It’s hard to believe, but the end of summer is within sight. Those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to directly participate in the “UU World Travelers” religious education program may not know all the wonderful things the students have been learning or how the program works.

Here’s a quick synopsis … The students are sung out of the sanctuary and gather in the Jupiter Room. We light a chalice and each child is given the opportunity to share during “joys and concerns.” This is an important part of each Sunday as our younger members find their voice in this mostly adult-centered institution.

At the conclusion of joys and concerns that day’s volunteer “tour guide” is introduced and s/he shares information about a particular “destination.” Often times that destination has been a real place.

This summer we’ve carpooled to Tom and Monta Manney’s homestead, we’ve toured the UUFM kitchen, camped in the UUFM back yard, and will soon head to the Community Gardens. Students learned about Japan via photos, food, and origami. They experienced Mt Olympus via stories of Zeus, Athena, Hercules, Achilles, and other Greek gods. They enjoyed Morocco via photos, food, and donning traditional Moroccan clothing; and London via language, sports, and tea and crumpets.