GAIA COMMUNITY | KIDSPACE

"Caring for the Earth and each other because our lives depend on it."

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President
Membership Chair
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KidSpace
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An Earth-based Unitarian Universalist Pagan-themed Congregation.

KID'S SPACE!

This committee's activities have been revised according to a decision made at the January Ritual for Business. This page will be growing and changing in the near future to fully reflect those changes. Stay tuned!

KidSpace has been reorganized; the classes are now as follows:

Sprouts (formerly WeeSpace), 0-4 years of age, led by a Sprout Leader;
Shoots (formerly KidSpace), 4-8 years of age, led by a Head Shoot;
Saplings (new grouping), 8-12 years of age, led by a Gardener;
Trees (formerly TeenSpace), 12-16 years of age, led by an Ent.

In all cases, a child may be asked to join a different class (on a permanent or temporary basis) based on their abilities, regardless of biological age.

In all cases, the classes will have a pre-approved volunteer leader who has submitted to a background check, understands the curriculum and expectations of their class' age group, as well as the stipulations of our community's values and our lease, and is compensated with a stipend for their time and trouble. We would like to see a variety of teachers from both inside and outside the community assist with this process, so if you know anyone who has the time and inclination to help out on Sunday afternoons, please let Linda know, as she is the current (interim) KidSpace Coordinator while curriculum and teachers are being arranged.

This group will learn

how to share;
how to take turns;
cooperative play.

Before they may graduate to the next class

correct classroom decorum (sitting still and listening);
mastery of toilet training.

This group will learn

a basic understanding of the Seven Principles of the UUA;
a basic understanding of the Cornerstones;
a basic concept of pagan spirituality;
basic understanding of the diversity of religious belief;
how to conduct oneself appropriately in the classroom and in sacred space.

Before they may graduate to the next class

knowledge of ritual format (i.e. Gaia's "bare bones of ritual", their own family's tradition, or another pagan tradition);
understanding of the definition of sacred space and how to recognize when it is present;
proper decorum in ritual and sacred space.

This group will learn

creation of ritual/sacred space for themselves;
application of the Cornerstones;
understanding of the Seven Principles;
basic understanding of world religions and traditions;
comprehension of major pagan paths and pantheons.

Before they may graduate to the next class

decorum during ritual and sacred space;
creation of ritual/sacred space for themselves with minimum oversight/instruction;
successful completion of a Rite of Passage.

This group will learn

the history of the UUA;
the history of Gaia Community;
an organizational understanding of Gaia Community (including board administration, operational processes and how we use consensus);
how to assist in mentoring the younger children in a positive way;
a thorough understanding of world religions and traditions;
a thorough understanding of the Cornerstones.

Before they may graduate from the KidSpace Universe

attendance and age-appropriate participation in at least one non-intergenerational Sunday ritual every calendar year;
attendance and participation in at least one Ritual for Business;
the development and implementation of a full Sunday ritual in conjunction with a Ritual Team (with minimal instruction/oversight);
the ability to express their theology, spirituality, or belief system;
successful completion of a Rite of Passage.

June 29th: All KidSpace classes will be learning about the God Auction candidates Thor and the Green Man.

July 6th: All KidSpace classes will be learning about the God Auction candidates Persephone and Artemis.

July 13th: The Trees class is welcome to come upstairs for the entire God Auction; the Shoots/Saplings classes will be coming upstairs to make any donations at 4PM, then going downstairs for their Introduction to Islam class.

July 20th: The Trees class will be holding the third of their classes on Judaism: Taboos and Manners.

July 27th: The Trees class will be holding the final class on Judaism, with a special guest and discussion period.

Volunteers are also needed to help serve as "Cookie Gods or Goddesses"; these folks donate baked goods for sale on Sundays after ritual, with 100% of the proceeds going to the KidSpace program. Sign up for by contacting Linda.

Regular meetings of the KidSpace Committee have resumed; they are now held on the third Thursday of each month, at SMUUCH; contact Amanda for more information.

To Contact us:
Gaia Community
PO Box 45307
Kansas City, MO
64171-8303
Phone: 816-931-9900
E-Mail for Information