Journeys of Deeper Joy RPG

This summer Sarah Copeland & Christina Strong (along with some additional volunteers) are pilot-testing 10 sessions of a new UUA curriculum called Journeys of Deeper Joy with First U’s rising 6th-12th grade students. This curriculum uses the structure of a role-playing game (RPG) to help participants explore themes of community, identity, and spiritual growth. The role-playing format invites participants to create fictional characters and go on guided, imaginative adventures together—it's collaborative storytelling with a purpose. The goal of these journeys is to help players develop empathy, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of how communities function. The curriculum emphasizes personal agency, covenant, and collective care. It is rooted in UU values, and framed around nonviolent, inclusive play. Leaders (called “Lorekeepers”) guide participants using simple rules and storytelling prompts, ensuring an accessible and meaningful experience for everyone involved (regardless of RPG experience)! In the first photo, Sunday school students on June 8th used clay to make their game-map three dimensional. The second photo shows the group covenant, created by game-players during Sunday school on June 22nd.