OWL is a curriculum designed to help students gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. This curriculum is an expression of the belief that educating institutions – religious communities, community organizations, and schools – can form meaningful partnerships with parents and caregivers to provide positive and responsible sexuality education.
OWL is inclusive of and welcoming to all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Our Whole Lives is a series of comprehensive sexuality education programs for children, youth, and adults. The resources are written by professional sexuality educators and provide accurate information.
The core curriculum contains no religious creeds or faith confessions. Grinnell UCC sponsors the program as part of its commitment to social justice. Families of any or no faith affiliations are welcome to participate. The “Sexuality and Our Faith” curricular addendum explores the relationship between human sexuality and spirituality. Families may opt into this curricular companion, which will be taught in the final 15 minutes of each session.
If your child has participated in OWL before, YOU ARE OUR BEST REFERENCE! Please help spread word about this amazing program to other families in the wider community!
Advance registration is required for OWL courses.
Beginning in January 2023, Grinnell UCC will offer the following classes to the wider community.
In order for a child to attend the winter sessions, please make plans to attend the Mandatory Parent/Guardian Information Open House on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Drop in anytime between 4-6 pm.
Grades 4-5 – Winter Session 2023 Schedule: Click HERE to register
Participants in Grades 4-5 will learn about and discuss the physical, emotional changes, and social changes of puberty. Parents and caregivers can be actively involved in the exploration of growing older, values, communication and decision making.
Ten Workshops for Grades 4-5: Sundays, 4:30 – 6 pm (optional dinner provided at 6:15 pm)
Dates: January 22 & 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, April 2, 16, 23
Program Fee: Fee Level 1: $250 Fee Level 2: $150 Fee Level 3: $75
The cost of the program is being subsidized at each fee level by the Grinnell UCC. Families should select the program fee that is appropriate to their household. Fees include workshops led by trained facilitators, curriculum materials, and snacks and meals provided during the sessions. Payment is due at the time of registration. Early Bird registration available now until Sunday, December 4th, 2022. Prices will go up by $25 at each level after that.
To Register: Submit fee and completed registration form. Paperwork can be mailed or dropped off at the Grinnell UCC Church Office during office hours, Tu-Th, 9am-3pm. Registration deadline is December 19, 2022. For more information or a printed registration form, please call the Grinnell UCC Church Office at (641) 236-3111 or email owl@grinnellucc.org.
Grades 10-12 – Winter Session 2023 Schedule: Click HERE to register
Participants in Grades 10-12 will gain the knowledge, life principles and skills they need to express their sexuality in life-enhancing ways. The curriculum in this group puts sexuality into the context of values and personal responsibility, helping participants manage social pressure and advocate for equality. It provides an opportunity to bring values and integrity to the real-life issues.
Workshop Sessions: A combination of retreat-style and regular meetings will take place throughout.
Two Retreat-style Workshops: Sundays, 2:30-8:30 (Dinner provided) Dates: January 15 – Opening Retreat; April 23 – Closing Retreat
Eight Regular Sunday Workshops, 6:30-8:30 pm (optional dinner provided at 6:15 pm)
Dates: January 15*, 22, 29, February 12, 19, 26, March 5, April 2, 16, 23*
Program Fee: Fee Level 1: $250 Fee Level 2: $150 Fee Level 3: $75
The cost of the program is being subsidized at each fee level by the Grinnell UCC. Families should select the program fee that is appropriate to their household. Fees include workshops led by trained facilitators, curriculum materials, and snacks and meals provided during the sessions. Payment is due at the time of registration. Early Bird registration available now until Sunday, December 4th, 2022. Prices will go up by $25 at each level after that.
To Register: Submit fee and completed registration form. Paperwork can be mailed or dropped off at the Grinnell UCC Church Office during office hours, Tu-Th, 9am-3pm. Registration deadline is December 19, 2022. For more information or a printed registration form, please call the Grinnell UCC Church Office at (641) 236-3111 or email owl@grinnellucc.org.