Our Whole Lives (OWL)

This program supports parents in guiding their young children through conversations about birth, babies, bodies, and families. It helps families build lifelong habits of open communication about sensitive topics. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, the eight class sessions engage children through stories, songs, and activities, and include a weekly “HomeLink” – a handout designed for parents and children to complete together at home. Families commit to having their child attend all sessions to foster trust and sharing within the group. After the Orientation Session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. Focusing on the “three R’s” of human sexuality—respect, relationship, and responsibility—it emphasizes the importance of treating every person with fairness and kindness.

Recommended books:

• It’s So Amazing by Robie Harris (highly recommended)
• The Parent Guide to Our Whole Lives, Grades K-1
  • A session-by-session guide to what children will learn through the Our Whole Lives curricula for grades K-1 and 4-6. BVUUF has several copies for loan or a family may order their own copy from the UUA bookstore.

This 10-session program helps participants explore and discuss the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Using It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris as a guide, the sessions cover topics such as values and sexuality, communication, and decision-making. Each session includes a “HomeLink”—a take-home activity designed for parents and children to complete together.

Following a mandatory Parent/Child Meeting, families commit to having their child attend all 10 sessions to foster trust and sharing within the group. After the Orientation Session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. Centered on the “three R’s” of human sexuality—respect, relationship, and responsibility—the program emphasizes the importance of treating every person with fairness and kindness.

Other Recommended book:

• The Parent Guide to Our Whole Lives, Grades 4-6
  • A session-by-session guide to what children will learn through the Our Whole Lives curricula for grades K-1 and 4-6. BVUUF has several copies for loan or a family may order their own copy from the UUA bookstore.

This is the core offering of BVUUF’s OWL program.

It presents a comprehensive approach to human sexuality in an age-appropriate manner and is based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice and inclusivity. It helps young people apply these values to their behavior and provides them with information and skills they can use throughout life. It helps participants clarify their values and religious/spiritual beliefs and emphasizes the worth and dignity of each participant. Seventh/Eighth Grade OWL includes a comprehensive parent orientation. Participants agree to attend all sessions. After the orientation session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. The sessions are offered approximately two to three times per month, and include sessions that cover a single workshop and retreats where we will cover three workshops. 

This 14-session program empowers high school youth to make thoughtful decisions as they navigate their journey into young adulthood. Covering topics such as communication and consent, gender identity and sexual expression, intimacy, and healthy relationships, it provides a comprehensive and age-appropriate approach to human sexuality. The program is rooted in the values of respect, responsibility, justice, and inclusivity, helping participants apply these principles to their behavior while gaining information and skills they can use throughout their lives.

In addition to fostering self-awareness, the program helps youth clarify their values and beliefs, emphasizing the inherent worth and dignity of every participant. The Tenth/Eleventh Grade OWL program includes a comprehensive parent orientation. Families commit to full participation, and after the orientation session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. Sessions are offered once a month throughout the year.