YOUTH CONFERENCE 2011 - Employee Web Siteemp.byui.edu/SmithS/youth conference/YOUTH CONFE… · Web viewYouth at the end of Youth Conference will be ... testimony of God’s word

Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011 1

YOUTH CONFERENCE 2011 *Starred items have explanation after the schedule.○Circle indicates the large group will be divided into smaller groups

Theme: 1 Nephi 19:23 Likening Scriptures to us/now Goal: We will provide activities in a context in which the spirit can teach to individual souls that which they need in order to build testimonies. Objectives: Youth at the end of Youth Conference will be able to:

be a participant in a healthy relationship. connect scripture studies to their contemporary lives. articulate how their decisions today are the same as those who came before them. articulate a moment in which the Spirit personally taught them.

Principles: (r=relationships, t=testimony)r confidencer self worth (what I have to offer world, I'm worth listening to)r reaching out to others (how to be in a relationship)t crude language (road blocks, poor language limits/dampers communication, doesn't move comm. along or uplift it, classic concepts)t respect for sacred thingst consistent discipleship--more than just Sunday worship

Each youth bring:BandanaSack lunch for the first daySet of scriptures

SCHEDULE7:30 Arrive at stake center7:30 Activities on stake center grounds (be involved as soon as arrive, get comfortable playing games

which is a big part of our conference, FUN, paralleling life/knowledge)Facilitators, with the help of Youth Leaders, run these games

1. *Copy Cat2. *Fill the Space & Freeze Frame3. *Just Like Me Tag4. *Elevator Air5. *Mass Jump rope

8:15 Move to gym inside—youth pick up lanyards and card for Ites Game and write name on both.Intro leaders, intro theme & explain campfire as symbol of testimony. Explain tent doors toward temple. Give info regarding travel. Give promise with a blessing, divide masses with Clusters game, & get Duct Tape Game started. Cards for “Ites” Game are passed out secretly.

○*Duct Tape Game Young Adult Facilitators run this.


Travel to camp in ward arranged vehicles.□Until 3:00 Showers are available to females

10:00 Arrive at Camp – Have a temple already in place (canvas tent with spire)10-11:00 Pitch tents toward temple

Set up camp by wards, doors facing the temple. (We will gather at the Campfire to talk, debrief, converse, and rest. Testimonies will die if they are not nourished, like a fire. Testimonies are generally found and increased in quiet places where reflection and quiet conversation can take place. Bring a piece of wood to feed the fire each time you come to it, symbolic of feeding your testimony and making it stronger. Symbolism used throughout the scriptures.) Facilitators camp near the ward they will be with for activities grouped as wards.Tower construction: While setting up camp, towards the beginning, a couple of Facilitators will go through camp to get help to build the tower near the temple “because King Benjamin is coming to speak to the people and there already are so many that his voice won’t be heard unless there is a tower for him to stand on.”

11:00 Read scriptures for Running Proverb Letters at camps, as individuals12:00-1:00 Sack lunch

□ Mosiah 4:19 King Benjamin said all beggars, depend on God for all food & raiment□ List of food and their scripture reference and/or symbolic infoSet up in the dining area a smorgasbord of foods mentioned specifically in the scriptures.

1:30 Meet at towerOpen with song How Great Thou Art, prayer, and scripture(s):

Moses 6:63 All things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritualAlma 30:44 All things denote there is a God, YOU are part of “all things”Nature testifies of God. We’re in nature. Don’t miss the testimony.Job 37:14 O Job, stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God

King Benjamin/stake president speaks to youth from towerSpeak about King Benjamin’s words, life, etc. relating it to our day, our stake, our youthInclude Jesus and his teachings – specifically tell the story of the fish & loaves of bread. □Matt. 14:15-22 Five loaves & two fishes□Mark 6:34-44 Feed 5000John 6:5-11 (verse 11—Christ gives thanks) Feeds 5000John 6:35 Christ bread of life, come to me never hunger & never thirst3 Nephi 18:6-7 bread to always remember JesusPresident give a prayer of thanks on bread and pray for youth.At end of talk Youth Leaders (dressed with shawl/turban) serve bread out of baskets. Round loaves in basket and as serve break a chunk off and give to each participant.

2:30 ○Meet at tower (Candy Bars to divide group)*Running Proverb Letters (Facilitators are with youth at beginning of game as youth learn how the game is to be played. Then youth come together as one mass to start the game—this is when Facilitators take their place at their assigned place.)


Snacks in bucket at Base3:30 Showers available for males until bedtime4:30 Down time5:30 Dinner – Before blessing on the food share scriptures below & why we sing songs; to unify, to

glorify, to worship God, to participate, & to create an environment for the spirit. Sing with gusto at the fireside.Nehemiah 7:67 Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem walls despite opposition and among his people were 245 “singing men and singing women.”Ezra 3:11 The people “sang together…in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord…because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”D&C 136:28 Praise the Lord with singing2 Nephi 17:22 Abundance of milk & honey shall everyone eatMosiah 9:9 Seeds of corn, wheat, barley, fruits, olives, herbs, oats, rye

6:30 *Fireside at Ward Campfire—Self Worth & Confidence

7:30 Meet at towerFreeze Frame game as large group/Notice others (short, maybe 15 minutes)Presentation of Minerva Teichert mural

Service Project – King Benjamin’s wise cousel:Mosiah 4:15 Teach children to love one another, and to serve one anotherMosiah 4:26 Give substance to poor, temporally & spiritually, administer to wants

9:00 Meet at tower*Sardines

*Storytelling & snack

11:00 Back to Campfire

FridayA.M. Showers available to females until 3:007:00 *Cook breakfast in Ward Campfire (Just before breakfast preparations Facilitator hands out

scriptures to go with meal and reads them with youth and then hands out the torn cloth (leather-like paper) with questions. While preparing breakfast youth write on a piece of torn cloth and stick it in their pocket for later use.)

8:00 *Title of Liberty, debrief as wards at Ward CampfireBring to rotations: water bottle & scriptures

8:40 ○Meet at tower, intro day, explain rotations & “likening” (Scripture Puzzle Pieces to divide youth)

1 Nephi 2:8-10 Laman like a river, running into fountain of righteousness, Lemuel like a valley firm and steadfast, parables, symbols, etc.

9:00 Begin rotation of following activitiesA trumpet will sound when it is time to rotate to the next activity.


Numbers 10:2-3 Lord speaks to Moses, sound trumpets for alarm, to assemble, and to move camps.

1 hr. *Mount Antipas Story Hike1 hr. *Messaging Game

2 hr. *Armor of God/Make chainmailEphesians 6:11-18, D&C 27:15-18 Discuss when finished. Use handout.

1:00 Sack lunches eaten at the 1:00 activity locationPrint a scripture on the sacks: Alma 5:34 Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely.

1 hr. *One Body/Bull Ring1 hr. *Web of Faith

1 hr. *Scripture Study Workshop1 hr. *Friendship Over the Meuse

□3:30 Showers available to males until bedtime

5:30 End rotationsDown time – write in journals, informal time at Ward Campfire

6:30 DinnerD&C 89:11 herb & fruit in season, used with prudence and thanksgivingD&C 59:18-20 all things made for benefit of man to gladden heart, for food & raiment, to

strengthen body & enliven soul, unto this end were they made to be used

7:30 Meet at Ward CampfireBlind Scavenger Hunt (grouped as wards, Facilitators run it) □Bring a bandana

9:00 ○Meet at tower (Dividing youth is in the game plan)*Capture the Flag

10:30 Debrief, while eating sweet bread, Ward Campfire as wards, Facilitators run the debriefGo to bed

Saturday□A.M. Showers available to females until YC ends7:30 *Cook breakfast in Ward Campfire as ward

9:00 *Morningside as wards at Ward Campfire

10:15 Gather at King Benjamin tower (Take scriptures, journal, and writing utensil) *What stand for?Pass out solo booklet


*Solo Experience – when trump sounds come back, drop evaluation in basketAdult leaders break camp and clean up.

11:00 Lunch & pack up, clean Ward Campfire and return homeRolls to be handed out with scripture a ways down the road

EXPLANATION OF ACTIVITIES BELOW

PROMISE WITH A BLESSING – to be explained at beginning of Youth ConferenceColosians 3:23 Whatever you do do it heartily, as to the Lord not unto man. Ye shall receive the reward…for ye serve GodIf you will give 100% you will receive:●knowledge and love of scriptures increase●testimony of God’s word grow●enjoy time at Youth Conference●confidence in God and self improve●improved relationships

COPY CATSource: Quicksilver by Karl Rohnke and Steve Butler, pg. 111Circle up group. Ask each person to choose someone in the group to be their leader. Do not tell anyone who their leader is. As soon as the game starts the person you chose as a leader moves or changes position in any way, you must do exactly as she does. Whenever she moves, you mirror her. Ask that people try to watch their leaders without staring directly at them so that leaders won’t know who (if anyone) is following them. After explaining and answering questions, check to be certain that everyone has a leader chosen. Before beginning, have people close their eyes and get in a comfortable pose. As soon as everyone opens their eyes on your command, they should change their pose to duplicate that of their leader.Once people open their eyes, patterns of movement begin to ripple around the circle. Sometimes this activity will last for several minutes, sometimes it will seem frenzied—at other times quiet. The end result is usually everyone in the same pose, thought sometimes you get two or three groups of people doing different poses.Do NOT debrief this activity at our Youth Conference.Debrief ideas: significance of conformity versus independence, the challenge of selecting a qualified leader and consequences of one or more people deciding to act on their own and what impact that has on the rest of the group.

FILL THE SPACEResource: No Props by Mark Collard pg. 71

Invite group to spread themselves randomly but evenly inside an area that you have designated. (If need set markers for boundaries.) Ask each person to slowly mingle about the area and attempt to “fill the (empty) spaces” as they are created here and there. Suggest that there is no need for talking or touching, simply move and observe all that is around you.


As group has started to mill about (notice, how funny your group will think this is already!), ask each person to secretly identify someone on the other side of the space. That other person doesn’t know that you have picked them. Then, keeping that person in mind, follow as closely behind that secret person as possible so that each time he or she moves away from you, you must follow.Obviously (and you don’t need to say this), this is a set up, because everyone is following a different person. They frantically move about to catch up with their ever moving target. Maintaining a walking pace is important though – there’s always one or two who insist on mingling “briskly,” otherwise known as running.After a few moments, ask the group to resume their mingling, and repeat the process with a new secret admirer. Or, move on to one of the following variations.Variations:-As you mingle, secretly identify a person close to you, and then keep as far away as possible (within the boundaries) from this person.-Select a person on the other side again, and then try to keep an equal distance in front of them at all times. As a further twist, make sure this other person notices you!Use a rope to mark boundaries, 75-100 feet is sufficient.

FREEZE FRAMESource: No Props by Mark Collard pg. 69

Have group spread evenly throughout an open space. Ask them to wander aimlessly within the boundaries of the space, simply observing other people as they move about them. No need to talk or touch anyone. Just wander.Explain that at any point, any one or more people can choose to “freeze” their movement, remaining absolutely dead-still mid-wander. This will trigger everyone who observes this immobilization to immediately freeze their movements too, and so on the ripples extend.The object for the group is to see how long it takes every individual to freeze. Hold the “group freeze” for a second or two to ensure that there are no belated moves, then…. relax.There is no point in physically timing the attempts, because the initial freeze will be triggered at random moments every time. Repeat the task a dozen or so times, perhaps with a few variations thrown in for good measure.In the beginning, people are focused on little else than themselves. This exercise forces people to look beyond themselves. It’s amazing what is achieved in such a short space of time, when a group of individuals constitute themselves as “community,” focus on other people and agree to achieve a common goal (i.e., everybody frozen as quickly as possible). This exercise is clearly a good physical warm-up. However, leading a brief discussion about what else is happening and how it relates to the “day-to-day” of the group may also open up some useful insights that relate to the “connectedness” of the group.Variations:-Ask people to speed their mingling up a little, and then in a later round, add sharp, random turns in direction.-Permit very brisk walking (shy of a jog or run) if you feel the group can keep it safe, especially with the sharp corners.Do NOT debrief this game at our Youth Conference.

JUST LIKE ME TAGResource: No Props by Mark Collard


Instruct group to spread out evenly throughout the playing space. Explain that on “Go,” everyone is required to place their two hands onto one appropriate part of their anatomy, such as their heads, ears, shoulders, tummy, etc. This position identifies each person with his or her team. As everyone is “it” at the same time, the object is for every person to tag anyone who is not on their “team,” i.e., anyone who has not placed their hands on the same part of the body. In most cases, this is pretty much the majority.As soon as a tag is made, the tagee is obliged to transform and place their hands onto that part of the body their tagger proudly displays. So, if I am tagged by a woman who has her hands on her nose, I do the same with my hands (on my nose, not hers!). This means that the next person I tag will place their hands on their nose too. One more for my team…yay!The action continues until everyone ends up on the same team. It will take some minutes, but if there is sufficient patience and energy, it’s worth waiting for the anatomical winner! Otherwise, cut it and take a vote.Variation:Limit the anatomical possibilities, such as “only on your head” or “above your waist.”

ELEVATOR AIRResource: No Props by Mark Collard pg. 37

Everyone knows what it means to be in an elevator. You step in. No one looks at you. You press the button for your floor. Doors close, and you instinctively glance up at the numbers blinking above the doors as if you’ve forgotten how to count. Moments pass, you glance up again and can’t believe that you still have ten floors to go. You can’t wait to get out… you know how it goes.Share a little of this with your group, to get them ready for what’s next. It will often spark a chortle or two, perhaps even a few comments about how dumb this all seems. If this happens, it is just perfect, and I recommend you allow it to occur.Starting in a large circle, invite every person to simply walk to the other side of the circle from where they are standing as if they had just entered an elevator. No talking, barely any eye contact and certainly no interaction. Take note of what happens, how it feels, etc.Ask everyone to return to their original spots in the circle, this time as if they were entering a room full of people they knew and were comfortable with. Again, observe what happens. Without ever saying it, I can guarantee they will instinctively go out of their way to interact with one another.Now, ask the group: Which atmosphere felt the most comfortable? Which atmosphere do you believe would be the most productive? You can probably see where this is heading, right? Take just a few moments to establish what caused the difference, and to connect this to your program. Typically, comments such as “It was safer,” “I felt trusted,” “I knew everyone better,” will be offered. Fantastic! Suggest that this is exactly what you hope to achieve with your program. Invite every member of your group to take responsibility for creating this atmosphere right here, right now. You’re ready to move on.

MASS JUMPROPEKeeping the rope turning, have each youth go through one at a time without missing a beat.All the group jumps as rope turns. How many turns until a miss? How many youth can we get to jump at once for how many turns?Do same as above but with a partner or triplets.Set a world record!Note: Don’t let frustration stop the attempt to succeed. Provide time for many attempts.


Set up:75’ rope

DUCT TAPE GAMEResource: 101 of the best Corporate Team Building Activities #20

20-30 minutes10-30 peopleSet up:One 60’ roll of the best duct tape available per groupPermanent marker for writing on the tapeOne step stool (or the like) per groupShims to support doors

Each group is to duct tape a youth to a door. The selected youth stands on a chair and leans as needed while being taped. To succeed the selected youth must stay attached to the wall for one full minute. Each person must take turns putting a piece of tape on door/person. Each piece of tape must have something written on it by the person who is attaching it. The words are to answer the question: What can I do to support and/or strengthen my friends? Words on each piece of tape must be different from all others. The Facilitator will watch and facilitate the game. Each group has 5 minutes to plan and 10 minutes to offer support (apply tape).Note: Facilitator watch how youth select a fellow youth to be taped up. Make sure the volunteer is comfortable with this.

Task: Secure the leader to the wall so he/she will stay suspended for 1 full minute once the chair is removed.

Rules: Tape must be applied flat to the wall and may not go around corners or over the top. You have 15 minutes to discuss and actually tape the leader in place. After this total 15 minutes, the chair will be removed. No taping hair or skin.

Read scriptures before debrief:Luke 22:32 When though art converted strengthen thy brethrenD&C 20:53-54 Teachers duty to be with and strengthen churchD&C 108:77 strengthen brethren in all your doings

Debriefing Question Suggestions (focus on the process of support):What were your favorite words which were taped up?How difficult was your task?What would have been a better way to succeed at the task given?Who could the taped up youth represent in our lives?How do we support peers? How do we support peers differently than leaders?How does this activity relate to the scriptures we read?What does this activity have to do with relationships?How are decisions made in the scriptures same as the ones we make now?


End debrief with an invitation to strengthen each other and leaders at Youth Conference and when they return home. Thank youth for their comments. Change topic by sharing :□1 Nephi 2:1-7 Lehi’s family departs into the wilderness, pitched his tent in a valley(This is to prepare them for travel to the camp.) Ask: What is the significance of travel? Rhetorical question: People in the Book of Mormon were often traveling to a new place for various reasons. What’s yours?

THURSDAY LUNCH/TASTER’S TABLEYouth will have brought a sack lunch to eat. We will provide a taster’s table of food mentioned in the scriptures. Include information on the food items in lanyards. Passover FoodsPascal Lamb=similitude of Jesus ChristUnleavened Bread=represents Israel’s abrupt and swift escape from Egypt—a flight so sudden that the Israelites could not wait for their bread dough to rise but had to bake it unleavened.Wine=represents joy and celebrationBitter Herbs=symbolizes Israelites’ suffering under the hands of their Egyptian taskmasters. Not clear which particular bitter herb Jesus would have eaten. Horseradish is usually the herb of choice. Before that it was romaine lettuce.

Foods mentioned in the scripturesHoneycomb/honeyMilkPulseGoat’s milkWheatFruit of the vineMeatHerbsBread

CornBarleyOlivesOatsRyeFishCucumberMelonLeeks

OnionsGarlicPomegranatesNuts, almondsFigsGrapesBerriesApplesClean fowls

Raisins Parched corn Cake of figs

RUNNING PROVERB LETTERS – we will NOT formally debrief this gameResource: Outdoor and Experiential Learning by Andy Martin, Dan Franc and Daniela Zounkova’□1 Nephi 5:21 After obtaining plates from Laban, Nephi and Lehi found they were of great worth to preserve commandments of Lord unto our children□1 Nephi 6 Nephi is not writing geneology, it’s on other plates. He writes things of God. Intent is to persuade men to come unto God.□1 Kings 4:29-32 God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding. He was wiser than all men. He spake 3000 proverbs.

Object of Game: To acquire letters by completing several scripture based challenges and then using all letters at the conclusion of the game to write group’s original proverb.

Instructions for play:Each team is given written instructions and rules of the game and given time to study them and ask questions. Instructions include Mosiah 4:27: “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient


that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.” Then the game starts. Youth run in groups of three or larger to various stations to get a letter. One letter is obtained at each station and must be returned each time to Base. The roles of the youth are not strictly set. They can run for letters or be the scribe. It is up to the team how they organize themselves. A scribe may not be needed until a few letters have been obtained. The scribes stay at the base guarding the team’s letters and trying to figure out an original proverb made up by the group. The number of letters is limited and only specific letters can be obtained at certain stations. At each station there may be a line so the group to arrive first goes first. The others must wait or try somewhere else. Facilitator determines if the group gets a letter or not if there is a question. When the team has the letters it needs to write its original proverb it is glued on poster board and recited in unison by the group. When the horn blows the game starts. When the horn blows again a proverb has been written.

When a group has finished their proverb and the horn has blow for their accomplishment the base Facilitator will give them a paper with the following scriptures written on it. (This is to be handed out only if the group is quite a ways ahead of other groups. We hope the group who has finished will then come up with the idea to help other groups who are not finished as yet.)“O Lord, will thou…give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me…wilt though grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them…their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these our brethren,….” Alma 31:32-35“I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that you may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 2:17“I would that ye should impart of your substance…every man according to that which he hath…to their relief…according to their wants. And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.” Mosiah 4:26-7

When all teams have completed their proverb at Base punctuate the end of the game with a couple of debrief type questions. Allow a few seconds for thought. Invite youth to write in their journals a couple of things they learned.

How familiar are you with scripture stories? Which are your favorite stories and why?

Congratulate them on their efforts and success. Encourage all to read each other’s proverbs. Post the proverbs on pavilion walls.

Good Samaritan Blank:In the midst of the game an actor will portray a Jew who has fallen, sprained an ankle or the like. If a group stops to help and takes care of him they are awarded a Good Samaritan letter, which is a blank, to be used as any letter they like IF they tell no one how they obtained it. The letter has printed on the back, “Good Samaritan blank, to be used for any letter.” The group must do something besides simply asking, “Are you okay?” Actor can help by asking if they’ll take him to a nearby stump or tree etc. Actor moves to new place once a letter has been given. Actor keeps blanks in pocket, unseen.Also, a stake leader will roam around watching and when an extraordinary act of selflessness occurs a Good Samaritan blank will be given. It is to be given in secret as much as possible. The person giving it may need to follow the subgroup a ways before giving it. Person explains to the youth why they get it. Stake leader keeps blanks in pocket, unseen.


General Set up:One Facilitator and one Ward Leader at each challenge siteHorn for start and accomplishing a proverbInstructions for play written up for Youth to read just prior to game, below between lines:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Running Proverb Letters (given at the beginning of the game)Object of game: To acquire letters by completing several scripture based challenges and then using all letters collected to write your group’s original proverb.How Game is played: Youth run in groups of three or larger to various stations. At each station is a challenge that must be completed to obtain a letter; it may be an individual challenge or a group challenge. Only one letter at a time is obtained at each station and must be returned to Base by the three youth who obtained it. Roles of youth are not strictly set. They can run for letters or be the scribe. It is up to the team how they organize themselves. The scribe stays at the Base guarding the team’s letters and trying to figure out an original proverb to be made up by the group. The number of letters is limited and only specific letters can be obtained at certain stations. At each station there may be a line so the group to arrive first goes first. The others must wait or try somewhere else. Facilitator determines if the group gets a letter or not if there is a question. When the team has the letters it needs to write its original proverb it is glued on poster board and recited in unison by the group. When the horn blows the game starts. When the horn blows again a proverb has been written successfully and has been recited in unison.Mosiah 4:27 “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”Rules-Youth cannot go into ward or stake camps. The only exception is Samuel the Lamanite which will be explained before the game begins.-Have to stay in subgroups of 3 or more at all times. Lose a letter if you don’t. Only exception is the scribe. One scribe can be left at Base.-Scribe must be switched out after at least every two letters arrive at base. -Youth must take turns at each station if it is a single person challenge. Example: Subgroup consists of Suzy, Ben and Annie. Suzy does the challenge the first time, the next time Ben does it, the next time Annie, the next time some other member of the team must come with their subgroup to do the challenge. If the station presents a group challenge the group can return as many times as they like and work on the challenge together.-Only one letter can be obtained after each challenge. Then the letter is run back to the group’s scribe at Base before doing another challenge.-Have to use at least 55 letters in the group’s original proverb.

The Game is over when each group has written an original proverb.

Each station will have the name/title of challenge posted.Each station is facilitated by one Ward Leader and one Facilitator. At base we need one adult (maybe a stake leader).Copies of letters as follows:Blanks 16 a 160 b 30 c 30 d 60 e 120 f 20 g 30 h 90 I 120 j 10 k 10


l 120 m 120 n 150 o 80 p 20 q 10 r 60 s 100 t 70 u 50 v 10 w 60 x 10y 30 z 10

Three letters at each station as described belowGoliath #1 10 Virgins #2 Brain Busters #3 Sing Psalms #4 Faith Crawl #5i 60 o 40 e 60 u 50 h 90c 30 q 10 f 20 z 10 w 60p 20 r 60 g 30 I 60 o 40

Sheep #6 Locust #7 Samuel #8 Samson #9 Mites #10a 80 d 60 s 100 m 120 l 60b 30 k 10 t 70 n 150 j 10v 10 a 80 x 10 y 30 e 6016 Good Samaritan blanksNote: If we run out of a certain letter that’s okay. It adds an interesting element to the game. Facilitators and/or Ward Leaders keep letters concealed in pocket until awarded.Samuel and Samson have the most used consonants.

Rules-Cannot go into ward or stake camps. The only exception is Samuel the Lamanite which will be explained before the game begins.-Have to stay in subgroups of 3 or more at all times. Lose a letter if you don’t. Only exception is the scribe. One scribe can be left at Base.-Scribe must be switched out after at least every two letters arrive at base. --Youth must take turns at each station if it is a single person challenge. Example: Subgroup consists of Suzy, Ben and Annie. Suzy does the challenge the first time, the next time Ben does it, the next time Annie, the next time some other member of the team must come with their subgroup to do the challenge. If the station presents a group challenge the group can return as many times as they like and work on the challenge together.-Only one letter can be obtained after each challenge. Then the letter is run back to the group’s scribe at Base before doing another challenge.-Have to use at least 55 letters in the group’s original proverb.

Set up for each station will be listed below by station’s name.

#1 GoliathIndividual Challenge: To sling shot a rock and hit Goliath’s forehead or any part of his headLetter awarded when: head is hit with a rock from designated spot

Set up: Giant Goliath is set up a few yards from throwing spot, stuffed or painted onto a big board or a stick man with a nice big foreheadA big pile of small rocksFour sling shots – so multiple youth can shoot one right after the other

#2 10 Virgins


Group Challenge: To move water in a holey PVC pipe (about 6”WX8”T) from stream to lamp, a few yards away, as quickly as possible and fill the lamp with the water. If the lamp is not filled the first time they may return for more water. Having to run with water twice is what we’re going for.Letter awarded when: the lamp is full of water

Set up: Near the streamThree short fat PVC pipes with 8 holes drilled in eachThree large “lamps” to fill with water

#3 Scripture Brain BustersGroup Challenge: To answer a scripture question or answer to a scripture riddle or puzzle.Letter awarded when: the right answer is given to the facilitator with the question, riddle, or puzzle. Each group to arrive is given a challenge that has not been previously answered.

Set up:Three blankets on the ground each with a scripture related question, riddle, or puzzle to do.Have 120 questions, riddles, or puzzles ready on separate papers

#4 Let Him Sing Psalms!- James 5:13Group or Individual Challenge: Sing Scripture, which was written as a song or scripture about song. Make up your own tune. Must use a timbrel/tambourine for accompaniment like they did in bible times. Letter awarded when: The scripture is fully SUNG.Set up: Three hymn books marked with Hymn # 108, Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd… David’s psalm

Have three bibles marked with the following songs on a table or blankets on ground.Exodus 15:2 Lord is my strength and song… Moses’ song2 Samuel 22:2 -4 The Lord is my rock… David’s song1 Chronicles 16:8-11 Give thanks unto the Lord… David’s songPsalm 18:2-3 David’s psalm

Also mark in triple combination scriptures the following verses which apply and can also be sung:D&C 136:28 If thou art merry, praise the Lord… from Lord to Brigham YoungAlma 26:8 Blessed be the name of our God… Ammon glories in the Lord

Three timbrels, one on each table, ready for use

#5 Faith Crawl/Kitten Crawl

Resource: Cowtails and Cobras by Karl Rohnke page 34

Individual Challenge: Youth is to make his/her way from one end of the parallel ropes to the other and recited an Article of Faith.

There are two ways to accomplish this task. The easiest and most practical technique is to begin in a face down position with the parallel ropes running across the shoulders, continuing by the hips, across the inside of the knees and ending with the rope running over the instep of both feet. Progress is made by pulling along with the arms. This method is hard to protect by spotting. In the second method, the


participant places the arch part of his/her feet on one side of the parallel ropes and hands on the other so that the body is bridging the gap between ropes. The youth moves hands and feet along the ropes in much the same way as progress is made on the Two Line Bridge. Getting into position is a challenge in itself. Allow the youth to work this out themselves. Once at the other end youth recites one the 13th Article of Faith (It’s the 2011 general APYW theme).Letter awarded when: Youth has crawled across the parallel ropes successfully and recited an Article of Faith correctly.

Set up:Webbing attached to trees and/or truck(s) and pulled taut, about 2’ off ground, over water if possible

#6 King Lamoni’s sheepGroup Challenge: To gather the sheep/rocks by tying a rope around a large bag with heavy rocks in it. And then pull them from point A to B. The next group to do the challenge will pull from B to A (to preserve the Facilitator’s energy). When arrive at the designated point push a lever down (chop off the arm of enemy who scattered the flock in the first place).Letter awarded when: Rocks have been successfully pulled from A to B (or B to A) and the arm has been pulled down with a sword.

Set up:Two bags with rocks


Two ropes long enough to tie the bag and use to pullMake two of these: Two simple levers made of two 2X4’s or the like nailed into anything standing. It would look like a “T”. Put a shirt on it so it looks like arms. One would be at point A and one at point B. (Both groups use the same dummy to push arms down.)Four swords

#7 Locusts and Wild Honey

Mark 1:6 John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey.Individual Challenge: Adorn body in camel’s hair and leather skirt, then eat a locust and some wild honey.Letter awarded when: locust and honey are properly swallowed while youth is wearing camel’s hair and leather wrapped around loins

Set up:Two tables or the like containing camel’s hair, leather wrap, locusts, and honey40+ grasshoppers (locusts) (Kids can catch loads of grasshoppers. Cook them and freeze them till YC.)

#8 Samuel the LamaniteIndividual Challenge: With a bow and arrow try to make your arrow go over the wall but NOT hit Samuel who is standing on the wall.Letter awarded when: Youth’s arrow goes over the wall without hitting Samuel

Set up:A few yards from launch point a wall is placedWall can be any old wood which is tall, maybe 12+ feetA dummy Samuel attached to the top of the wall, out of woodFour bowsAs many arrows as we can get

#9 Samson/Abigail/TabithaGroup Challenge: Put a life size puzzle of Samson or Abigail or Tabitha together.Letter awarded when: The puzzle is successfully completed and each piece has been read.Set up:Three life size puzzles. Don’t cut out the body. Leave each piece in 8.5X11 size. On each puzzle piece write information about the person and/or their story. Dress a person up in period clothing and take a picture of each. Have a puzzle of 8.5 X 11 sheets made at a copy shop.Three boards or flat area to put each puzzle together Samson’s story – Judges 13-16Known for greatness of strengthWeak in intellectual characterWeak in moral characterWhen he told the secret of his strength he lost itThe secret of his strength was his long hair,His hair was chopped off while he slept because he revealed his secret to the woman he lovedHe was put in prison


His eyes were made blind by his enemiesHe suffered severe consequences due to one slip of the tongueHe died in a building he made to crumble by his own strength; it was an act of mercy from his God. Samson’s story is found in Judges 13 to 16Samson means “of the sun”

Abigail’s story – 1 Samuel 25-42 (use a picture of a younger woman)Abigail’s story is found in 1st Samuel chapter 25.Abigail was first married to an evil man, Nabal. Abigail lived with Nabal in Maon.Abigail was a woman of “good understanding.”Abigail was a woman “of a beautiful countenance.”Abigail learned from a young man who worked for Nabal that David had come in peace, protected the sheep shearers while they worked in Nabal’s lands, and then was rejected by Nabal. Listener.When Abigail learned of Nabal’s refusal to help to help David, she “made haste” and prepared food for David’s men. The food Abigail prepared quickly for David’s men was: 200 loaves of bread, 2 bottles of wine, five sheep, parched corn, 100 clusters of raisins, 200 cakes of figs. Knew food preparation.Abigail followed behind the offering of food and when she saw David “she hasted and lighted off the ass,” fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, falling at his feet. Humble shrewdness.Abigail was a courageous and shrewd woman. She not only offered to take the blame for her husband’s rejection of David but she also boldly told David he wouldn’t want to carry the burden of needless bloodshed. Courage & foresight.She saved her husband’s life and all in his household as well as saving David from sin.David told Abigail, “Blessed be thy advice.” Wisdom.After Abigail’s encounter with David she returned to a drunken husband. She told him in the morning all that had taken place with David, thus demonstrating her integrity.Nabal died 10 days after Abigail explained about David wanting to kill all in his household and about her food offering to David’s men. After Nabal’s death David asked to marry Abigail. She received this message humbly and “hasted” to David to be his wife.Abigail was quick to think and act. Abigail knew what to do when. Knowledge.Abigail means her Father’s joy or fountain of joy.Abigail was captured by Amalekites and then rescued by her husband, David.Abigail is the daughter of Nahash and sister to Zeruiah.

Tabitha’s story -- Acts 9:36-42 (Use a picture of an older woman)Tabitha was a disciple of Christ. Faith in Christ.Interpretation of Tabitha’s name is Dorcas.Tabitha was “full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Endeared others to her by her service.Tabitha lived in Joppa.Tabitha died after having been sick and was laid in an “upper chamber.” Loved and respected in the community.When Peter arrived in the upper chamber, where Tabitha lay, the widows there were weeping and showed him coats and clothing which Tabitha had made while she was with them. Worker & friend.Peter said, “Tabitha arise.” She opened her eyes and when she saw Peter she sat up. He gave Tabitha his hand and lifted her up. Peter presented her alive to her friends. Faith in priesthood power.Many heard of the Tabitha miracle and believed in the Lord because of it. Missionary work.


Tabitha’s story is found in Acts 9:36-42

#10 Widow’s Two MitesGroup and/or Individual challenge: To get two mites/rocks into the treasury by throwing them in as youth swing from a rope past the treasury box. If youth are unsuccessful in getting the mites in a group member may retrieve the rocks and give them to the youth on the rope to try again. Youth can swing themselves to the treasury or a group member can push them.Challenge awarded when: Two objects have successfully been dropped/thrown into the box while youth is on the rope.

Set up:Two single rope swings. Bottom of the rope should have a good size loop for those who may not have arm strength to simply hold the ropeOne box labeled “TREASURY” placed between two swings far enough away from swings to be a challenge to get the rocks in.Four mites

BaseGroup Challenge after letters are gathered: To write a meaningful proverb using 55 letters or more and to glue it to a poster board. Group recites their proverb in unison very loudly so all know they have completed the Running Proverb Letters challenge.

Set up:Visibly post the definition of a proverb: A short verse or statement of truth or moral lesson.Each group gets one poster board, pencil, glue stick, and all the paper they need for planning.10 (one for each group) Bibles available for Proverb ideasPaper and pencils for sketching out proverbs10 sticks glue10 pieces of poster board Visual of a finished made-up proverb as an example. Make sure it has one blank in it.

Example of made-up proverb: As the earth revolves around the sun so does a child to her pleasant mother.

Person to facilitate Base, be there the entire game, hand out the scripture toward the end, answer questions etc.Printed scriptures to give to groups when proverb is complete

THURSDAY WARD FIRESIDE AT WARD CAMPFIRESing Hymn #277 As I Search the Holy ScripturesSelf Worth/ Confidence/Valuing othersInclude practical how-to live these principles & Christ

Moses 1: 9-18 Moses knows who he is“similitude of God,” what does that mean?Trust in God produces confidenceHow come to knowledge of personal worth?D&C 18:10 worth of souls is great in sight of GodPsalms 8:5 man—a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory & honorJacob 2:13 some think they’re better than others due to costly apparel, all are alike to Him


D&C 121:45 confidence in God’s presence—virtuous thoughtsProverbs 3:26 Lord is confidenceConfidence is based on trust in Lord and the Holy SpiritDid David know who he was? Did he have confidence? Did he get confidence?

SARDINESLuke 15:3-7, 10 Leave the ninety and nine and after that which is lost, joy over one sinner, rejoicing

Game instructionEight youth (sheep) hide in various places. All others go find one sheep and hide with her/him. When all have found and been found a horn will blow and all will return. Each group must return their sheep rejoicing. To begin the Game Facilitator introduces the scripture and points out verse 5 and then verse 6.Verse 5 says, “And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.”Verse 6 says, “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”Play game and when all return game facilitator leads group in yelling verse 6. Ham it up, make it fun. Maybe do a little dance.Then play the game again with new sheep.We are not debriefing this game.

To decipher who the sheep (youth who will hide) will be, each will be given a sheet of paper:(Can play five times with this set up)Each paper 8 sheep 8 sheep 8 sheepLuke 15:3-7 Luke 15:3-7,10 Luke 15:3-7 Luke 15:3-7100-1=one lost soul 100-1=one lost soul 100-1=one lost soul 100-1=one lost soul100-1≠99 100-1≠99 100-1≠99 100-1≠99=sorrowLost one found=joy Lost one found=joy Lost one found=joy & Lost one found=joy

Rejoicing

8 sheep 8 sheepLuke 15:3-7 Luke 15:3-7100-1=one lost soul 100-1=one lost soul100-1≠99 100-1≠99Lost one found=joy Lost one found=JOY Game facilitator will say, “All youth who have the scripture listed with a “10” will be our first sheep to go hide. The second time we play it will be those youth who possess the paper with “& rejoicing”. And so forth. Facilitator have the youth close eyes while the 8 go hide. Tell a joke or story while the youth have eyes closed. A horn is to be blown when all are to return to starting point.Note: When printing these papers for the youth do NOT use bold letters.

STORYTELLINGStory teller tells Prodigal Son & Lost Coins modern day versionLuke 15:8-10 woman loses pieces of silver, sweeps house, finds coins, rejoices with friendsLuke 15:11-32 prodigal son returnsNote: Have to have a GREAT storyteller, one who will ham it up, be creative with the story, props or costume if needed, get into the audience’s face, etc. Storyteller possibly include: negligence, how to


find someone/something, not pay attention, wandering, doesn’t matter how got lost—matters how get found

FRIDAY BREAKFAST□Numbers 11 gathered foods, ground it, beat it to mortar, baked and made cakes

Mentions fish, cucumber, melon, leeks, onions, garlic□D&C 89 Principle with a promise/commandment with a blessing□Ecclesiastes 3:13 Every man should eat & drink, & enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of GodRight before meal is prepared hand out the scriptures for this activity and read them together. Then prepare meal.Gather some food together to make:PancakesSyrupEggs MilkBerries

FRIDAY TITLE OF LIBERTY□Alma 46

Facilitators ask youth to answer questions displayed on camp tableEach youth needs a piece of torn cloth (leather-like paper). On the cloth youth write the answer to: 1. What are the liberties you’re willing to fight for & stand up for?2. If someone attempted to take away your liberty to what extent are you willing to act or fight to keep it?Display these questions on camp table for all youth to refer to. Tell youth to write answers to these questions on their piece of torn cloth and stick it in their pocket before they eat breakfast.

Moroni runs through breakfast with piece of rent clothing on the end of a pole :12 (written on it is: In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children), inviting others to join him, saying “come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant to maintain our rights, and our religion, that the Lord God may bless us.” He leads followers to nearby hill and posts Title of Liberty somewhere where it can be seen close by. Call followers (youth and leaders) “Christians” and say, “Amalikiah, a Nephite, knowing instructions of Lord (Alma 47:36) seeks to be a king & persuades some Nephites to follow him. Helaman & brethren counter this by preaching truth. :21 Moroni, chief commander of armies response is to rent his coat, write on it and gather those willing to covenant to defend liberty. People come running with armor on loins & they covenant by rending their garments and throwing the torn piece of cloth at the foot of the title of liberty:16 Moroni prays that freedom of the land might be favored.Explain symbolism of “rent garments” Alma 46:23-24What are you willing to commit to do to maintain liberty?

At this point Moroni throws his torn piece of cloth at the base of the Title of Liberty and asks the “Christians” to do the same.

Read Alma 46:12-13. Ask a question or two on hill to get youth thinking and dismiss.


Return to Ward Campfires. Debrief. Facilitator runs debrief.Facilitators and Ward Leaders remember to debrief individually when can.

Debriefing Question Suggestions:When we make a covenant we don’t tear clothing. What do we do?Say, “Amalikiah was a brother to liberty but then turned enemy.”What are the Amalikiahs in our day? How so?Why did Moroni and followers covenant publicly?What covenants do we make publicly? Why?How do we keep covenants we’ve made?What attributes of character did Moroni manifest? How?Who is a Moroni in our day?

Set up: Piece of cloth for each youth to write on, made with paper

Instructions for making leather-like paperUse grocery size brown paper sacks. Rip into the pieces the size you desire. Crumple up the paper, then open it up, spray with water and iron. Repeat the process until it looks and feels leather-like.

Megaphone Armor for Moroni if can get it; he was dressed in armor when he gathered peopleTitle of Liberty to be postedPrinted questions or each ward to display on table for reference

MOUNT ANTIPAS STORY HIKEHike straight up, go around top of hill where can see temple and camp, and go down the other side.Alma 46-47Bottom of mountain: Recall memories to Moroni’s title of Liberty. Story overview: Amalikiah was the opposition to captain Moroni and Helaman and his brethren. Amalikiah was a brother Nephite turned bad. Now trying to become king of Lamanites by his cunning, he seeks to take down Lahonti’s men who are on Mount Antipas.Tell the story, at all places and parts, with PASSION. Know the story well!!Hike a few minutes and stop at certain points to tell a portion of the story and ask questions.The Story begins:46:29 Amalikiah, a traitor to his own Nephite people, takes those who follow him to Lamanite lands.47:1 Amalikiah stirs up Lamanites to go to battle against Nephites.:2 Some people feared to displease king but also feared death by Nephites.:3 King got mad at his people and gave command of obedient army to Amalikiah:5-7 Lamanites who did not want to fight Nephites fled to Mt. Antipas in preparation to fight Amalikiah’s army.

Hike straight up two minutes.Up Stop #1 (3-5 minutes)Look around. Is the perspective different here from where we started? (If it is: How so?)Why did Lahonti take his men to the top of a mountain?

Hike two minutes.


Up Stop #2 (1-2 minutes)Look around. Is the perspective different here from where we started? How so?

Hike almost to the top.Up Stop #3 (5-10 minutes)What fortifications and preparations would have had to be made on the hill for battle?

Each division of the army would need to do different preparations and fortifications based on their responsibilities, strengths, weaknesses, and what they know of their enemy

-chainmail armor is on person; it is their protection-trees are a protection for vulnerable archers-barricade structures built for divisions to hide behind-wide open spaces left for enemy to come closer-use of terrain/environment; ravens, valleys, caves, rocks, crevices, bushes, trees, weather, etc.

How is your personal fortification different from someone else’s? Is this okay? Do differences strengthen or weaken a group? How?How do we use our terrain & environment as fortifications in our lives?When is the time to fortify & prepare?What is the preparation we do in our lives to be ready when our enemy approaches? What do we do to fortify?

Hike one or two minutes.Top of mountain/wherever end up (10 minutes)Lahonti’s men are in a predicament; trying to do what’s right but going against their brothers, fellow Lamanites. Amalikiah & followers went against all they were taught. Lahonti & followers did also. How do you know if it’s right to do that?Have you/do you ever go against own people/parents/family/country because it is the right thing to do? How do you know it’s right?When we don’t agree with something, or we find it morally wrong, how can we disagree in a kind and Christ-like way?Who is your true source of all that is right?

D&C 9:7-9 study in own mind, ask God if right, “feel that it is right”Ether 4:11-12 Spirit persuades men to do goodMoroni 10:5 by power of Holy Ghost know truth of all things

Look around, look down. Temple view. Notice streams and where they meet, valleys, terrain, etc. What can you see from this perspective that you couldn’t see from below or even halfway up?What are the benefits to being on top of the mountain? View? Strategy? Safety? From what?Amalikiah was Lahonti’s enemy. What/who is your enemy?What is your Mt. Antipas/top of the hill? ( Answer privately to self)

The story continues::4,8 Amalikiah wants to dethrone king. His plan is to gain favor with armies of Lamanites first.:10 So he sets up camp at the base of Mt. Antipas and sends a secret embassy to the mount to persuade the leader, Lahonti, to come down to speak with Amalikiah.:11 Theree times this happens. Lahonti won’t come down.:12 So Amalikiah goes up almost to Lahonti’s camp and sends message a fourth time for Lahonti to bring guards with him and come down.


Hike down the mountain a two minutes.Down Stop #1The story continues::13 Lahonti came down. Amalikiah weaves his plan telling Lahonti to bring his men down in the night and surround Amalikiah’s army. Then Amalikiah would deliver up the army to Lahonti. Lahonti was to make Amalikiah second in command.:14 Lahonti’s men did the plan.What is your perspective from here? Can you see as well as on top?What would get you to compromise your view/aim/safety?What could be so strong in your life to bring you to enemy lines?

Hike to bottom of mountain.Bottom of mountain (use remaining time allotted for activity)The story continues::15-16 Amalikiah’s (king’s) men join Lahonti’s men. This is evil design of Amalikiah.:17 If chief leader is killed it was custom to appoint second leader to be chief.:18 Amalikiah’s servant poisons Lahonti “by degrees” till he dies.:19 Amalikiah is now leader.What were Lahonti’s consequences for coming down?Why does Satan poison by degrees?What are you being poisoned with slowly, by degrees, that is keeping you from liberty?How is this happening in our land? U.S.? Our city? Our homes?What must we/you do about it?What will you commit to do to fortify yourself, your home, your community, your country? What can you do here at Youth Conference and as soon as you arrive home to prepare against the fiery darts of the adversary? (1 Nephi 15:24 hold fast to the word of God, D&C 3:8 extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble)Why did Lahonti come down? Would you be so foolish? Decide now.

End of Mount Antipas story::20-24 Amalikiah’s army returns to king & kills him.:36 Nephite dissenters (Amalikiah and his men) are more hardened and impenitent, more wild, ferocious than Lamanites, giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness, and entirely forgetting the Lord their God.Hand out the scripture reference and say, “Remember your God and don’t let yourself be poisoned.”

MESSAGING GAMEResource: 101 of the best Corporate Team-building Activities we know! By Simon

Priest & Karl Rohnke, Activity#2□3 Nephi 12:33-37 Christ teaches don’t swear□1 Corinthians 15:33 evil communication corrupt good manners□Ephesians 4:29 let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth□D&C 20:54 see there is no hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking□1 Timothy 4:12 be an example of the believers in word, in conversation□Proverbs 15:1 soft answer turneth away wrath; grievous words stir up anger


Task: To see how many objects the group can maintain in play for a set number of throws without dropping any.

Facilitator sits in a circle with youth and all read the scriptures together. Then play game. Facilitator is part of the game and stands in the circle with the youth. Facilitator tells youth to remember who they threw to. Facilitator then says, “I have one message (throwable object) that everyone needs to share in the established sequence. I’d like everyone to assume the ‘catching’ position (facilitator demonstrates.) This will signify that you are ready to receive the message. Once you have this message, and have passed it on to someone you just stand normally. This will tell us who have been contacted and who has yet to be reached. Make eye contact with the person you are throwing to. I’ll start the message on its way around the group and, after it has touched everyone, it should come back to finish with me for the very last communication. If we drop the message simply retrieve it and continue.” Throwing continues until each has had a turn and a sequence is established. While the ball is still in motion the facilitator says, “Let’s see how many messages our system can handle” and begins adding objects into the sequence in an almost metronome fashion until the maximum limit is reached. (One object per person in the circle is a good limit.)

Note: If the game needs a little more challenge expand the diameter of the circle.

During the chaos facilitator asks some questions:Is this feeling like work?What gets juggled in our lives as we try to communicate with family and friends?Has there been a time when more objects were on the ground than in the air?

Variations: Substitute objects of consequence with water balloons. We will use some water balloons.

Set up: 8 soft throwable objectsOne harder object to throw160 water balloons filled with water (20 per group)Buckets or other container to hold full water balloonsHide extra water balloons so they won’t be used if a water fight breaks out.

DebriefDebriefing Question Suggestions:How did we do at our task of keeping the message going?What is a good example of passing the message well?What is an example of passing the message badly?How does this apply to communication?How easy was it to communicate?

Were you distracted?What were the distractions?What are the distractions that keep us from communicating day to day?

What is the “corrupt communication” spoken of in Ephesians 4:29?In what way does this experience help us understand communication with swear words?How difficult was it to keep the objects off the ground?What made one of the objects more difficult to receive and throw? Why?How does the type of message affect your ability to receive it?


Do some messages need to be given with more care? What kind?How interested are you in receiving all types of messages? What messages are you not interesting in receiving? Why?What types of messages would you like to receive?Why is gossip a message that absolutely should not be sent?How can we be examples of the believers in communication?How is gossip damaging to people and relationships?What demonstrates Proverbs 15:1 to be true?Would someone sum up what you have learned from all this discussion so far.How will this information affect your life?After talking about this what is something you’ll change about your communication?

Why did you pick who you picked to receive your message?Who do we choose to receive messages in our daily lives? Who and for what message?What messages do you give your parents?What messages do you give your friends?How did we do at keeping eye contact?

How did you feel when you dropped a message?What was the effect on the group when the message was dropped?What is the communication lesson in this?How can this knowledge help you?

In what way will you change your messaging system to be more effective in communicating?Challenge: We invite you to practice it while you are here?

ARMOR OF GOD/CHAINMAILChainmail demonstration by youth leader and his fatherResource and set up: Brothers Kirkham□Ephesians 6:12-18Ephesians 6:12 We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers of darkness of this world

:13 whole armor of God, that may withstand in the evil day, to stand :14 stand having loins girt about with truth, breastplate of righteousness :15 feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace :16 above all shield of faith, to quench all fiery darts of wicked :17 helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit which is word of God :18 praying always, watching with perseverance and supplication for all saints (friends)

Brother Kirkham will give a presentation on medieval armor. He will then teach youth how to make a key chain out of chainmail. For our purposes he should stick to one time period and explain each piece of armor italicized above. Try on the armor if they like, touch it, feel weight of it, recognize how it takes a lot of time to make it, it’s tedious, but the protection is worth it. Have a discussion after the activity about the armor and what it means according to scripture. And also what it means in our day. Use Harold B. Lee’s talk and diagram of armored man. Possible topics/questions:Why are scriptures filled with symbolism?When is the time to prepare for war?When do we build the armor against evil?What is tedious about obtaining protection?How/Why would the mundane tedious and difficult be worth the protection?How do we girt our loins with truth?


What is a breastplate of righteousness?How is the gospel of peace a preparation? And what is the significance of feet shod with it?Why is “shield of faith” above all? How does faith quench fiery darts?What is the “helmet of salvation?” How is it a preparation against rulers of darkness?Why sword of the Spirit?Who are “all the Saints”?How do we pray always?How do we watch with “perseverance and supplication” for our friends?Can armor/protection be made right before war? How do we build the armor against evil?

Set up:Facilitator and Ward Leader should be familiar with not only the scriptures above but also:Talk by Harold B. Lee, “Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace”, (Speeches of the Year, 1954, pp. 2-4, 6-7) clearly explains each of the pieces of armor and what they symbolize. Note: In the discussion Facilitator & Ward Leader can periodically give input/instruction. The input specifically should be giving truth from scripture or from Harold B. Lee’s talk.


ONE BODY/BULL RING


Resource: 101 of the Best Corporate Team-Building Activities #58

1 Corinthians 12:7-27 the body is not one member, but many; no schism in the body, members should have the same care one for another; one suffers we all suffer; ye are the body of Christ and members in particularNote: Schism defined is disunion; discord; a separation or division of cohesive person or persons4 Nephi 1:17 nor any manner of –ites; but they were in one, the children of ChristD&C 38:24-28 esteem his brother as himself, be one, if not one not mine, enemy seeks your livesPsalms 133:1 how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity

Object of game: To complete a journey together by carrying a ball on a ring held by multiple strings.

Rules:If you drop the ball, start over.Hold only the strings at the end furthest from the ring.Don’t touch the ball or the ring, otherwise start over.

Note: Facilitator is to sit in circle and read scriptures with youth. Then play game. Then sit in circle to debrief.

Set up:Fifteen 10’ string lengths, with loop on the end to easily attach to the ringOne 2” diameter ringTennis ball1” diameter 4’ long PVC pipe, stuck in the groundStand the PVC pipe vertically with about 1’ anchored in the ground. Tie the ten pieces of string to the ring and then slip the ring over the pipe. Let the ring rest on the ground, with the strings spread out widely. Place the ball atop that standing pipe.Plan the route for youth to take, including up an incline and/or down a gulch and between some narrow place (between posts) and maybe through water or over a bridge, etc.


Variations: Provide blindfolds for all but one. Add obstacles, uneven ground, narrow spaces, ankles tied together, etc. Substitute large ice cubes for tennis balls.

DebriefWhat thoughts did you have while you worked on this activity which related to the scriptures we read before we started?In what way was this game challenging?

Ask youth to answer to themselves the following questions. Be sure to give a few seconds for youth to get something in mind.

What gifts have been given to YOU to serve others?With all the gifts you personally have, and as unique as you are; remembering no one else in all the world is YOU, how valuable are you in doing God’s work?

How important was your responsibility to hold your end of the rope?Was one person’s responsibility more important than another’s?

How does this relate to church, home, and life generally?What does this have to do with our baptismal covenant to bear one another’s burdens?

Did each hold their rope the same?Why were each of us made different than all other individuals?How do we compliment each other through differences?

If one of you ceased to participate in the activity could the others have succeeded? Would the one who pulled out have succeeded? Why do you have to be in the game to succeed?

How does this relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ?1 Corinthians 12:27 What did you learn through this activity about verse 27?D&C 38 Can you return to Father in heaven alone, isolated, without relationships?D&C 38:24-25 Why is “let every man esteem his brother as himself” written twice, one right after the other?

WEB OF FAITH/SPIDER’S WEBResource: 101 of the best Corporate Team-Building Activities we know! By Simon Priest & Karl Rohnke #77 and Cowtails and Cobras II by Karl Rohnke pg 106

3 Nephi 17:5-10 Jesus was about to leave but the people wanted him to tarry a little longer so he asked them to bring infirmities, i.e., lame, blind, halt, maimed, leprous, withered, deaf, afflicted in any manner, faith is sufficient that I should heal you

Note: Matthew 8:16 Christ healed ALL who were sick; not just some of the sick.

Object of game: To get everyone through the web without touching the strands or using any opening twice. Youth get passed by the group through the openings of a giant web.

To facilitate game: After read scripture together, gather youth on one side of the web. Give some disabilities to youth, i.e., blind (blindfolded), dumb (cannot speak), lame (crutch and tie up one leg), no arm (tie arm to body), halt (no use of legs). Then stand on the other side of the Web so that the web is in between youth and yourself. Tell youth the scenario. Ask if there are any questions. Observe what happens closely for debriefing.


Scenario: Christ is here. You heard him say to bring any who are afflicted in any manner. You desperately want your loved ones and those less fortunate to be healed because you have seen their suffering through the years. Now is your chance to perform and their chance to be made whole. To get to the healer you must all successfully pass through the Web of Faith. It is a simple task but it requires effort. Your task is to get everyone through the web without touching the strands or using any opening twice.

Rules: 1. Youth cannot go over, under or around the web; youth must go through it. 2. Once a youth successfully (no one touches the web) gets through the hole, that hole is closed

and cannot be reopened.3. Once a hole is chosen by an individual, it cannot be used by anyone else.4. Using the same opening twice returns two people to the start. 5. Contacting the web during passage through the web by anyone (even the supporters) returns

only the person being passed to the start. A bell rings when contact is made with the web.

Note to Facilitator: This activity has the potential for being an extremely powerful Initiative. Watch for the capable and strong ones in the group; make these your maimed & lame etc. This gives them an opportunity to be helped which is different from what they experience 24/7. The more reserved youth will then have an opportunity to do something different than what they normally do also. Thus youth will have to stretch themselves to accomplish the task before them.The initial framing of the experience is critical. Make sure the youth understand the story. Based on the presentation of the rules, the Web becomes either a fairly simple activity or an exasperatingly difficult one. But it depends on the facilitating and the observing of behaviors which exemplify the scriptural themes this activity develops. Safety: make sure the head and neck of youth being lifted are well supported. Encourage people to lift with their legs and not their backs. No diving through.

Variations: Allow a few free touches or some openings to be used more than once.Have the group pass objects through extra openings.Ask the group to create their own web design beforehand.Try a three dimensional web.

Set up:Two fence posts or treesLarge amount of bungee cord or parachute cord or baling twine


Bell on string to hang on webBlindfoldCrutch & long rag to tie leg upLarge long rag to tie arm to bodyWeave the web with at least one opening (various shapes and sizes) large enough for each youth in the group. Be creative with the design. Make sure the weaving leaves spaces large enough for bodies to fit through and that there are plenty of them (20). It should be 6 to 8 feet high.

Web ConstructionResource: http://www.varsityscouter.org/games.pdf1. The stretch that is characteristic of nylon cord allows the web to remain taut, even under tension. Parachute cord seems to work best—it’s strong, elastic, and has a “web-like diameter. Or, try using waxed nylon cord for the actual web strands. It’s thinner than the parachute cord and has a more weblike look. The waxed cord also holds a knot well. 2. Place six anchor points in the two vertical posts or trees. These anchors can be tied with a clove hitch around a tree. The anchor points are placed at about 7 feet, 4 feet, and 1 foot from the ground. 3. Tie one end of the nylon cord to any one of the anchor points and begin stringing the free end though the other anchors in sequence, to make a rectangular outline with the cord. While doing this, take a turn around each anchor and pull the cord tight (play-a-tune-on-it tight). Read step 4 before beginning this step. 4. If you didn’t read this and have been enthusiastically cutting and stringing cord, STOP! There are backup instructions. The loops (figure 8 or butterfly knots) must be tied while stringing the cord to ensure proper placement of the loops (symmetry). The loops serve as anchor points for the “web” strands, and allow practically an unlimited variety of web patterns. 5. Using the loops and anchors, tie a unique web arrangement, remembering that people of all sizes must be able to fit through the web gaps. If you haven’t tried this initiative game before, you will be surprised at how small an opening a person can get through (with help).

Debrief3 Nephi 17How difficult was it?How difficult would it be to help someone come to Christ?How will you bring them to be healed? or What can you do to bring the infirmed to Christ?What emotions are involved in bringing someone to Christ? Why is that okay or not okay?Can you take someone to be healed by yourself?What happens to you as you take someone else to be healed?Are some people too heavy? In what way?How difficult is it to take someone to the healer?:5 Why tears? If tears were observed in the process ask: Why did we have tears?:6 Christ had compassion toward the people. At what point did you experience compassion as you worked on this activity?:7 Christ asks are there any sick among you or afflicted in any manner. Think of a person you know who needs healing. Think to yourself, What is their infirmity? Is it spiritual or physical?

http://www.varsityscouter.org/games.pdf


What are you willing to do to bring that person to Christ?What was it like being the infirmed one? How could this relate to your current circumstances at home?Rhetorical: Do you know the healer? If you know where to take the infirmed person, please share where/what that is?Who would you bring to be healed?How did you get fellow youth through the web? What did it feel like while you were getting passed through?What did it feel like while someone else was getting passed through the web?In what way did it look different than it felt? What are the times this occurs in real life?:8 What does faith have to do with all this?How does this relate to life back home?When was the group focused on one individual?When are times we would focus on one individual in our every day lives?When were you focused on the task? Why? How was it beneficial?If items or people are left behind during the process ask: What was left behind? Was it worth it? What do we leave behind when we go to the healer?

SCRIPTURE STUDY WORKSHOPSpeaking of the Book of Mormon, President Ezra Taft Benson said, “There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path… When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.”

Youth bring scriptures

Workshop instructor should:Teach a variety of ways youth can study scripturesGive examples of practical how-to ways of studyingPractice the practical how-to while in the workshop

Topics for instruction: symbolism, parables, putting scripture messages into practice, recording epiphanies & living accordingly, maps, dictionary, topical guide, character profiling, etc.How to make the scriptures come to life in personal wayHow liken the scriptures to me, my life, now?Think of experience, how like scriptures?Think of scripture, how like my family?Moral of story, how apply it?

FRIENDSHIP OVER THE MEUSEResource: The Bottomless Bag by Karl Rohnke pg. 111

1 Samuel 18 & 19 David & Jonathan (Tell story in your own words using key scriptures to show their bond of friendship)Proverbs 17:17 a friend loveth at all times


Proverbs 18:24 friend sticketh closer than a brotherProverbs 27:9 rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counselProverbs 27:17 so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friendJohn 15:13 greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friendD&C 121:9 Lord comforts Joseph Smith, thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with

warm hearts and friendly handsD&C 134:11 we believe… in defending… friendsJS-H 1:28 persecuted by those who ought to have been friends, fell into error, left to all kinds of

temptations, displayed weakness of youth, and foibles of human nature,(friends could have helped but didn’t)

Genesis 39:12 He left his garment…and fled, and got him out

Scenario story for the initiative:In search for meaning and who you really are, your expedition team of friends must safely make your way through mortal life. You all have been targeted by Satan due to your valiant spirits. Knowing what you were in for before you came to earth, but forgetting, you now have discovered how difficult it is to have Satan and his minions lurking all about. Your destruction is directly dependent on your heed to evil. You are all trying to do as Joseph did, when Potipher’s wife was trying to temp him, he “got him out” (Genesis 39:12). You want to make the right choices, get out of this evil infested place, and take your friends with you. If you or your friends linger too long you may be caught in the chains of hell, which means you “are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction” (Alma 12:11). You have only ____minutes to safely get out.Group is then given four boards and rope.

Rules:Group must start from the same departure point only using 4 boards and rope available. Passage can only be made by staying on high ground and avoiding all contact with the ground. Should team members or props come in any contact with the ground they are eliminated (or return to the departure point and start over.)

Variation: Subtract one board to make the eventual solution more difficult.One person is blindfolded & thus dependent on friends.To shorten the time necessary to finish the problem, count each ground touch as a penalty and allow the group to continue.

Set Up:Placement of the cinder blocks is key to making this initiative problem work. Spend some time before the youth show up, making sure that the “islands” are in a functional position.Four planks:Use 4”X4”X8” boards for the planks 2”X4”X8” boards nailed together will also serve this functionEight cinder blocks for the “islands”12’+ section of 9mm rope

Note: The Meuse is a river in Europe which flows into the North Sea. If the group does not finish in the allotted time they are not necessarily unsuccessful. This adds a whole new element to the debrief. Ask questions about trying your best but not achieving what you had in mind; relationships and life are like this.


Debrief when successful or when time runs out, whichever comes first.Debriefing Question Suggestions:What was difficult about this activity?In what ways are the difficulties you face in relationships similar to what you experienced in the game?What were the difficulties David & Jonathan encountered as friends?What are some difficulties you face with friendship?How did you go about working through the difficulties in this activity?

How does that relate to relationships you have?What would you do different next time?How did David & Jonathan work through their difficulties?

How were they still respectful of Jonathan’s father, the king? What can we learn from this to use in our relationships?

What role did communication play in your actions? How does that relate to your friendships?

How did your teammates help you? When are there times that friends make a difference in our success or failure? How so?In what ways do we exclude friends?How do we team up with friends in everyday life?What is it like to be shunned by your friends?

How can you avoid shunning others?Do you think it was right of Jonathan to help David without his father’s knowledge?

Explain. Are there such situations today? What would you do if you were placed in a situation where you felt a strong desire to help your friend and you knew it would be against your parents’ wishes?When might it be wrong to stand up or support a friend?In what ways is it difficult to stand up for a friend?How do friends work together like you did on this game? Why would that be beneficial?What role do your friends have in your life?What value do you place on your current friendships?

Why? Is this healthy? Why?Do you communicate differently with your friends than you do with your non friends?

How? Why? How did Jonathan?What is the moral of this story or the moral of Friendship Over the Meuse?Who was “between” Johnathan & David “forever?” 1 Samuel 20:23

BLIND SCAVENGER HUNTNo scriptures read at the beginning of this activity.Remind youth of their commitment to give 100%. To remain unseeing is part of giving 100%.Object of Game is to obtain five items while blindfolded. Facilitator instructs youth to put on their blindfolds (bandanas) making sure they cover their eyes and nose (this helps them not peek). When all are standing blindfolded Facilitator says: We ask that you all accomplish this task in silence. There will be no questions and no talking or making a sound of any kind until you are told you may speak. (When all are silent, continue.) We will keep an eye on you while you do this activity. If you are going to get hurt we will direct you elsewhere. And we will not laugh at you. Your task is to obtain five items; something smooth, something wet, something rough, something sharp, and something yellow. (Items requested vary based on Facilitator’s best judgment of what is available in the area. Always include an item with color.) When you are finished come back. You may now proceed


to accomplish your task. (Then the Facilitator and Ward Leader watch for problems and help when necessary. When the first youth finishes the task Facilitator and Ward Leader sing reverently so youth know where to come back to. When all have arrived singing stops and Facilitator begins debrief while blindfolds are still on.) Please keep your blindfolds on a little longer. (Some groups will return and stand. You can invite them to sit if they like.) We would like to talk a little about what you did.

Set up:Each youth brings a bandana for a blindfoldFacilitator takes the group to a setting away from Ward Campfire and separate from other groups.

Blindfolded debrief suggestions:What was easy? What was hard? Why? How?How difficult was it to obtain your five items?Did you like being blindfolded? Was/is it uncomfortable?What difficulties did you encounter? Why?What was not so difficult? Why?What was it like for you having to be silent?Did anyone run into you? What was it like?Do you mind being silent? Why? Why not?Were you able to obtain all five items? Are you sure each is correct? How do you know when you can not see? How is this like gospel principles?

After a few questions tell the story, reading significant excerpts, from the scripture:John 9:13-38 Christ helps us to see (story of blind man healed by Christ)End this blindfolded portion of the experience by reading verses 36-38 and a portion of 39: I am come into this world, that they which see not might see. Take off blindfolds.

NOT blindfolded debrief suggestions:What scripture or scripture stories does this experience relate to?

Blind, dumb, unknown, darkness, alone, infirmities, healing, walking blindly, etc.Follow up each above question’s response with one of the following: How can we liken these scriptures to our life? In what way does this relate to your life right now?What are the problems of today which are similar?What do we experience like this in our community/church?Be sure to thank the youth for their responses and for what they shared with everyone.

“ITES” Game/CAPTURE THE FLAGCards are all blank except 3 which have a different symbol each. Printed on the back of each card is, “Keep this card with you at all times. Only one symbol can be on the flip side of this card to be valid.” When hand out the cards each youth must write their name on it with a permanent ink.The three cards have a separate symbol each written on them. Three youth have one of three symbols on their card. Each of the three youth is to get as many other youth as possible to let them write their particular symbol on the flip side of their card. Only one symbol can be written on each card. The three youth are to work at this all through the first and second day. At the end of the second day we will play


the “Ites” Game. The cards will be used to divide the youth into two groups, Lamanites and Nephites. (Right before the game begins divide the masses by the symbols on their cards, including blanks. Then determine which group is to be Nephites and which is to be Lamanites. It is not necessary to have the same number of players on both teams—war is like that. Suggestion: Let youth with blanks (if there are any) choose which team to be on. If a youth has more than one symbol, have them watch a while. Plug them into the game after they have had a chance to observe.) Then they will play Capture the Flag in the dark. Each youth will be given a glow-in-the-dark necklace to be placed around their neck. Each team will have a glowing flag.

Three leaders of the Ites:On the first day of YC give three youth a marker and a copy of these instructions: You are to get as many youth as possible to let you write your particular symbol on their card. Only one symbol can be written on each card. Draw the same symbol on others’ cards as is on your own, nothing else. Draw the symbol as large as possible on the card. You may not publicly gather or publicly announce anything to accomplish this; one at a time or a small number of youth at once is acceptable. If you are traveling, and get all in your vehicle to let you draw your symbol on their card, that is acceptable. You may be talking to a youth to convince them to let you put your symbol on their card and another youth overhears, you recruit them as well, that is acceptable. If you are communicating in a small group it is acceptable to explain and write your symbol on their cards as well.

Capture the Flag game:Start with two teams. Split the playing area between the two teams with a long rope. The teams are given 5 minutes to hide their flag in their part of the terrain. When the flag is hidden, a team member calls out that you are finished. Then you simply try to get the other team’s flag. If you get caught and tagged by the opponent on their territory, you are their prisoner. You can only be freed by a teammate who tags you when your opponent isn’t looking. The first person to capture the flag and get back to their side with it wins.

Rules:Regular team play for Capture the Flag apply as stated above.Glow-in-the-dark necklaces can not be hidden in any way.The prison and flag must be set up in one specific place and not moved.Must stay within the boundaries of the fence and river. Absolutely no going into ward and stake camp areas.

Set up:Three small cards with three separate symbols, one on each cardThree markers to be handed to the three youth who will be gathering their teamWritten instructions to give to the three youth who will be gathering their team, aboveSmall cards for each youth, all cards have printed on them, “Keep this card with you at all times. Only one symbol can be on the flip side of this card to be valid.”


2 flags, with a pocket sewn in for placing a glow necklaceWrite “Nephites” on one flag and “Lamanites” on the other

Long rope to divide sidesGlow-in-the-dark necklaces for each youth, use two colors only so youth know who is on their teamA third glow in the dark necklace color for leaders to be stationed on center dividing line and perimeters

Symbols:

DebriefThere are no scriptures which will be read right before this activity. Facilitator, as begin debrief, will read the relating scriptures. Sweet bread as a snack will be passed out so start with first scripture.John 6:51 I am living bread, eat & live forever1 Nephi 2:12-19 Laman & Lemuel murmur & don’t believe truth, Nephi prays for them2 Nephi 5 Laman & Lemuel seek to kill Nephi so he and all who will follow leave into the wilderness and call themselves the people of Nephi, erect a temple, work and prosper, and are blessed2 Nephi 5:5-7 Nephi, Laman, Sam, Jacob, Joseph, & sisters are now Nephites

Debriefing Question Suggestions:When did this game begin? When did moving into a team begin? How did you get on teams? How easily were you persuaded?How were your actions Nephi-like or Laman & Lemuel-like as you became a member of your team?If you would like to change your actions to be as righteous Nephites how would you go about it?

How can you do better next time? Where is “next time?” Could you practice while you’re here?What lead to Laman & Lemuel and their followers deciding to be a group separate from Nephi?How did Nephites decide to follow Nephi?How are your decisions similar to theirs?What could be the consequences of such decisions for you and your posterity?How is this like the scripture story? In what way are humans like this today? (Think of youth groups, school, family, country.)How did you feel when you realized groups were forming in an underhanded manner?Why does this happen?What can you do to prevent it?What can you do to ensure your spiritual safety & that of your family, posterity, and country?

Rhetorical Questions:Did you murmur early on in Youth Conference like Laman & Lemuel? 1 Nephi 2:12


Are you a Sam? 1 Nephi 2:17 believe in Nephi’s wordsDid you do as Nephi & find out for yourself? 1 Nephi 2:16,19

How did you feel when you realized what team you were on? Why? Have you ever made a choice and realized what the consequences of your choices were only after the fact? Did you name your team? How is this significant? What does it say about you/about humans?What did you learn about the Nephite and Lamanite wars?

What are your views on war? Anyone disagree? Why?Are the sacrifices in war worth it? How sure are you?When is taking a life worth whatever you’re fighting for? How does a person know for sure?What are we fighting today? What is the biggest war we fight? What sacrifices do we make in the war we are fighting?Is war necessary? How? Why? Why not? What war?What was your position/part you played in the Ites Game?What is your personal part in war?How can you please God while being a part of killing his children? Are you sure?In the war we are fighting (against evil) how are we killing souls? How can we each change that and give life to each other?How can you be sure about decisions made in a real war setting? How can you be sure about decisions made in the war against evil? Are you sure? How can you be sure?Why would understanding your enemy be helpful in war?What is the most difficult thing about war? Why? What can you do about it?How will you use this information & knowledge to better your life?

Invitation: Write in your journal what you learned & how you will be a force for saving souls that belong to your circle of friends, family, city, church, or country.

SATURDAY BREAKFAST□Daniel 1:8-20 Daniel and friends eat pulse, refuse king’s wine and meat, healthier for it□Numbers 11 (specifically read verse 1 & 13) people complained that they didn’t get the food they had in Egypt, God was angry with the Israelite’s complaining□John 6:51 Christ is living bread, eat and live forever

Instructions for facilitating:Each group prepares pulse/cracked wheat for breakfast and eats it. (There will not be enough to feed everyone and get full.)At this point Facilitator reads scriptures & hands out card to each youth with above scriptures on it. While Facilitator is reading scriptures with youth a Ward Leader goes to get, and returns with, additional foods:bagelscream cheesefruitjuicehamWhile eating talk about the scriptures and the response to the initial breakfast of pulse/cracked wheatWere we grateful or complaining (like the Israelites complained to Moses), or content with what was provided? How do these scriptures help us with our food issues of today? How in the world were Daniel and his buddies healthy with only pulse?


MORNINGSIDE“OUR MOTHERS KNEW IT”/”THOU ART COME TO THE KINGDOM FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”Alma 56:39-56Esther 2-8, also Bible Dictionary “Esther”Song: We’ll Bring the World His Truth – chorus says “we are as the armies of Helaman”Object of this experience is for the Holy Ghost to bear witness of truth and to give the youth and

opportunity to verbally express their knowledge of gospel truth and belief. Hopefully some of which they will have obtained at this Youth Conference.

1. Prayerfully choose a mature son to speak about the relationship between the scripture and his mother. Then have the mother speak about the scripture in relation to her son. Repeat with another pair. Sons share how they obtained their testimony or a portion of it as part of talk. After all it was the sons who told Helaman “our mothers knew it,” not the mothers.Significant note: Young women need to see/feel/experience faith in young men of their own day and of their own peer group.

2. Prayerfully choose a mature daughter to speak about the relationship between the scripture and her father. Then have the father speak about the relationship between the scripture and his daughter.Mordecai adopted Esther to be his own daughter. He taught and directed her. She was courageous and righteous. Mordecai was also. He taught her (Esther 4:14) Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Even after her marriage, Esther listened to her father. They remained close and kept contact. We often refer to Mordecai as the uncle but he took her as his own, adopted. This has significance in our day. Our young ladies have come to the kingdom for just such a time as this, 2011.

Turn this into a testimony meeting which is NOT called a “testimony meeting.” Just don’t ever call it a “testimony meeting.” Call it what it is, a Morningside. Ask the right questions to help youth figure out truth they know (their testimony). Lord set this pattern for us with Job when he asked him questions over and over to teach him. See Job 37:14 through chapter 39. Then in Job 42:1, Job bears testimony, “I know….”

Possible questions: What has your mother/father taught you that you believe or know are true? What do you know for sure without doubt? What do you believe with all your heart that you wish to know? Who do you have faith in? Do you have faith in Jesus Christ? How does one go about exercising faith in Christ? How do you exercise that faith? How are you like the sons of Helaman or the Mothers? How are our decisions the same as those the Stripling Soldiers faced? What is the significance of your testimony in your daily life? In what specific way has your knowledge of scripture helped you in your life? Do you consider any of the answers you gave verbally or silently to be your testimony? Why? Why not? What experience did you have during this Youth Conference in which the Holy Ghost took part? Ask questions directly related to the Stripling Soldiers story or a specific verse that you’re inspired to bring up in the discussion.

These topics could even be assigned ahead of time in private then shared at this meeting if it fits your ward.

WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?

Do I stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ?Weak -----------------------------------------------Firm

Do I stand for truth and for righteousness?Never-----------------------------------------------Always

At baptism I took upon me Jesus Christ’s name.How well do I represent him?Not at all-------------------------------------------Very well


Resource: 101 of the best Corporate Team-Building Activities by Simon Priest & Karl Rohnke

D&C 87:8 Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come.Mosiah 18:9 “… stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death… that ye may have eternal life—“

Action: Groups get in lines according to degrees of frequency, agreement, opinion or valueTask: To get in a line/distribution from lowest to highest, from shortest to longest, from closest to farthest, from least to most, from true to false, from never to always, from agree to disagree, or from important to unimportant. Note: Whether the group makes a line or clumps it is fine. The point is to get them to think where they should stand. Once the youth are comfortable with the process, have them do a distribution on more controversial topics. Don’t worry about the absence of a line to stand on, since the group will create one. Invite leaders to participate.

The way we will run this activity at YC: This game was made to do nonverbally. For our purposes we will do it verbally. This will help for time (we want this to be a short activity.) Two questions will be asked and the youth will line themselves up according to their answers. The third question will be given to get youth to think of their answer. We will then sing True to the Faith, verses 3 and 4, Hymn #254. Sing it with gusto, like you mean it! (Last word is “stand.”) When singing is finished stake leaders pass out a card and the evaluation to each youth. Person facilitating the activity will explain the cards as they are being passed out and ask youth to fill out the evaluation at the end of their solo experience.

Questions1. How tall are you in relation to your peers? (where stand regarding others)

Shortest → tallest2. Would you like to live in the day of when your favorite scripture? (where stand according to

own opinion)Like to → not like to

3. Rhetorical question: Knowing all you know about the gospel and truth where do you stand? (based on where stand with God)

Live the gospel → not live the gospel

Cards are for youth to place a sticker on the continuum where they are and where they’d like to be regarding the questions which are written on the card.

Set up


Prepare cards to be handed outStickers to be put on the continuum on each cardPrepare evaluation to be handed out

SOLO EXPERIENCEBooklet with scriptures, suggestions, & questions to take on soloMoroni 1:3 Moroni wanders & writes (a strange ending for a book and a strange ending for a Youth Conference)2 Nephi 25:26 Talk of Christ, preach of Christ, so children know who to look to1 Nephi 1:3 I know what I write is true1 Nephi 3:19-20 get record to preserve language and words of prophets from being of world1 Nephi 5:21 record of great worth, preserve the commandments unto our childrenEnos 1-8 Enos goes alone to hunt and prays, receives remission of sinsMatthew 4:1 & Luke 4:1 & Mark 1:12 After his baptism, Jesus in wilderness to be with God (JST)1 Nephi 6: 4-6 write to persuade men to come to God, write what’s pleasing to God, don’t waste space on things of no worth

3 Nephi 9-13 Nephi to write specifically about Samuel the Lamanite. What are YOU to write?

Set up: Youth bring their scriptures, journal, and a writing utensil. *Evaluation to be filled out. Deposit it in a basket on their way to vehicles.

We invite you to write your own scripture for posterity and for yourself. What would you write that is of the utmost importance to those you love most?What will you share with your family about Youth Conference when you get home?Some day you will be fertilizing daffodils but the written word lives on, like the scriptures do. Write!

PUNCTUATE THE END OF YOUTH CONFERENCEAs youth go home stop the vehicle at a turn a ways down the road. Give each youth a bag with a roll in it and a scripture, Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Have a couple of stake leaders hand them out.


Before Youth Conference:

CAN BE SHARED CAN NOT BE SHARED

Thursday outside games at stake center Duct Tape game

Challenges for Running Proverb Letters Whole process of Running Proverb Letters

Building a tower for King Benjamin Chainmail making

Scripture foods tasting table Friday initiative games

Fireside & Morningside Saturday-Where Do You Stand?

Service project Saturday breakfast

Minerva Tiechert painting Saturday solo experience

All scriptures/stories we’re using Debriefing info

Scripture study workshop Comprehensive Youth Conference plan

Sardines in the night Details of Sardines

Capture the Flag Details of Capture the Flag

Chainmail making Plan for grouping youth

Storytelling

Blind Scavenger Hunt


SCRIPTURE LIST FOR YOUTH CONFERENCE

1 Nephi 19:23 Likening Scriptures to us/nowColosians 3:23 Whatever you do do it heartily, as to the Lord not unto man. Ye shall receive the reward…for ye serve GodMosiah 4:19 All beggars, depend on God for all food & raimentMoses 6:63 All things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritualAlma 30:44 All things denote there is a GodJob 37:14 O Job, stand still, and consider the wondrous works of GodMatt. 14:15-22 Five loaves & two fishesMark 6:34-44 Feed 5000John 6:5-11 (verse 11—Christ gives thanks) Feeds 5000John 6:35 Christ bread of life, come to me never hunger & never thirst3 Nephi 18:6-7 bread to always remember JesusNehemiah 7:67 Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem walls despite opposition and among his people were 245

“singing men and singing women.”Ezra 3:11 The people “sang together…in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord…because the

foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”D&C 136:28 Praise the Lord with singing2 Nephi 17:22 Abundance of milk & honey shall everyone eatMosiah 9:9 Seeds of corn, wheat, barley, fruits, olives, herbs, oats, ryeMosiah 4:15 Teach children to love one another, and to serve one anotherMosiah 4:26 Give substance to poor, temporally & spiritually, administer to wants1 Nephi 2:8-10 Laman like a river, running into fountain of righteousness, Lemuel like a valley firm and steadfast, parables, symbols, etc.Numbers 10:2-3 Lord speaks to Moses, sound trumpets for alarm, to assemble, and to move camps.Ephesians 6:11-18, D&C 27:15-18 Armor of GodD&C 89:11 herb & fruit in season, used with prudence and thanksgivingD&C 59:18-20 all things made for benefit of man to gladden heart, for food & raiment, to strengthen body & enliven soul, unto this end were they made to be usedLuke 22:32 When though art converted strengthen thy brethrenD&C 20:53-54 Teachers duty to be with and strengthen churchD&C 108:7 strengthen brethren in all your doings1 Nephi 2:1-7 Lehi’s family departs into the wilderness, pitched his tent in a valley1 Nephi 5:21 After obtaining plates from Laban, Nephi and Lehi found they were of great worth to preserve commandments of Lord unto our children1 Nephi 6 Nephi is not writing geneology, it’s on other plates. He writes things of God. Intent is to persuade men to come unto God.1 Kings 4:29-32 God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding. He was wiser than all men. He spake 3000 proverbs.Mosiah 4:26-27 All things done in wisdom and order

Know the stories of: Goliath 1 Samuel 1710 Virgins Matthew 25


Lamoni’s sheep Alma 17Samson Judges 13-16Widow’s mites Mark 12 & Luke 21Samuel the Lamanite Helaman 14-16Abigail 1 Samuel 25-42Tabitha Acts 9:36-42, also Bible Dictionary “Tabitha”Blind man healed John 9:13-38Esther Esther 2-8, also Bible Dictionary “Esther”

James 5:13 Let Him Sing Psalms!Mark 1:6 John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey.Moses 1: 9-18 Moses knows who he isD&C 18:10 worth of souls is great in sight of GodPsalms 8:5 man—a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory & honorJacob 2:13 some think they’re better than others due to costly apparel, all are alikeD&C 121:45 confidence in God’s presence—virtuous thoughtsProverbs 3:26 Lord is confidenceLuke 15:3-7, 10 Leave the ninety and nine and after that which is lost, joy over one sinner, rejoicingD&C 89 Principle with a promise/commandment with a blessingEcclesiastes 3:13 Every man should eat & drink, & enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of GodAlma 46&47 Title of Liberty & Mount AntipasD&C 9:7-9 Study in own mind, ask God if right, “feel that it is right”Ether 4:11-12 Spirit persuades men to do goodMoroni 10:5 By power of Holy Ghost know truth of all things3 Nephi 12:33-37 Christ teaches don’t swear1 Corinthians 15:33 Evil communication corrupt good mannersEphesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouthD&C 20:54 See there is no hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking1 Timothy 4:12 Be an example of the believers in word, in conversationProverbs 15:1 Soft answer turneth away wrath; grievous words stir up anger1 Corinthians 12:7-27 The body is not one member, but many; no schism in the body, members should have the same care one for another; one suffers we all suffer; ye are the body of Christ and members in particular4 Nephi 1:17 Nor any manner of –ites; but they were in one, the children of ChristD&C 38:24-28 Esteem his brother as himself, be one, if not one not mine, enemy seeks your livesPsalms 133:1 How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity3 Nephi 17:5-10 Jesus was about to leave but the people wanted him to tarry a little longer so he asked them to bring infirm, i.e., lame, blind, halt, maimed, leprous, withered, deaf, afflicted in any manner, faith is sufficient that I should heal you1 Samuel 18 & 19 David & JonathanProverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all timesProverbs 18:24 Friend sticketh closer than a brotherProverbs 27:9 Rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counselProverbs 27:17 So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friendJohn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friendD&C 121:9 Lord comforts JS, thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm

hearts and friendly hands


D&C 134:11 We believe… in defending… friendsJS-H 1:28 Persecuted by those who ought to have been friends, fell into error, left to all kinds of

temptations, displayed weakness of youth, and foibles of human nature,(friends could have helped but didn’t)

Genesis 39:12 He left his garment…and fled, and got him outJohn 6:51 I am living bread, eat & live forever1 Nephi 2:12-19 Laman & Lemuel murmur & don’t believe truth, Nephi prays for them2 Nephi 5 Laman & Lemuel seek to kill Nephi so he and all who will follow leave into the wilderness and call themselves the people of Nephi, erect a temple, work and prosper, and are blessed2 Nephi 5:5-7 Nephi, Laman, Sam, Jacob, Joseph, & sisters are now NephitesJohn 6:51 Christ is living bread, eat and live foreverD&C 87:8 Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come.Mosiah 18:9 “… stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death… that ye may have eternal life—“Moroni 1:3 Moroni wanders & writes1 Nephi 1:3 I know what I write is trueMatthew 4:1 & Luke 4:1 & Mark 1:12 After his baptism, Jesus in wilderness to be with God (JST)Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

Documents

YOUTH CONFERENCE 2011 - Employee Web Siteemp.byui.edu/SmithS/youth conference/YOUTH CONFE… · Web viewYouth at the end of Youth Conference will be ... testimony of God’s word