The MSYG Playbook

Middle School Youth Group (MSYG) plays a very important role in the middle school RE program, by serving as an opportunity for socialization among UU youth, an important part of a youth’s growth.  

A strong MSYG can also play an important role in retaining youth as UUs.  It is widely recognized that middle school is a time when we are vulnerable to losing youth in the congregation – and often, this includes losing their parents as congregants, as well.  A strong MSYG allows for UU friendships to flourish and helps to retain youth as they transition to the high school youth group, YRUU, and further bridge to become UU young adults. 

The MSYG Playbook is intended to complement RE middle school curricula, specifically to provide the opportunity for youth socialization.  In addition, youth will have the opportunity to give back to the church community, and to give back to the larger community, during the year.

The MSYG Playbook includes a year of great youth group meeting ideas.  Both offsite and onsite alternatives are discussed, with ideas for every budget. Also included are links to several resources, including a digital  MSYG Playbook that can be edited for your use and shared with advisors.

The MSYG Playbook passes on many years of experience developing a strong MSYG in our congregation.  For the past several year, our program averaged 24 youth registered, and an 85% average attendance rate! And, we had almost no problem recruiting advisors!

If you would like to start a new MSYG program - or amp up an existing program - check out the ideas in The MSYG Playbook.