Middlers (11-13)

middlers in cafeteriaThe Middler Program recognizes the unique needs and abilities of youth ages 11 to 13. This age group is moving away from childhood and toward adolescence, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that that entails.

During our SUUSI week, we will create space and opportunities for each 11, 12, and 13 year-old to build community within their age group, with the Middlers as a whole, and with the larger SUUSI community. We will be looking at ways our UU principles and personal values shape our actions, and each child will meet with a small group within their age group on a daily basis (much like touch groups in the Teen program) to help ensure that each Middler has a rich SUUSI experience.

Middlers will enjoy a variety of activities, workshops, and trips. Each age group will have a unique art project that they will work on throughout the week. There will be a nature trip for the entire group as well as individual trips for each age group. There is no need to sign up separately for these trips; they are included when you register. Each child will be encouraged to pursue activities during SUUSI that will create a meaningful and fun experience.

Middler workshops are a time to be creative, make our own fun, and interact as a community. Every day we will have options such as outdoor sports, water games, indoor games, art, music and more. Unlike the Youth program, you will not need to sign up beforehand for most workshops. 

Mandatory Meeting for All Middler Parents & 13 Year-Olds

We will have a mandatory meeting for all Middler parents and 13 year-olds on Sunday at 5pm.

This is an opportunity to hear more about the Middler program, get questions answered, and meet some of the staff working with your youth during the week. Please see this important information for all parents of Youth and Middlers on expectations for children and parents at SUUSI.

Middler Program Daily Schedule

Morning Programming              8:45am-noon

Afternoon Programming        2-4pm

Evening Programming            13 year-olds only, see information on Coming of Age Program.

Middlers may sign themselves in and out of programming with guardian permission. However, parents/guardians must make in-person contact with their child’s age group leader each morning at morning check-in.

Special Events of Note

Dance Party for Middlers – Wednesday 7-9pm. The Middlers program will staff the event but we would love some parent chaperones!

Closing Circle – Friday 2:15pm. Parents and friends are invited and encouraged to attend!

SUUSI Middler Staff

Our Middler staff has a wide variety of experience working with youth, and we are very excited to have each of them as part of this program. We all look forward to working with your children this year. Our emphasis will be on safety first, followed closely by fostering independence, community building, and, of course, fun. We have planned a lot of fabulous activities for the program, which we hope will help your children have a wonderful experience.

We’d love for you to work with Middlers this year! If you’re interested in joining our staff, please fill out an application in SOLIS or contact us for more information.

Questions? Prior to SUUSI, email us at middlers@suusi.org.

Event # Event Type Date & Time Age Range
Sunday 16th July 2023

Middler Parent Meeting


Parent Meeting
Price: FREE
Middlers Sun 5-6pm 11+
Monday 17th July 2023

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

40

13s Bonding Trip


This all-day trip is the 13s Bonding Trip and is an integral part of their extraordinary week that culminates in their Coming of Age Ceremony Friday night. Plan for a short hike, water fun, lunch, and a great day. You will need the correct footwear (See Shoe Requirements), drinking water, glasses strap (if you wear glasses), swimsuit, sunscreen, dry clothes, and a towel. Drive Time: 70 mins one way.
Price: FREE Registration Details
Middlers M 10am-4:30pm 13

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

13s Art time



Price: FREE
Middlers M 7-9pm, Tu 10-11am, and W 9-10am 13
Tuesday 18th July 2023

42

Messing with Boats


Let's go paddle - choose your favorite boat and paddle upstream on the Little Tennessee River and then float back down. Our Nature staff instructors will teach you how to have a safe paddling experience while you learn about boats and how to paddle them. Don't forget your towel and sunscreen! Drive Time: 45 mins one way.
Price: FREE Registration Details
Middlers Tu 8:30am-12:30pm 11-12

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

13s Art time



Price: FREE
Middlers M 7-9pm, Tu 10-11am, and W 9-10am 13

43

Middler Pool Time


Middlers, do you want some pool time? Join us in the pool to practice your butterfly and frogstroke, I mean, breaststroke. You can choose this as your afternoon option.
Price: FREE Registration Details
Middlers Tu 1-3pm 11-13

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

45

13s Evening Programming


13s will gather to explore life outside of Middlers day programming.
Price: FREE Registration Details
Middlers Tu 7-8:30pm 13
Wednesday 19th July 2023

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

13s Art time



Price: FREE
Middlers M 7-9pm, Tu 10-11am, and W 9-10am 13

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

44

Middler Dance


Mid-week and it is time to dance! Here's your chance to dance in the same spot as the adults. Want to hear a specific song? Send your song requests to middlers@suusi.org before SUUSI so the DJs can put together a playlist just for you.
Price: FREE Registration Details
Middlers W 7-9pm 11-13
Thursday 20th July 2023

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

41

Glenville Lake for Middlers


This half-day trip is open to all Middlers. Be prepared for a fun-filled morning exploring nature, swimming, and enjoying snacks. Drive Time: 30 mins one way.
Price: FREE Registration Details
Middlers Th 9am-1:30pm 11-13

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13
Friday 21st July 2023

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

Middler programming


Middlers
Price: FREE
Middlers M 9am-Noon, Tu 9am-Noon, W 9am-Noon, Th 9am-Noon, F 9am-Noon, M 2-4pm, Tu 2-4pm, W 2-4pm, Th 2-4pm, 11-13

46

13s Evening Programming


13s will gather for Coming of Age Ceremony and other end of week activities
Price: FREE Registration Details
Middlers F 6:45-11:45pm 13