumming circles or just hanging out with other UU youth. After these events, Youth Vespers, created by and for youth (although all SI community members are invited to attend), take place. There is no way to describe Youth Vespers—once you attend one, you’ll know what it is all about, and you’ll probably want to attend more! If you’re entering 10th grade, you have the option of staying (with your parent’s/sponsor’s permission) in Old Kenyon, a dorm specifically for youth, where you can stay up as late as you want with other UU youth!
At SI, it doesn't matter if you're 13 or 18 or somewhere in between. Nor does it matter if you prefer music, sports, political discussions, art or just being with UU people. Basically, if you're open-minded and looking for the fun, respect, meaning, or love that you can’t find in regular society, the SI Youth Program is the place for you.
Quotes from Youth at Summer Institute:
About Youth Vespers~~ "I remember my first youth vespers, when I was 12. It was unlike anything I'd ever been a part of before. It opened my eyes to a whole other side of Unitarian Universalism." ~Colin Burns
About Theme Talks ~~ "It's really nice having something to look forward to in the mornings. Every year I learn so much from the speaker(s), and about myself. I've met some of my closest friends through activities during theme talks." ~Emily Pierce
About the Youth Dorm ~~ "All the kids that didn't want the day to end at curfew could hang out in the common room together or in someone's room. It was great to have almost everyone in the same building" ~ Sam Nash
About SI in general ~~ "I came to SI on my own as an 8th grader. I paid my way, and found a sponsor. I showed up with no expectations, and I found a Family." ~ Caitlin Ballinger