July 20-26, 2025

Teens (14-17)

The SUUSI Teen program is an exciting intentional community for people ages 14-17. Teen Leaders and adult staff members work together to create a fun, safe, and healthy place in which teens explore and grow. There are a combination of guided and spontaneous activities with large and small groups. We develop and practice UU values, explore ideas, and share in growing and maintaining a vibrant community. In the SUUSI Teen Program, friendships are made that often last a lifetime! The life of the Teen program centers on the dorm where teens live (and play) for the week of SUUSI.

Please see this Important information for all parents & Guardians of Teens on expectations at SUUSI

Teen Leaders & Touch Groups

The heart of the Teen program is the opportunity for teens to lead and be led by peers in a mindful and deliberate way. In previous years, the teens have elected next year’s leaders at SUUSI. This year, we encourage teens to use the staff application in SOLIS to apply for Teen Leader positions. This group of dynamic teens will come to SUUSI early for leadership training with adult staff and has responsibilities in the dorm during throughout the week.

Teen Leaders each facilitate a small group of other teens in the program, called a “touch group.” Through the touch groups, Teen Leaders help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences, and offer support as necessary. Touch groups provide a more self-guided experience appropriate to the changing needs of teenagers on their way to adulthood. Adult staff members give feedback and guidance throughout this process.

Life in the Teen Dorm

The Teen Dorm is the center of all teen life, even as Teens participate in the wider SUUSI community. This is where we share worship, space, laughter, tears, hugs, ideas, music, and games. The Teen Dorm is a busy place with some sort of activity going on at all hours of the day and night. The degree to which a teen participates is up to the teen and their parent(s)/guardian(s).

Each day, teens can decide how to spend their time, but they are required to attend their afternoon touch group meetings, the evening Teen Dorm activity, and 1 am check-in.

They are also strongly encouraged to attend a workshop or activity during the day. Throughout the week, we offer workshops exclusively for teens.

Teens can register in advance for workshops or nature trips in the greater SUUSI community, or they can wait to see what workshops will be offered at the Teen Dorm during the week. A few afternoon workshop highlights for this year are aquatic activities at the WCU pool, Teen Nature Adventure, yoga, a thrift store run, and the ever-popular henna!

In the evening, we have a required activity that either takes place in the dorm and is just for teens or is a shared experience with the wider SUUSI community. This year we are resuming our wonderful worship tradition of Teen-led evening worship for the entire SUUSI Community. A highlight of that service will be the Bridging Ceremony for our 17-year-olds.

Nights are the time when the Teen Dorm truly comes alive! Teens can hang out in the dorm, play games, make and listen to music, or attend CACHE, the teen-friendly dance party. For teens who want to perform, they are encouraged to participate in Teen Coffeehouse as well as Cabaret.

Look for a draft Teen Program Schedule in your arrival packet. Teens are welcome to suggest workshops and activities prior to SUUSI by sending a message to teens@suusi.org.

Teens are not required to live in the dorm, but teens not living in the dorm must be with their parent(s)/guardian(s) during curfew hours (1 am – 6 am). If a teen decides to stay with his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) during curfew hours, or if they will miss a required meeting for any reason (nature trip, workshop, etc.), staff needs to be notified in advance.

For everyone’s safety, access to the Teen Dorm is limited to teens and staff. Parents/ guardians are encouraged to stop by at any time (and leave something in their teen’s mailbag), but only those with SUUSI name tags will be allowed in and will be escorted by a staffer at all times.

Teen Way Off Broadway

A tradition that began in 1987, TWOB is a highlight of the week for people of all ages. SUUSI teens, with the support of a dedicated staff, put together a musical from scratch over the week, and perform it for the whole community on Friday evening. The show runs a little less than an hour and is fun for all ages. The title and theme is a closely-guarded secret—watch the SUUSI NUUS for hints throughout the week.

Teen Dorm Guide for Parents

The Teen Dorm program provides an experience that is distinct from either home or a summer camp. For the week, teens have a wide degree of autonomy, with peer and adult social supports in place. Teens dictate their schedules according to their interests and family expectations. 

As a middle ground between home life and future autonomy, the teen program has a few very strict rules. The core regulations teens must respect are the 1-6am in-building curfew and the 2-6am in-room curfew throughout the week; no alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine products, illegal drugs, or misuse of legal drugs; and no violence. Teens who break these rules are required to leave SUUSI for the year.

To be clear, teens must be in the teen dorm area by 1am then by 2am they must be in their assigned room until 6am. We seek to promote a safe, affirming space for teens to learn and grow. The new in-room curfew is meant to promote essential self-care practices, such as sleep, and is in no way meant to be a punishment.

The Teen Program is committed to supporting teens who may struggle to remain substance-free at SUUSI, and teens and their parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the Teen Directors (teens@suusi.org) before SUUSI to plan for adequate support.

Sexual contact is also not acceptable within the teen community. Beyond this, teens are free to socialize at length, sleep when and where they want and show affection in respectful, non-coercive ways. We ask that parents/guardians have constructive conversations with their teens about expectations and hopes for how they will relate to other teens in this environment. Parents need to talk with their teen before SUUSI about situations such as friends and guests in the dorm room; where, when and with whom it is appropriate to sleep; how to get along with roommates; and how to assert themselves positively in social situations. These answers will vary.

These conversations will also take place in the Teen Dorm. Parents who are concerned that their teen is not ready for such a wide degree of self-guided latitude may elect to house their teens with them during SUUSI. Those teens will be welcome and included in all other teen program activities outside of curfew hours.

The Teen program offers a unique midpoint in the evolution of teenagers into adults. Adult staffers are available to organize activities as well as provide mediation for issues. We seek to create a community that encourages communication and models respect, while offering freedom to its members in preparation for the independence that is not far off in their lives.

• 60: Teens Touch Group SundayUnlimited

  Teen Leaders each facilitate a small group of other teens in the program, called a “touch group.” Through the touch groups, Teen Leaders help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences and offer support, as necessary. Touch groups provide a more self-guided experience appropriate to the changing needs of teenagers on their way to adulthood. Adult staff members give feedback and guidance throughout this process.

  FREESun 8:30-9pmAges 14-17
• 70: Teens Worship WeaversLimit 40

  This introduction to worship design and execution will begin the week for our Teen Worship. Meet with the teen chaplain and other adult teen staff to develop worship that will happen during daily teen meetings. This is YOUR SUUSI, too, teens! Have a say!

  FREEM 10-11amAges 13-17
• 71: Teens Communication TeamLimit 10

  Join the newly fledged Teens Communication Team! You're told all the time that "it's YOUR SUUSI, too," and this group will be just the place to keep stuff communicated! We will meet on Monday immediately after breakfast to discuss how we want to manage communication, what tools we have to use, and ways we can get the word out to the greater SUUSI community about what's going on in the Teen Realm.

  FREEM 9:30-10:30amAges 14-17
• 72: Teens Open MicLimit 20

  Read a poem, sing a song, tell a story, perform a little stand up... bring your best 3 minutes to the mic. We can even use and emcee or two and a planner or stage manager.

  FREETu 8-9:30pmAges 14-17
• 81: Teens Outdoor AdventureUnlimited

  Join us in nature as we begin our wonderful week together. Spend the afternoon reconnecting with old friends or meeting new ones as we enjoy some outdoor time. Let's head to Claytor Lake to enjoy the Lake Life! While the trip is required for all Teens, it's also going to be a great time for ALL teens! Bring a book and soak up the sun on the beach, pack your swimsuit and get an in-water workout in the guarded lakefront swimming area, or strap on your hiking shoes to explore nearby trails. Teen Staff will provide some games and nature scavenger hunts. There's something for everyone on this Nature-supported outing! As the sun sets, we will enjoy a picnic dinner on site. If you choose to go wading or swimming you will need swimwear, dry clothes, and a towel. Sunscreen and DEET-free insect repellant is recommended, and everyone will need to bring drinking water. Teens who take afternoon and evening medication should plan to bring those medications with them.

  FREEM 3-8pmAges 14-17
• 82: Teens ThriftingLimit 25

  Join us for an afternoon of local thrifting! We will load up promptly at 3:30pm and return in time for dinner on campus. Plan to bring your own money for purchases.

  FREEW 3:30-5:30pmAges 14-17
• 87: Teens Car WashUnlimited

  Not an actual car wash! This is an energetic and kind opportunity to share and be honest with one another. (mandatory to check it out, participation by choice)

  FREEW 9-10pmAges 14-17
• 88: Teens IngatheringLimit 100

  Teens will gather together to begin the intentional act of building community. This will include a discussion of norms, consent, and what it means to be a community. We will also review teen dorm rules and meet the Teen Staff.

  FREESun 9-10pmAges 14-17
• 91: Teens Touch Group MondayLimit 1000

  Teen Leaders each facilitate a small group of other teens in the program, called a “touch group.” Through the touch groups, Teen Leaders help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences and offer support, as necessary. Touch groups provide a more self-guided experience appropriate to the changing needs of teenagers on their way to adulthood. Adult staff members give feedback and guidance throughout this process.

  FREEWM 6-6:30pmAges 14-17
• 92: Teens Touch Group TuesdayLimit 1000

  Teen Leaders each facilitate a small group of other teens in the program, called a “touch group.” Through the touch groups, Teen Leaders help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences and offer support, as necessary. Touch groups provide a more self-guided experience appropriate to the changing needs of teenagers on their way to adulthood. Adult staff members give feedback and guidance throughout this process.

  FREETu 6-6:30pmAges 14-17
• 93: Teens Touch Group WednesdayUnlimited

  Teen Leaders each facilitate a small group of other teens in the program, called a “touch group.” Through the touch groups, Teen Leaders help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences and offer support, as necessary. Touch groups provide a more self-guided experience appropriate to the changing needs of teenagers on their way to adulthood. Adult staff members give feedback and guidance throughout this process.

  FREEW 6-6:30pmAges 14-17
• 94: Teens Touch Group ThursdayUnlimited

  Teen Leaders each facilitate a small group of other teens in the program, called a “touch group.” Through the touch groups, Teen Leaders help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences and offer support, as necessary. Touch groups provide a more self-guided experience appropriate to the changing needs of teenagers on their way to adulthood. Adult staff members give feedback and guidance throughout this process.

  FREETh 1-1:30pmAges 14-17
• 95: Teens Touch Group Friday - Lunch TogetherLimit 1000

  This special, last day touch group meeting will be over lunch together. Teen Leaders each facilitate a small group of other teens in the program, called a “touch group.” Through the touch groups, Teen Leaders help new members become comfortable in the dorm, address social issues as they come up, share in daily experiences and offer support, as necessary. Touch groups provide a more self-guided experience appropriate to the changing needs of teenagers on their way to adulthood. Adult staff members give feedback and guidance throughout this process.

  FREEF Noon-12:30pmAges 14-17
• 99: Teens Angel WalkUnlimited

  One last moment with our SUUSI Teen Dorm friends! (mandatory to check it out - participation by choice)

  FREEF 11pm-12:30amAges 14-17

TWOB

• 491: Teens Way Off Broadway (TWOB)Limit 30

  Build deep friendships by putting a musical together in 5 days! TWOB is a team of teen actors, singers, dancers, and crew who rehearse, stage, and perform a musical for all of SUUSI. No stage experience necessary; come to learn and try something new. Erin Macpherson and Caitlin Muir are your 2025 TWOB directors! Erin and Caitlin were in TWOB as teens and are lifelong SUUSI-goers.

  $50.00M 9am-Noon, M 2-3pm, Tu 10:30am-Noon, and Tu 12:30-4pmAges 14+

• TWOB performanceUnlimited
  FREEF 8-9pmAges 0+

2025 SUUSI Volunteering

Event #	Event	Type	Date & Time	Age Range
Sunday 20th July 2025
18969	Teen Dorm Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie to communicate with a teen staffer. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Sun 9-11pm	21+
18970	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Sun 11pm-1am	21+
Monday 21st July 2025
18971	Teen Dorm Door Monitor You will be background checked. Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Sun 1-3am	21+
18972	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M 6-9am	21+
18973	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M 9am-Noon	21+
18974	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M Noon-3pm	21+
18975	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M 3-6pm	21+
18976	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M 6-9pm	21+
18978	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M 9-11pm	21+
18979	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M 11pm-1am	21+
Tuesday 22nd July 2025
18980	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	M 1-3am	21+
18981	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu 6-9am	21+
18982	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu 9am-Noon	21+
18983	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu Noon-3pm	21+
18984	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu 3-6pm	21+
18985	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu 6-9pm	21+
18986	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu 9-11pm	21+
18987	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu 11pm-1am	21+
Wednesday 23rd July 2025
18990	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Tu 1-3am	21+
18994	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W 6-9am	21+
18995	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W 9am-Noon	21+
18996	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W Noon-3pm	21+
18997	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W 3-6pm	21+
18998	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W 6-9pm	21+
18999	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W 9-11pm	21+
19000	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W 11pm-1am	21+
Thursday 24th July 2025
19001	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	W 1-3am	21+
19010	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th 6-9am	21+
19008	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th 9am-Noon	21+
19013	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th Noon-3pm	21+
19012	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th 3-6pm	21+
19011	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th 6-9pm	21+
19017	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th 9-11pm	21+
19018	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th 11pm-1am	21+
Friday 25th July 2025
19020	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	Th 1-3am	21+
19007	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F 6-9am	21+
19009	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F 9am-Noon	21+
19014	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F Noon-3pm	21+
19015	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F 3-6pm	21+
18977	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F 6-9pm	21+
19016	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F 9-11pm	21+
19019	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F 11pm-1am	21+
Saturday 26th July 2025
19021	Teen Dorm Door Monitor Sit at the entrance of the Teen Dorm to monitor those going in and out. Seated position that may require use of a walkie-talkie. Location: Price: FREE	Teens	F 1-3am	21+