Religious Exploration

We offer an active program for all ages.

Religious Exploration at South Valley is an interactive and collaborative process in which children, youth, and their teacher companions and families explore creative spiritual practices, Unitarian Universalist principles, history, sources, and more. These opportunities may be fun, challenging, inspiring, or all of the above!

All our RE volunteers and staff are fully vaccinated, and all participants are required to wear masks both indoors and outdoors. We also have air purifiers in our classrooms. We require masks to be worn for all participants as well as our leaders (all of whom have been fully vaccinated.)

Parents/guardians and friends of our kids are always welcome to join us for RE activities!
If your kids/youth do plan to participate in programs here sometime, even if occasionally, or if you’d like to keep in touch via email about opportunities for kids and youth, take just a moment to register them below, it helps us keep track. Thanks!

Kids in pre-k through 5th grade: https://svuus.breezechms.com/form/ddf908
Youth in Jr/Sr High: https://svuus.breezechms.com/form/ddf90828

Inclusion is a priority. No child or youth will be excluded from our programming due to their gender-identity, race or ethnicity, ability, nationality, citizenship status, sexuality, socio-economic status or religious beliefs.

Pre-K to 8th Grade

Most Sundays, following the Time for All Ages portion of our worship service, kids aged preK through 5th grade are invited to join us on the lower level with our Religious Exploration leaders for a chalice lighting activity, singing, conversations around our UU principles, and spiritual practices with art, creative writing and meditation, games and crafts.

Intergenerational Events

We offer a variety of intergenerational worship experiences, celebrations, and other activities for children, youth and families throughout the year.

6th-12th Grades

We have vibrant Youth Groups for middle and high schoolers. In addition to engaging and thought-provoking discussion and activities, our youth provide service to our congregation and the wider community. We’ve participated in Inclusion Center training; helped feed those experiencing houselessness; organized at the Utah Food Bank; wrote letters of appreciation to U.S. military veterans; packed lunches for the Homeless Youth Resource Center; hosted a candlelight vigil for trans*gender youth; and attended Pride, Clean Air–No Excuses, and Equality Utah events.

Summer Events

We will offer periodic events for children, youth, and families throughout the summer, including picnics, movie nights, and outdoor recreation activities.

Our RE Leadership

Teacher Companions and Youth Leaders

These folks are dedicated, caring and just plain fantastic. Some have taught RE for years; others are joining us after having grown up in our RE program. For many, this work is their favorite thing about South Valley. Each teacher brings a unique perspective, and we welcome newcomers to the team. For information on becoming an RE teacher, contact [email protected].

Director of Religious Exploration

The Director of Religious Education establishes the schedule and policies for the RE program, leads many classes and events, assists and guides teachers, and sets the tone for the program.