Activity: Aaronic Priesthood Encampments

What is an Aaronic Priesthood encampment? This resource will provide examples of immersive camping, leadership training, and spiritual experiences for young men.

The following resources will help stakes and wards plan encampment experiences to help those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood build relationships, teach and learn skills, enhance leadership qualities, and strengthen testimonies in an outdoor setting.

Aaronic Priesthood encampments usually span several days to provide immersive spiritual and physical learning activities. Stake Aaronic Priesthood encampments are planned under the direction of the stake president. Ward encampments are planned under the direction of the bishop. Stakes can also combine together for such activities. These encampments should include a balance of recreational, spiritual, and service-based activities. For example:

• Recreational activities could include swimming, sports, climbing, archery, or other activities that young men like to participate in. Encourage wards to take advantage of the skills and talents of ward members as they plan these activities.
• Spiritual activities could include individual scripture study, scripture memorization, group discussions led by young men, firesides, testimony meetings, and teaching opportunities.
• Service-based activities could include beautifying the campsite or facility, assembling humanitarian kits, and learning skills to use in the service of others.

Choose a campsite or facility that can accommodate the types of activities and experiences you want to have.

All outdoor experiences must use the Church safety guidelines and parental permission and medical release forms, and they should follow Church-established policies for your protection.

The following examples might serve as a guide in planning your own Aaronic Priesthood encampment.

One stake has found success with a four-day experience to help young men realize their eternal identity and to understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The encampment focuses on building character, learning to feel the influence of the Spirit, making decisions, and choosing a course of living with integrity and purpose.

Another stake has been successful with a four-day experience to help young men learn the gospel (using Preach my Gospel), build relationships, serve others, have fun, and participate in challenging activities.

Leaders might also consider an experience to help young men increase their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, and prepare to serve a full-time mission.

Please adapt activities as necessary to ensure all individuals are able to participate, belong, and contribute.

Hold Aaronic Priesthood leadership, recreation, and training experiences over multiple weekends to accommodate schedules and travel restrictions.

Take ideas from the examples above and create your own unique experience to meet the needs of young men.

Encourage youth to talk about how what they are learning can help them and others grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity and should last just a few minutes. You could ask questions like the following:

• How can these kinds of experiences help us feel the Spirit?
• What kind of principles can we learn from participating in an Aaronic Priesthood encampment? Why are these principles important?
• Are there other skills or qualities that we want to learn from this encampment or from future encampments?