The children’s program is values-centered and secular-friendly. Offering age appropriate meditation, yoga, music, and storytelling, our program is a collaboration between the Pocatello Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and the Portneuf Sangha. Our schedule generally follows the local school district’s academic calendar. Sessions are held mid-September through May and meet weekly on Sundays, 10:45am – 11:30am.

We meet in PUUF’s (Pocatello Unitarian Universalist Fellowship) Meeting House, 426 W. Lewis. This is in the same building as the Sangha (https://portneufsangha.org) Our staff and volunteers have undergone background checks for your child’s safety. Parents and guardians of enrolled children also help out, committing to at least one Sunday per semester.

The program’s broad objectives are to foster self-respect and respect for others; encourage development of critical thinking skills and confidence; and learn life skills for coping with feelings in healthful, affirming ways. Each session offers an array of activities, including stories and crafts, yoga and meditation, sharing time and songs. Unitarian Universalist shared values of justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, generosity and love inform each session’s focus and activity selection.

Once a child is enrolled, the parent or guardian is invited to join our Groupme chat app. This user-friendly app provides parents, teachers, and volunteers to communicate freely and stay current on each week’s session.

Children of all ages are welcome to join in regardless of religious belief or affiliation. Neither Unitarian Universalism nor Buddhism requires belief or non-belief in a supreme being (a god or goddess), intelligent design, or guiding supernatural force in the world. Respect for all paths is a shared value and one we strive to reflect in all we do. Currently our program is crafted with children ages 3 – 12 in mind, with the average age of about 7 years old. As we grow, we will adapt in order to keep our sessions relevant and age appropriate.

Enrollment is required prior to your child’s participation and can be done here: enrollment form

Printed enrollment forms may also be available at the door if needed.

Commitment to Children’s Safety

All Children’s programs are supervised by a minimum of two adults who have passed background checks with the Idaho State Police.

Support our program

PUUF and Portneuf Sangha provide the Children’s Program at no charge to parents and guardians. Both our organizations rely on pledges or donations from members and friends who find value in what we offer the community. PUUF and Portneuf Sangha are independent of each other. To learn about each one, as well as to learn how to give, please follow the links below:

Pocatello Unitarian Universalist Fellowship: Explore this website or go to our donations page here: https://pocatellouu.org/connection/donate/

Portneuf Sangha and Meditation Center: Explore the website and learn how to donate here: https://portneufsangha.org/