Text Box: # Text Box: The five components of a balanced youth program include community building, social action, worship, learning, and leadership development. We will make every effort to encompass all of these activities into our youth programming, though we generally will not try to do all five at every meeting. Therefore, in order for youth to derive the most benefit from their program, it is important that they participate in as many meetings and events as possible. Youth in grades seven through twelve are encouraged to participate in our district youth conferences, which take place throughout the year at churches in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Youth who wish to attend these conferences must fill out a registration form, which must be turned in to and signed by the Director of Religious Education. AUUC youth who attend district conferences will be chaperoned by an adult from our church. Field Trips Occasionally, our RE classes may decide to take a field trip. In the past, this has included trips to Native American Pow-Wows, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and a nursing home. In order to participate in field trips, each child must have a permission slip signed by a parent or caregiver. Children’s Service Projects All children who are participating in the workshop rotation program will spend the month of January working on service projects. Youth Service Projects The youth group will determine which service projects they will participate in for the year. These may include serving shelter meals, participating in the AIDS Walk and/or the Shelter Walk, collecting food for the food pantry, and assisting with the clean up of West Park playground.