Information for Parents
We know that as parents of middle school youth, there are a lot of concerns that you have about things you send your youth to. We have another page on this site which deals with what a retreat basically looks like, but we know that you have another set of questions. Below are some of the questions and concerns that the Ministry hears and how we address them.
My youth is "X" years old, is MUUGs a good place for them?
MUUGs programming is designed for Unitarian Universalist middle-school youth and most consistent with the needs of 7th and 8th graders. Also welcome are youth in 6th grade, and those in 9th grade who have not bridged to YRUU (the district youth program for high schoolers, more info here) . What this means is that the program is designed for those in 7th and 8th grade, however we welcome those in the 6th grade who want to come and will continue to support youth through 9th grade who have already been involved. However, if you are a parent looking for a district program to support your 9th grade youth, we would encourage you to look at the wonderful things that YRUU offers, as it will likely be more consistent with their needs.
If you have specific questions about whether this program would be a good fit for your youth, please contact Odessa MacLean, our Outreach Coordinator or Marlene Abel, our registrar from our Contact page.
If you have specific questions about whether this program would be a good fit for your youth, please contact Odessa MacLean, our Outreach Coordinator or Marlene Abel, our registrar from our Contact page.
Who else is at these retreats?
Besides the youth, there are two other types of people who attend. Below is a basic overview of who advises these retreats.
Adult advisers - Adults who are at least 25 years of age and have undergone a background check. There will be at least one adult adviser for every 8 youth inside the age range, as per the PCD Safety Policy.
Young Adult advisers - These are individuals that are 18-24 years of age who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skill, have had a background check, and who serve as positive role models for the younger youth. Research has shown that middle school aged youth are more receptive to following the examples of older youth and young adults than adults who might remind them of their parents, teachers, coaches, and other major authority figures. As a program we capitalize on that developmental stage by having young adult advisers drive much of the development of this healthy, caring community. This gives the youth inside the age range a expanded view of what young people are capable of designing and leading, and provides them with a positive role model of ethical and responsible leadership to which they can more easily relate. Much like adult advisers, the motivation of these youth and young adult advisers in attending these retreats will be a desire to help build a community for these younger youth, not to fulfill their own needs for community. These young adult advisers were a big part of this programs formation, and continue to help move it forward.
One of the big goals of MUUGs is to fulfill the 6th principle of a balanced youth program; the youth-adult partnership. This program was initially designed by a partnership of older adults and youth that were about to age out of their high school groups. These partnerships spawn wonderful things, and we want to encourage that relationship as much as possible.
Adult advisers - Adults who are at least 25 years of age and have undergone a background check. There will be at least one adult adviser for every 8 youth inside the age range, as per the PCD Safety Policy.
Young Adult advisers - These are individuals that are 18-24 years of age who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skill, have had a background check, and who serve as positive role models for the younger youth. Research has shown that middle school aged youth are more receptive to following the examples of older youth and young adults than adults who might remind them of their parents, teachers, coaches, and other major authority figures. As a program we capitalize on that developmental stage by having young adult advisers drive much of the development of this healthy, caring community. This gives the youth inside the age range a expanded view of what young people are capable of designing and leading, and provides them with a positive role model of ethical and responsible leadership to which they can more easily relate. Much like adult advisers, the motivation of these youth and young adult advisers in attending these retreats will be a desire to help build a community for these younger youth, not to fulfill their own needs for community. These young adult advisers were a big part of this programs formation, and continue to help move it forward.
One of the big goals of MUUGs is to fulfill the 6th principle of a balanced youth program; the youth-adult partnership. This program was initially designed by a partnership of older adults and youth that were about to age out of their high school groups. These partnerships spawn wonderful things, and we want to encourage that relationship as much as possible.
Where do youth sleep at retreats?
These retreats are held at UU churches, and so youth will be sleeping in rooms provided by the church on floors. Each night, a bulk of the youth sleep in one big room where a movie is shown. The youth vote on a movie that is put on and youth generally fall asleep as the movie is on. For those who would like to not watch the movie, there is a male-identified quiet room, and a female-identified quiet room. These divisions are strictly enforced, e.g. absolutely no males will be allowed to sleep in the female room or vice versa. Each room will have at least two adults or young adults sleeping in it in order to ensure safety.
Medication Policy
In order to make sure that each youth gets the medication they need, and that the medication is delivered in a safe way for both that youth, and the community, we have the following policy. (this policy is explained on registration forms as well)
When sending a youth with medication, please send the dosage required for the weekend, along with directions for when and how much that youth needs to take, in a plastic bag with their name clearly written on it. Our registrar will take these medication and instructions, keep them in a secure place and make sure that each youth take their medication when needed during the weekend. At the end of the weekend, any containers will be returned to youth.
When sending a youth with medication, please send the dosage required for the weekend, along with directions for when and how much that youth needs to take, in a plastic bag with their name clearly written on it. Our registrar will take these medication and instructions, keep them in a secure place and make sure that each youth take their medication when needed during the weekend. At the end of the weekend, any containers will be returned to youth.
Cost and Scholarships
Retreats cost $50 to attend. This includes food and supplies needed for the weekend. What money is left over goes back into the Pacific Central District fund to to help with the running of the district and supporting youth programs of the district.
For those who register early (by a date specified on the registration form), the registration cost less expensive, $40. If a youth registers late (generally a week before the retreat starts) they will not be guaranteed a place at the retreat, and there will be a $10 late charge. Youth attending their first retreat get half off on their registration form.
If for whatever reason money is an issue, just let the registrar know. Scholarships are very available and readily given. MUUGs is firmly committed to ensuring that money is not a reason that a youth doesn't attend.
For those who register early (by a date specified on the registration form), the registration cost less expensive, $40. If a youth registers late (generally a week before the retreat starts) they will not be guaranteed a place at the retreat, and there will be a $10 late charge. Youth attending their first retreat get half off on their registration form.
If for whatever reason money is an issue, just let the registrar know. Scholarships are very available and readily given. MUUGs is firmly committed to ensuring that money is not a reason that a youth doesn't attend.
