What is UU Religious Exploration for Children and Youth?

Religious Exploration for Children and Youth (RECY) is a dynamic, enjoyable, open-minded program for ages three to eighteen.  Classes are offered every Sunday, and are based on established UU curricula celebrating the various aspects of the Unitarian Universalist experience.

Within the RECY program, young religious Explorers may engage in discussions about the origins of world religions, examine their value and judgment systems, delve into the lives of great UUs and other religious leaders, begin to build life-long principles and forge deeper friendships within Tapestry.

Our UU Principles for Kids

• Every person is important and valuable
• All people should be treated fairly
• Our church is a place where we accept one another and learn together
• Each person is free to search for what is true and right
• All people have the right to speak out and vote on things that matter to them
• We work for a peaceful, fair and free world
• We take care of the earth, the home we share with all living things

Also, see the regular (adult) UU principles.

The Six Sources

These ideas come from many places:

• the sense of wonder we all share
• women and men long ago and today — people whose lives remind us to be kind and fair
• the ethical and spiritual wisdom of the world’s religions
• Christian and Jewish teachings which tell us to love all others as we love ourselves
• the use of reason and the discoveries of science
• the harmony of nature and the sacred circle of life

Thankful for all of these ideas, we want to learn even more. We come to church where we freely share our thoughts and feelings and promise to trust and help one another.

Nursery Care

Children below the age of five are welcome in the nursery during both the 9:30 and 11:00 services.  The nursery is downstairs on the far left as you enter the building.  Please feel free to sign in and visit the nursery.

Protection Policy

Read our child protection policy.

Ports of Call—Additional Explorer Activities and Programs

Camp De Benneville Pines

Located in the majestic San Bernadino Mountains, Camp de Benneville Pines offers weekend and weeklong camps kids of all ages throughout the year.

Child Dedication Ceremonies

If you are interested in dedicating your young children into Tapestry during a Sunday Worship Service, please contact our minister at for more information.

RECY Committee Meetings

Meeting once a month, the Director of Religious Exploration and committee members meet to plan and implement RECY events, support training sessions, and serve as a sounding board for staff decision-making. If you have concerns or comments about programming for Explorers, please contact the DRE at or a committee member. Visitors are always welcome at meetings; contact the DRE to confirm date and time.

RECY Table and Box

Be sure to visit the RECY table upstairs, above the Social Hall, for the latest news and information related to Tapestry's Explorers; flyers, forms, lesson plans, the RECY box and the Teaching Calendar are available at the table.

Family Fun Get-Together

Family Get-Togethers held at Tapestry, someone's house, the park, the beach or another fabulous location chosen by the host create opportunities, not only for Explorers, but for parents and friends, to build friendships beyond the RECY classroom.

Nursery: Hours 9:15-12:15

Located to the left as you enter the building, it is staffed and available for children ages 0- 5. In keeping with the 4:1 ratio policy, parents may be asked to help assist in the nursery from time to time. To ensure your child's safety please sign him or her in and out of the nursery.

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

OWL, human sexuality classes, are offered each year by Tapestry and/or neighboring congregations. Contact the DRE for more information.

Social Action and Outreach

Typically offered the last Sunday of the month, on a rotating schedule with Youth Worship, social action field trips provide Explorers with an opportunity to experience their values and beliefs in action in the community.

Special Events

Explorers celebrate with parties and worship. There will be various parties, including a Welcome Back, Halloween, New Year, and End of the Year Party as well as Intergenerational Services, a time when Explorers share worship with the congregation in the Sanctuary.

Teacher Training

Learn more about Explorer curriculum and how to meet the needs of your classroom in a supportive group environment. Check the calendar for training dates or contact the DRE at for more information.

Youth Group

A chance for Middle school and High school Explorers to spend time with their classmates outside of class; each group develops their own program, to fit their own group's personality and dynamic, with the help of an adult facilitator.

Youth Worship

Celebrated on the last Sunday of the month, alternating with Social Action, youth worship is an opportunity for Explorers to discover the different aspects of UU worship service; to navigate religious themes Explorers will use song, story, and experiential or creative activities.

YUURT (Young UU Rational Thinkers)

A group for those in grades 7-12. YUURT is a National UU Organization. YUURT Explorers get together twice a month with Orange Coast UU Church in Costa Mesa and the UU Fellowship of Laguna Beach for debate and fun outings.

Find out more

Visiting children are especially welcome to join in a class on any Sunday. Visiting parents are encouraged to become familiar with the classrooms, meet the teachers and attend classes with their children. If you'd like to find out more about our program please email Katelynn Riva, our Director of Religious Exploration at