Overview for Youth
The Children and Youth program helps youth grow as their Savior did and share their gifts and talents with others. They seek revelation to know how to develop their talents, become more like Jesus Christ, and make themselves, other people, and even the world better.
The three areas of focus in the Children and Youth program are:
- Gospel learning.
- Service and activities.
- Personal development.
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Gospel learning starts in the home and is Church-supported. At home, youth learn, understand, and live the gospel of Jesus Christ as part of their daily lives. They participate in scripture study, teach lessons, pray together, organize home evenings, and so on. At church, adult leaders help teach gospel-focused classes and help youth plan gospel learning activities for their classes and quorums. Seminary classes also provide wonderful Church support for gospel learning.
Service and activities can help youth grow, establish righteous daily habits, build family relationships, learn life skills, and develop Christlike attributes. Family service and activities can focus on individual and family needs and provide opportunities to apply gospel principles in everyday experiences.
Service—including Aaronic Priesthood holders officiating in the ordinance of the sacrament—and regular activities provide opportunities to gather, learn new skills, accomplish difficult tasks, and build gospel-centered relationships with peers and leaders. These opportunities help youth grow more like the Savior and give meaningful service to others.
With the help of adult leaders, quorum and class presidencies plan service and activities. These activities should be fun and engaging and build testimonies, strengthen families, and foster personal growth. They should also be balanced across the four areas of growth (spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual).
Multiday activities for youth include For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conferences, youth conferences, camps, and other gatherings. These activities can help youth deepen their desire to follow the Savior, pull them out of their regular routines, and help them see that they are part of a larger group of youth who share righteous goals.
See the following for more service and activity ideas:
The bishopric may call and the Young Women presidency may recommend advisers and specialists for their quorums and classes. The bishopric and Young Women presidency and their called advisers and specialists can attend youth activities. There are always at least two adult leaders at every activity. All adult leaders must complete the training at ProtectingChildren.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Youth discover, plan, act, and reflect on their individual plans for personal growth (spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual). Parents may help youth recognize how they are already growing and where they may need to improve. All activities, including church, school, friendships, sports, the arts, work, and other individual interests can help children and youth follow Jesus Christ.
Youth are encouraged to focus on at least two goals in each of the four areas every year. Youth figure out how they want to set and track their progress. Some may wish to use Personal Development: Youth Guidebook or the Gospel Living app to select and record goals.
Goal ideas are available in the guidebook, at ChildrenandYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and on the Gospel Living app.