Opening Words from Sun. August 27 by Megan McCarthy
Today I want to talk about our Ethical Education theme for the year and give you some updates on our Youth programs.
I love working with children. They live in the present. They’re refreshingly honest. They’re endlessly creative. They find such joy in the ordinary. They’re curious.
As Youth Education Director, I am striving to build and maintain a program that will help inspire our children to not only preserve these qualities, but to celebrate them. This year’s Ethical Education theme, “Never Stop Exploring,” is a call to kids, and really, everyone in our community, to stay curious. Ask questions. Try new things. Consider a different perspective. Discover something new about yourself. Leave your comfort zone.
In our classes, we will look outward toward the stars, chart our inner depths, and explore some of the people, places, ideas, and beliefs in between.
We are kicking off our Ethical Education classes on Sunday, September 17th. That morning will begin with a Welcome Breakfast at 10:00 a.m. for kids, parents, and staff. It’s a great opportunity to meet the teachers and other families in the program and find out what’s in store this year.
If you would like more information on our classes, would like to register your child, or get involved as a volunteer, please visit our website and click on the Youth Programming tab.
We are still looking to fill some of our Sunday teaching and childcare provider positions, so please, reach out to folks with educational experience in your networks that might be interested. The job descriptions are up on our website under the Contact tab and will remain there until the roles are filled.
If you know a high schooler (or are a high schooler!) who might be interested in our Youth Group, please contact me. We are looking at changing the format and the frequency of Youth Group meetings to make it more accessible for kids to attend. I will be sending a survey out to current and prospective members shortly and we’ll hold a meeting sometime in September with parents and Advisors to figure out what works best for everyone.
I’m excited to share we will also be bringing back Parent Talk this November. Parent Talk is a program for parents and caregivers to discuss topics related to raising ethical children and to provide each other support. These sessions will be facilitated by both Courtnie Scott-Cammarata and me, and will occur monthly on the first Sunday of the month (in the Library) during Forum.
I’ll leave you with this quote from astronaut Mae Jemison: “Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” Here’s to a great year of learning!