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WHO: Youth in grades 6-8; 3-5 Adult Advisors
HOW MANY: It varies, but has been between 10-15 youth for the past few years.
WHAT: The best kept secret in Olympia.
WHERE: The program meets in the living room and kitchen of the B&G Annex, which is a house OUUC owns within walking distance of the main building. It is called the B&G Annex for Bart and Gladys Burns who were instrumental in supporting OUUC in the 1950s. Both Bart and Gladys died in the 1990s. Out of the Woods, a non profit organization founded by members of OUUC, uses the B&G Annex for a homeless shelter, except when it is being used by the Middle School.
WHY: Middle School Youth need a safe place to express their thoughts, emotions, and physical selves. The Middle School Program at OUUC serves as a vehicle to bond these youth for a lifetime of friendship.
WHEN: Sundays during the first service, some weekend trips, some Saturday field trips, some overnights at various locations.
HOW: The program is based on 1) Checking in; 2) A Physical Activity; 3) Cooking some healthy food together. Although we’re not opposed to using curriculum, we haven’t had much luck with it because it’s too much like school, and that’s the last thing these youth need at this point in their lives. For 2007-8, the 7 th and 8 th grade are primarily doing Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education (OWL). The 6 th grade youth joins in for specific activities. For this year, planned activities include: a hike on Mt. Rainier, a bike ride on the Chehalis Western Trail, challenge activities on the Ropes Course at Camp Seymour, the Yule Play (Sherwood.com), Secret Buddies, the Pirate’s Valentine’s Ball, Hiding Easter Eggs, Procession of the Species (last year we were mosquitoes on bikes), a weekend trip to the Oregon Coast, a few pizza parties and a barbeque, and Coming of Age for 8 th grade youth.
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