Coming of Age (COA) is a Unitarian Universalist program in which a congregation fosters the transition of its children into youth. Although COA programs vary by congregation, they typically mark the individual’s transition from younger religious education programs into a youth group,
At UUCB, we pair youth (age 12-14) with adult mentors who are members of the congregation. In the yearlong program, we ask youth to investigate their personal spirituality with the support of their mentors. Youth participants in the program are encouraged to develop a greater sense of what they believe. They do this through discussion, listening to guest speakers, and participating in retreats and workshops. Workshops are designed to prompt the youth, challenge their modes of thinking, and aid them in furthering their ideas. UUCB also organizes a service project which all participating youth and mentors do together, such as cooking and serving food at a soup kitchen, or working in a community garden.
At the end of many COA programs, youth and their mentors prepare a service in which they present “faith statements” or “credo statements”—written statements of belief and perspectives developed over the course of program. These statements vary in many ways, because there are few “guidelines” as to what youth may say. Typically, participants who do not wish to present a credo statement may communicate their findings in other ways; for example a choreographed dance or a musical piece they have written. Favorite hymns, dances, songs, and readings may be included.
For the most part, children identify with the faith beliefs of their parents and family. The Coming of Age program signals the beginning of individual spiritual searching; it is an official recognition that the youth involved have begun to search for personal truth.
COA is offered every two years at UUCB, with ten middle schoolers currently engaged in the program in 2025-2026.
Questions?
Email Kathryn at kathryn@uucb.org for additional information.
