Buddhist 'sunday school'?

[Arwen]

I would like to begin my daughter's education on Buddhism, but want a kid friendly environment where she can meet other Buddhist children (like the christian sunday schools at churches, only for Buddhism). I have been a Buddhist for a long time, but have never formally studied it, I just follow the basic moral guidelines, and my personal beliefs correspond with Buddhist philosophy. In short, I am not an expert, and would rather have someone teach her who really knows their stuff. I have never been to any Buddhist communities or anything, so are there any Buddhists here who can tell me the details on how children are educated on Buddhism, if any Buddhist communities have programs for children, and if not, how best could I approach educating her myself? Does anyone know of any kid friendly Buddhist coloring books or anything of the like to orient her with it and get her familiar with it?

[stafl]

You may try contacting your local UU church. That's where the Buddhists in my town have their discussion/study group and other meetings.

[CairaJade]

I was also going to suggest UU. Our religious education (RE) program includes studying world religions. I am Buddhist as well, but haven't found a sanga. But I will raise our kids UU and let them choose their own paths from there.

[FreeRangeMama]

We attend a Jodo Shinshu temple which has a "Dharma School". It is Buddhist Sunday school, the kids learn about Buddhism, do charity work and fundraisers, perform plays for special celebrations, and do lots of fun stuff. They like it and I usually go with them (ds1 would never go without me). Most temples I have been to are very welcoming of everyone regardless of whether you are Buddhist or not or what sect of Buddhism you practice. The idea that one must "seek their own truth" is endorsed, and how does one seek without trying out different paths? We love going even though we don't really consider ourselves as believing in one particular sect.

HTH