Volunteering with the Religious Enrichment (RE) program at the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater (UUC) has been a rewarding experience. When I first began attending Sunday Service, I was seeking an alternative to the Christian dogma my sons were exposed to through their grandparents. I wanted to learn more about UUism, and a former RE teacher told me everything she knew about UUism she learned through teaching the kids. What I didn’t expect was how much I would gain from being involved in this program—not just from the children and teens I worked with, but from the relationships I built and the lessons I learned along the way.

What Religious Enrichment Means to Me
Our Lifelong Learning Committee provides structured, age-appropriate education for children from Pre-K through 6th grade with the Religious Enrichment (RE) program and for 7th through 12th grade with our Teen Youth Group. These programs cover a wide range of topics like ethics, spirituality, social justice, and Unitarian Universalist (UU) values through activities like art, music, and physical play for younger children, and for teens, deeper discussions on theology and ethics stemming from movies, music, art as well as hands-on social service opportunities.
The curriculum we use, Soul Matters, introduces a new theme to the congregation each month. These themes allow the children to explore and reflect on topics in creative and collaborative ways in tandem with the adults. It’s inspiring to witness not only the intellectual growth of the children but also their emotional development as they navigate these themes.
The RE program is such a core part of what makes UUC a welcoming, loving, and compassionate community. We’re not just shaping young minds here—we’re helping them grow with an emphasis on love, respect, and understanding. Lori Thorn, our Lifelong Learning Coordinator, says, “Our faith focuses on loving one another, even when it’s hard.” Thanks to the volunteering opportunities available to me, I’ve seen firsthand how that message, communicated in age-appropriate ways, helps our children navigate their lives kindly and responsibly. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.
My Role as a Volunteer
When I first volunteered for the RE program, I thought I’d be giving my time to help out with the kids; what I didn’t realize was just how much I’d gain from the experience. Shortly after I started attending UUC regularly, I was told that purpose and meaning were found in service to others. I discovered just how true that is! Being part of the UUC family means so much more when you’re actively involved, and there’s nothing quite like connecting with the children and teens in our community.
I’m constantly amazed by the insights and perspectives that come from these children. One of the greatest gifts of volunteering has been the way the children challenge my own views and assumptions. As Lori says, “Investigating real-world issues and beliefs through the lens of a variety of ages helps our youth understand their world, but it also helps our adult volunteers expand their perspectives.” Spot on! The kids often surprise me with their ideas and inspire me to think more critically.

Finding Fulfillment in Service to Others
One of the main reasons I continue to volunteer is the joy of watching the children grow and develop within the program. There’s something so special about watching these kids cultivate, not just their knowledge but also their kindness, creativity, and sense of responsibility.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked out of a session impressed by how clever and thoughtful our kids are. Lori has heard similar experiences, “I’ve had volunteers in the past stop me after class to gush about how smart our kids are or say how impressive their critical thinking is.” Over time, real bonds begin to form. Whether it’s a high-five after class or an excited greeting when they see you, those little moments make all the time spent so incredibly worth it.
Working with the kids also has the magical ability to bring out a level of creativity that many don’t know they have. Whether it’s leading an art project, playing a role in one of our many fun games, or guiding a discussion on a complex topic, I even find myself thinking in new and exciting ways. I didn’t realize how much I’d be growing personally from these experiences. Volunteering with the RE program encourages me to reflect on my own beliefs and practices while learning from the kids’ fresh perspectives.
Supporting Our Youth’s Faith Journey
At UUC, we’re not about teaching doctrine or telling kids what to believe. We’re about nurturing curious, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals. As Lori puts it, “Our values, communicated in age-appropriate ways, help our children navigate their lives kindly and responsibly. It instills in them the power to ask questions without fear, which will serve them their whole lives.”
Through the RE program, I’ve seen how the kids learn to practice UU values like justice, equity, and interdependence in real, meaningful ways. They’re not just learning these values in theory—they are putting them into action. Whether they’re working on a social justice project or tackling tough questions in our discussions, these kids are gaining the confidence and compassion they need to face the world.

Get Involved
You don’t need to be an expert or have formal teaching experience to volunteer with RE—what really matters is that you bring enthusiasm, empathy, and a willingness to listen to the kids.
The Soul Matters curriculum provides a solid framework, but volunteers have the flexibility to guide lessons in a way that resonates with the kids’ needs and interests. The activities are always hands-on and varied, from gardening and physical play to art and music. For the teens, it’s all about deeper discussions and community service, which means there are opportunities for volunteers who want to work with older youth on more complex issues like justice and spirituality.
UUC also offers training and support meetings to make sure volunteers feel confident and prepared. Whether you’re drawn to working with the younger children or guiding the teens, there’s definitely a place for you in the RE program.
The Impact on Our Community
The children and youth of UUC represent our future, and by investing in their growth and development, we’re shaping that future together. The nurturing and inclusive environment we create within the RE program helps kids feel valued, heard, and confident. They learn critical thinking skills and develop a sense of responsibility that empowers them to become compassionate, active members of the wider community.
One of the most beautiful parts of volunteering has been the intergenerational connections that form between the volunteers and the kids. These relationships strengthen the entire congregation, and these bonds with adults outside of their own households create a stronger likelihood that a child will join a UU congregation as an adult.
We’re living out our UU principles of justice, equity, and love in real, practical ways, and it’s these connections that ensure UUC remains a vibrant, welcoming community for all.

Give to Grow
If you’re looking for a way to give back, connect with others, and experience personal growth, I can’t recommend volunteering with the Children’s RE program enough. It’s not just about teaching the youth—it’s about learning from them, expanding your own horizons, and building relationships that can last a lifetime. Through creativity, dialogue, and shared values, we’re helping to shape a kinder, more just future for both the congregation and the world beyond.
And trust me—those small moments, whether it’s a high-five or a hug from a child, are absolutely worth every second.
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