Middlers (11-13)
The 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 week together at SUUSI, our Middlers will experience opportunities to build community as a whole as well as at each age group (11, 12, and 13 year-olds). Participants will explore their UU values through activities, games, and opportunities for reflection and sharing. Our facilitators will foster an environment of self determination and community collaboration so that each of our young folks will have a rich SUUSI experience alongside their peers.
Middlers will enjoy a variety of activities, workshops, and trips to create a meaningful and fun SUUSI experience. Each age group will collaborate on art projects, spend time outside adventuring, and participate in all manner of activities to help them explore their personal UU identity. And all activities and trips in the Middlers program are included with registration - no need to sign-up for individual trips / events!
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 are allowed to sign themselves in and out of daily programming with permission. However, we do still ask for a parent / guardian to check in with Middler staff each morning as a form of accountability.
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 prioritizes safety in all things, especially while empowering youth in our care to take on more autonomy. With a wide array of experiences and skills, our Middler staff is looking forward to putting their time and talents to good use ensuring all program participants 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.
- Middler programmingUnlimited
Middlers daily activities in the morning and afternoon
- Middler Parent MeetingUnlimited
An opportunity for Parents & their Middlers to meet program staff and get learn about all the wonderful things planned for them this week!
- 13s First COA MeetingUnlimited
13s will meet to begin working towards their Coming of Age (COA) ceremony held on Friday evening.
- 13s Second COA MeetingUnlimited
13s will continue their special Coming of Age (COA) art project and discuss plans for their COA Ceremony
- 13s Final COA MeetingUnlimited
13s will put finishing touches onto their art projects and complete their Coming of Age (COA) planning.
- Middlers Game room timeUnlimited
- Middler CACHEUnlimited
Come and shake off the stress of your Middler programing at a special, private CACHE just for your group! You can help the DJ find the beats you like and show off your cool moves!
- 40: 13s Bonding TripLimit 39
This extraordinary all-day trip for our 13s is a unique bonding experience designed to kick off their week-long adventure at SUUSI. This experience is an integral part of programming for our 13s and offers an opportunity to build lasting bonds with one's peers, perfectly preparing our 13s for their Coming of Age (COA) Ceremony on Friday night. - 42: Middlers Randolph Park TripLimit 39
Middlers, grab your swimsuits, sunscreen, towels, and secure shoes - we're going on an excursion to Randolph Park! We'll spend some time exploring the park trails* before making our way over to the water park to cool off. Please make sure you're in comfortable clothes and secure shoes for the trails. There are changing rooms where you can get into your swimsuits before hitting the pool. Concessions are available at the park, but we advise bringing a water bottle for the trails. - 44: Middler DanceLimit 78
Mid-week and it is time to dance! All Middlers are invited to join for an after-hours party with lots of music, lights, and silliness. - 45: 13s Evening ProgrammingUnlimited
13s will meet to explore SUUSI life together outside of their regularly scheduled hours. - 46: 13s Evening Programming Limit 15
13s will gather for Coming of Age Ceremony and other end of week activities. Parents, guardians and families of 13s are invited for the first hour for the Ceremony and then 13s will go with teens and their age group leaders for the remainder of the evening. - 48: Middlers Tie DyeLimit 39
Middlers, prepare for glorious, chaotic colors! Bring one 100% cotton item to dye and make sure it's been pre-washed! No towels, sheets or other large items that will soak up too much dye. - 49: Middler Ingathering Unlimited
Middlers will gather to begin their SUUSI week with a special opening circle and chalice building ceremony at our annual ingathering. - 50: Middlers Closing Circle Limit 40
The Middlers bring their week to a close with traditional SUUSI entertainment and many, many laughs.
SUUSI 2025 Volunteering
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