Kari Roppe lives in the Twin Cities area, in a lake cabin destination area in Wisconsin. She grew up in Provo, Utah, moved to Minneapolis as a young adult, and became inactive in the Church for many years. She is an elementary school teacher, the single parent of three children, and was called unexpectedly as […]
The beginning of every year, I have a YW board meeting with all my YW leaders. We go over leadership training, our calling responsibilities {per the handbook of instruction}, teaching responsibilities, & the Personal Progress program. This year I really wanted to discuss the Handbook Section 3, "Leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ." But also tie the evening into the new 2013 mutual theme of "Stand ye in Holy Places." I wasn't quite sure how I was going to pull it all together but was hoping to figure it out before our meeting. :) As I was studying the handbook, reading talks & watching videos on serving the YW of the church when I came across the talk from conference a few years back by Sister Beck called "Mothers who know..." I had a light bulb moment!!! I thought I could do my leadership instruction & call it "Leaders who know...STAND." I would use each letter of the work STAND & talk about our responsibilities as YW leaders {per the handbook}. Here is what I came up with... I pulled out a section of the handbook to share with my leaders for each letter that we discussed. S-Strengthen-Handbook 10.1.1 & 3.2.3 T-Teach & Testify-Handbook 3.2.4 A-Apply-Handbook 3.2.1 & 10.5 paragraph 3 N-Nurture-Used a portion of Sis. Becks talk "Mothers Who Know...Nurture." D-Do more by doing less-Handbook 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 10.8 Here is the handout that I made for each of my AWESOME leaders to that home that evening so they could remember the 2013 theme. I just printed a picture of the temple out on card stock that I had put the word "STAND" onto & modge podged it onto a 6x6 tile. Thanks again to Mindy Evans Photography. Who has the most beautiful pictures of various temples and allows you to use them for personal use. The evening turned out GREAT!! I am so lucky to be working with the most amazing YW leaders on our board. They are fabulous!! Good luck to all you YW presidents planning your board meetings. UPDATE: I'm adding the BLANK files for this evening for all of you who would like to use them for your own board meetings. You can download by just right clicking on the image and saving the pic to your computer. If you do use it and post it, please just link the file back to my blog. THANKS!!! Hope this is a help to someone, somewhere. :)
Training the Young Women how to lead... It all started about a year ago, I listened to this interview with the General Young Women's Presidency, "Making the Gospel Relevant for Our Youth". It really stood out to me that as leaders we need to be training our young women how to lead their classes, they have been set apart and sustained to lead their class. It was also the first time that I recognized that the share and act portions of the lessons had meaning. If you notice, on each lesson of the Come Follow Me Program it now states the following: So, I right away implemented it. I helped train our Beehive class president. Each week, I would send her a text reminding her what we had learned the previous week and encouraging her to share how she had applied it into her life and then invite her class to do the same. I would also send a text out to the rest of the class, reminding them what we had learned and to come prepared to share ways they applied it into their lives. I also helped her know what to say at the end of the lesson. Impressing upon her that it is her class to lead. It was amazing to see her leadership growth! Not long after we had started to do this we had a visit from our Stake Young Women's President, who joined our class. She was so excited and impressed with how our class president lead our class. I shared with her the video I had watched and she invited the rest of our ward YW presidencies in our stake to also do this. I was recently invited to share what we do and how we do it at a recent Stake Young Women's Presidency Training. For it we recorded our Beehive class with our President leading the Counsel and Share Portion as well as the Act Portion. With approval from their parents we showed that video at the training. Then I shared my experience and testimony of it. In this post I will share what I shared at the training, as well as ways each Young Women Presidency can train their own class presidencies how to lead. Stake YW Presidency Training Outline: I showed the video of our Beehive Presidency leading class. I then spoke about how when I was asked to speak at the Stake Meeting I had just lost my amazing Beehive President to Mia Maids and was in the process of getting a new president. The Beehive President in the video was just put in a week prior to the video. It shows that any presidency can lead even a new one. It also shows that as you are consistent and do it each week, the class becomes familiar with it, the rest of the young women pick up on it. So, when the president is gone or when you get a new class presidency it is not as big of a deal for them to pick it up. In the video we had 6 girls there, our class is a class of 13 girls. It doesn't matter the size or our class, the process works with any size of class. Next, I discussed the opportunity for growth that it gives our Young Women! The first time I ever had our prior Beehive president lead the class, she was so timid and quiet, unsure and I would say a little shy of leading. But I saw over time her confidence grow. I saw her become a true leader of her class. I saw her take greater responsibility. If she was not able to be there she would let me know. These girls need to feel like they are an important part of leading the class each week, that they are invested in the class. Both the prior president and current president do this, I have not asked them to let me know if they won't be there. It is because they feel a sense of responsibility. I saw in the prior president her growth in being able to recognize and apply the lessons in her life. She would come each week, ready and prepared to share a way she has acted upon what we learned in class and then she would invite the rest of the class to share. If no one commented then she would call on someone. I then shared, what our class president does each Sunday. I have made a paper up for them, that they can follow. It helps them to know what questions to ask, as well as gives them an area to take notes. I have included it in the Free Download button below. Our president begins by welcoming everyone to class. Then, we discuss which class members are not there. I have seen in doing this the girls are more concerned with their fellow class members. If they know where they are they share that, they discuss ways to help each member feel more welcome. Our president asks the young women if there is anything in their lives or their family members that need us to pray for. I was deeply impressed when one of the young women asked us to pray for a sister who had become ill. We try to include the girls who are not their in our prayers also. We try to do this in our closing class prayer and encourage the girls to keep them in their personal prayers also. Our president then discusses with the young women what we learned the prior week. She shares how she has acted upon what we have learned and then invites the rest of the young women to share. Also sharing if they have had any spiritual experiences throughout the week. Then, one of my favorite parts is in when the president asks the young women to share what they have done this week or if they have anything coming up the next week. I love this because it helps us to really get to know each class member. We actually just go around the circle and everyone shares. I also love it because it helps us know ways we can support each other. The class president then turns the time over to whoever is teaching the lesson. I have found that with the lesson we have to be flexible. The time it takes to do the opening may vary, so our lesson times will vary. We need to be prepared and prepare ourselves spiritually. But we need to not be concerned with "getting through the lesson", but rather rely upon the spirit and what the girls need. We are the facilitators in the discussion about teaching these girls the doctrine of the church. If we do not get to something we feel is important, we can always follow up and text the girls throughout the week. When there is around 5-10 minutes left in the lesson the time is turned back over to the class president. She then leads the class in a discussion about what things stood out to them in the lesson and how they can act upon what was taught. During the week I text all of the young women in the class. I let them know what the lesson was on, on Sunday. This is helpful because the girls who were not there know what was taught and can participate at the beginning of the next lesson too. I remind them what we said we were going to do to act upon what we were taught and ask them to come prepared to share. The point is to give our young women the opportunity to lead their class. Elder Holland said this about the youth, “We underestimate their ability, and we overestimate their experience” (Worldwide Training Broadcast on Teaching in the Savior’s Way, Nov. 5, 2016, teaching.lds.org). This is where we come in as their leaders. We can teach them and support them in their callings to lead their class. Ideas to Train the Young Women: In a class presidency meeting teach the presidency their roles. Read in Handbook 2, their responsibilities. Explain that they have been called and set apart by priesthood power and authority to lead their class. Give them the tools to be successful. Use the printables included in the Free Download or come up with your own, to help the Young Women know what to say to lead the discussions. Explain to them, the flow of class time. That they will welcome the class and then lead the class in a discussion about, "Counsel Together and Share Experiences". They will then turn the lesson over to the teacher. Then again at the end of class they will lead a discussion on how to "Plan to act". Then end class by inviting someone to say closing prayer. Be encouraging. Follow up with them throughout the week, so they know what they are doing and can come prepared. It is a process and the young women we grow as the continue to do it. I share with you my testimony of this program! I have seen the growth in the young women. I've seen them grow spiritually, as well as in self confidence and leadership. They have shown a greater responsibility to their class. We have amazing youth, ready to serve the Lord, they just need our guidance to become the great leaders they can be! Other great resources: Class Leadership Lessons Come Follow Me Lessons Young Women Auxiliary Training If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment below or to send me an email to [email protected].
In this How I Lead podcast episode, Kurt talks with two women who are members of their stake Young Women presidencies, who share their experiences and the leadership principles guiding them. Carrie Miller Carrie Miller lives in Boise, Idaho, where she is serving as a stake Young Women president. She previously served as an advisor […]
For our Stake Leadership Training, we wanted to introduce the new theme and give them ways to implement using the training we received from the General Board. I will attach my talk so it will make…
For our Stake Leadership Training, we wanted to introduce the new theme and give them ways to implement using the training we received from the General Board. I will attach my talk so it will make…
I love the idea of having your patriarchal blessing formatted to match the scriptures. I saw this idea on Pinterest awhile ago, but all the links I found were broken, so I decided to create a template of my own. It only took a few minutes for me, so I figured I’d share it to […]
It's time for a new year and a new youth theme. This is an awesome theme and scripture for our youth today. Here we go! I am a disciple of Jesus ChristLast year I put our theme Kick-off night on here for all of you. This year I'm planning ahead and posting this early. So not everything has been tried and tested with a group of Young Women - but it has been tested by myself and my own YW daughter.Opening ExercisesBegin the night with a prayer, the young women theme followed by the NEW THEME SONG
Click here to download YCL Leadership Training Workshop Packet LEADERSHIP: Teach – Testify – Experience What makes a good Leader? What does it mean to be a Youth Camp Leader? Gain Res…
It's time for a new year and a new youth theme. This is an awesome theme and scripture for our youth today. Here we go! I am a disciple of Jesus ChristLast year I put our theme Kick-off night on here for all of you. This year I'm planning ahead and posting this early. So not everything has been tried and tested with a group of Young Women - but it has been tested by myself and my own YW daughter.Opening ExercisesBegin the night with a prayer, the young women theme followed by the NEW THEME SONG
Each year, stake auxiliary presidencies consider the needs of the auxiliaries in the wards and branches in the stake, and provide annual leadership training. (See Handbook 2: Administering the Church, 18.3.11). Updated training topics and resources have been posted in the Callings section on LDS.org for the Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, Aaronic Priesthood, and Sunday School. Handy
It's time for a new year and a new youth theme. This is an awesome theme and scripture for our youth today. Here we go! I am a disciple of Jesus ChristLast year I put our theme Kick-off night on here for all of you. This year I'm planning ahead and posting this early. So not everything has been tried and tested with a group of Young Women - but it has been tested by myself and my own YW daughter.Opening ExercisesBegin the night with a prayer, the young women theme followed by the NEW THEME SONG
The Young Women and Young Men general presidencies have announced that the 2022 Youth Theme is “Trust in the Lord” from Proverbs 3:5-6.
2024 LDS Girls camp packing list Includes: 8.5x11 editable packing list in Pink and Purple BONUS packing lists in two additional colors Great list for activities for 📚Young Men 📚Young Women 📚Activity Day's For 🏕️ Girl's Camp 🏕️ Young Men's Camp 🏕️ Activity Day Day camp 🏕️ Trek Instructions for use: Please make sure you open this file on your computer with an adobe compatible program. It should open up to editable form automatically. We are happy to help if this is not the case for you. Please only distribute this form within your ward or Stake YW. Do not send the file to family or friends for use. We would love for you to send them back to our shop if someone you know would like to use our files outside of your stake or ward. As always, we so appreciate your business and support in our small business ventures. Looking for a great way to help your youth? Here are some other great items from our shop: Youth Theme Book Marks https://www.etsy.com/listing/1411180600/youth-theme-2023-bookmark-youth-theme?click_key=95b70abef16a69062caf753d36a18a37976ec98d%3A1411180600&click_sum=547db834&ref=shop_home_active_20&pro=1&sts=1 Youth Goal Planning https://www.etsy.com/listing/1411929628/2023-lds-youth-goals-printable-young?click_key=4b7a4ea089da86668b40bd853b569b88d7117a6f%3A1411929628&click_sum=109a8c80&ref=shop_home_active_18&pro=1&sts=1 General Conf Quote Cards https://www.etsy.com/listing/1300403766/general-conference-card-game-apostle?click_key=0cc086610cd2677fa8f2ec5e407dde8b2f8381f0%3A1300403766&click_sum=188b5001&ref=shop_home_active_54&pro=1&sts=1 Digital File for Stickers https://www.etsy.com/listing/1192461156/digital-file-download-all-things-through?click_key=30e24d31843baad794074677d26b060e4394063d%3A1192461156&click_sum=2889f6c2&ref=shop_home_active_107&pro=1&sts=1
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Since I've been called as the YW President in my ward (which by the way...was a total shocker to me...but that's another story for another time). I have felt a VERY STRONG need to get our YW working on their Personal Progress. I am bound and determined to have each of my YW get their Young Women Medallions. Sooo...here's how we are getting started on it... A PERSONAL PROGRESS PIE night. The girls HAD to have their PP books with them in order to get a peice of pie. Then with the help of my AMAZING 2nd councilor & Laurel class Presidency we came up with a Personal Progress folder that we had each of our YW put together that evening at mutual. We put EVERYTHING that we could think of that the YW would need to work on PP into this folder. It was a lot of work and took a lot of time searching for items online for the folder BUT all in all, it was TOTALLY worth it!! I am attaching a list of what we included in our PP folders for any of you who'd like to do the same for your YW. Feel free to use whatever you'd like from what we did to save yourself some time & energy. YW FOLDER CHECKLIST: WHITE 1" FOLDER ZIPPER POUCH to hold Personal Progress book & journal For the Strength of the Youth Booklet True to the Faith Booklet 1 PLASTIC SLEEVE Quote from Ezra Taft Benson (front) To DOWNLOAD the pages BELOW that were used for my YW PP folder CLICK HERE Picture of the Temple (back) 3 WHITE TAB DIVIDERS: Tab 1: ROSTERS/CALENDARS Tab 2: YW ESSENTIALS YW Theme YW Motto & Logo YW Classes & Symbols The Living Christ (ordered from Distribution Center) The Family Proclamation (ordered from Distribution Center) 13 Articles of Faith TAB #3: PERSONAL PROGRESS Personal Progress Tracking Sheet Colored Cardstock Value Dividers with notebook paper between each value (made each image in Black & white and then copied them onto cardstock in the value colorS. To DOWNLOAD the YW value folder dividers CLICK HERE Book of Mormon Reading Chart to go with VIRTUE. After assembling their folders the YW scrapbooked covers for them. We just printed a couple different subway art pages that they could use on the covers and then let them decorate with whatever we had. YW VALUES SUBWAY ART (I didn't create either of the YW subway art below, so I don't have a link for you to download them :( SORRY!) YW THEME SUBWAY ART 2011 MUTUAL THEME SUBWAY ART To DOWNLOAD the 2011 Mutual Theme CLICK HERE
Although the idea of "Girl on Fire" for a New Beginning theme isn't original I think the young women pulled it off brilliantly. One of our Laurels found the idea and did all the research for refreshment and decorating ideas. The rest of the work was delegated between the girls and leaders. I put the invitations together using the official movie poster fonts. The girls created fireball poofs to hang from the ceiling. And a welcome poster…. Our Beehive advisor created the dessert table and created labels for all the food using the font from the books. I was so excited to see she'd done that! Keeping with the color over black theme, each girl painted a value onto black poster board and explained how the value keeps her spiritual flame burning. We used all the appropriate labels for things such as: Values = Districts Girls Explaining the Values = Tributes One of our girls received her Young Woman in Excellence that night = Victor And the songs: The Spirit of God...like a fire is burning... and The Lord is My Light. Of course there were speakers, a skit, and some teaching involved so everyone got to do something. The skit was made up by the girls and was hilarious. The prompt was "Show us what Personal Progress is and how it works." So their skit included introducing PP to a classmate, carrying out a service project with her—raking leaves—and then going to a leader (played by a girl of course) to get it checked off in their books. We let the girls practice the skit a week beforehand—I'm glad because we got a lot of blank faces at first LOL. It was a great evening…the Stake YW Leaders were there and couldn't stop their praising. I LOVE that it was all headed up and started with one of the young women. I enjoy seeing what they want to do and the pleasure (and pride) on their faces when it all turns out. I'm sorry, I do not have a template of the invitation to share at this time. (I think I deleted it by accident ugh.) But here's a .png torch file. Click on it to open it full size, then right click to download it. Note, this is the official logo for the Young Women organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been modified to fit this theme.
Here is a list of 40 ideas to implement the new Children and Youth program from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
This year for our New Beginnings we are having a Boot Camp theme. Here are the invites for the event. Here are the rest of the details of our night. http://alittlecrafting.blogspot.com/2014/02/new-beginnings-2014.html
While the Young Women Theme of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has been tweaked at various times over the past few decades, in her Exponent II blog is a feminist forum for Mormon women and gender minority voices.
Teaching Young Women’s can be hard. That is why I’ve put together some of my best stories and videos to cover topics that apply to you and your lessons. Here are some of my most requested stories and videos especially for young women:Modesty: God's love fo you:Charity: Faith: Individual worth:Divine Nature: Kindness:
Find 50+ goal setting ideas for LDS youth for the Children and Youth program
Elaine Dalton was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, and received her bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University. She served alongside her husband, Stephen, in a singles ward bishopric and in stake callings, then at the general level of the Church for ten years on the Young Women general board and as the […]
The LDS Church has published a new Young Women Camp Guide for Young Women presidencies, camp specialists, and youth camp leaders to help them plan and administer their annual camps. Young Women camps may be adapted worldwide according to the needs and circumstances of young women, with a focus on helping them feel the Spirit in a setting away from everyday distractions.
Adam Ellsworth is currently loving his service as a Deacons Quorum Specialist in Alpine, Utah. He previously mentored youth as a bishopric member, quorum advisor, early-morning seminary teacher, and youth Sunday School teacher. Professionally, Adam has been practicing law as a patent attorney since 2006. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree at BYU, Adam graduated law […]
If you're looking for some LDS Girls Camp ideas, then you're at the right place. Here's everything you need to host girls camp.
Prior to Camp 1. Find out what Unit you are in and help PLAN and PREPARE for your Level, MEET with your Level leaders. Sister Vasquez will be working very hard in this area this year. Please come to all the meetings and find out our plans to help you become even better leaders than you already are becoming. 2. You will be assigned an adult Head Youth Leader. She will be a mentor for you as you plan for camp. Please meet with her and return emails and phone calls. Please contact her with any questions. 3. Make a boondoggle prior to camp for each girl in your unit. Ask your Head Youth Leader if you have questions. 4. Do your personal CERTIFICATION in your camp manual and write in your JOURNAL. 5. Prepare SPIRITUALLY—pg 81 in your Camp Manual ; prayer, scriptures, relax, take time everyday starting now to sit quietly. Allow the Savior to talk with you. 6. Stake Challenge: Read your BOOK OF MORMON every day. (Chart for Daily reading) Memorize The Living Christ. 7. Get to KNOW your girls in your Unit and find out how many are in your unit. 8. Camp Manual responsibilities pp 87-88, 20-26 9. Attend MEETINGS/events prior to camp to help prepare for camp, you are a LARGE part of camp and we could not do it without your ideas and enthusiasm. Please come to all meetings and share your insight, advice and experiences…we will listen and make changes to camp to make it the best it can be because of your ideas. (; more costumes, shorter gatherings, more YCL time, free time activities…all your IDEAS! Thank you) See how great you are making camp...all because you shared your ideas and came to meetings we can’t wait to see you at YCL activity and leadership training. Even if you can’t make it to camp please come to the meetings and share with us your wonderful spirit, energy and enthusiasm for camp. 10. You will learn to be LEADER, TEACHER and an EXAMPLE. 11. Ask yourself; what are the NEEDS of my girls I am over? Make a plan and fill that need. 11. Help girls get EXCITED about coming to camp and being at camp. 12. Remind them every Sunday and Wednesday about camp to gather their equipment list and earn $250.00, and to check out the awesome Camp Blogspot. 13. YCL Activity Help organize camp, learn about the new Theme, laugh with Sister Vasquez, sign up for what Level you would like to be in, meet your Head Youth Leaders and Level leaders, become a better leader and be trained…it will be one for the books don’t miss out! (find out the new idea your YL’s came up with for activity time…see you at the meeting to find out) 14. Pack your Leader Badge . You will be wearing this during camp. At Camp 1. You will be arriving early to camp on Monday MORNING. This will allow you to prepare for the arrival of the girls. Keep in mind that many of the girls are nervous ad this may be there first time away from home. Make them feel comfortable. 2. Help ENCOURAGE and remind girls to arrive early to gatherings, Level work, eating and all other events. 3. HELP GIRLS get involved in all areas of camp, help them feel welcome and needed. 4. Arrive 10 min. early to GATHERING -Singing new camp songs from the booklet and having fun at gatherings (passing out song booklets then gathering them back again) and other areas at camp, you will be in charge of all gatherings. Get the girls REVVED up! 5. Prepare for your camp rules and theme” Skit. 6. Be an EXAMPLE for all the YW and help them experience SPIRITUAL QUIET TIME/morning devotional in a pleasant way. (This time in the day is when we ALL attend devotional for 30 minutes and sit quietly and read scriptures or write in our journals or listen to nature or pray and feel the Saviors Love for us)This time is very crucial and some YW are not used to this time alone and silent it may be uncomfortable and awkward, you may be their example to see how you sit quietly and how calming it is. Prepare now to have your own quiet time each day, you may be surprised at how hard it may be but when you break through Satan's traps it is a wonderful and revitalizing experience. Stand Ye in Holy Places. 7. On a designated NIGHT: you get to take the entire camp to a special spot and do "SINGING TIME”, then reverently take us all back to our cabins and sing to us your goodbye song and present us with a spiritual thought. 8. Stay close to the Savior and allow His love to show you ways to reach these YW (you did this many ways at camp last year by noticing the special things about each young woman at the awards ceremony and helping YW who looked lonely, scared or confused). You were wonderful keep up the GREAT JOB! Have fun at camp!!
Youth Camp Sample Read more about curfew, flagpole, dustpangolden, showers, embers and baldwinbeach.
Spotted all over the world, Zen cairns are more than mere rock piles. They’re a lesson in how to live. Read on to see what these formations can teach us.
Over the past few months I've been asked to teach etiquette to young men and young women 2 different times. This has been a fun experience to reflect and write down what I know and do a little research. I'm thankful my parents and grandparents were strict with good manners when I was young. I didn't appreciate it at the time, but now that I'm older and teaching my children I can see the benefit of learning good manners. Good manners don't happen over night. It takes years of training. YM & YW need to know the basics! Most basics are not taught or enforced at home. Teach and educate them NOW and set them up for a "polite" future. These are my typed up notes of what I went over and demonstrated. We had a 4 course meal at one activity with both YM & YW and a "tea party" at another with just the YW. The 4 course meal included Soup Salad Entree Dessert The Tea Party Cookies Mini Cupcakes Small sandwiches Crackers and dip Hot Chocolate Hot Tang/Juice _________________________________ INTRO - Why do we need good manners? Why do we need good manners? Are we not all children of a King? We are all princes and princesses and are expected to behave as such. We need to act with the utmost decorum for dates, meeting future in-laws, business dinners, dances and more. Presenting yourself properly, and behaving in a dignified manner is what being royal is all about. First impressions last a lifetime whether it's over a meal or in public. Sitting in a chair Sit up straight - DON'T SLOUCH (it's not attractive) (Demonstrate how silly a forward and backward slouch looks) When sitting ESPECIALLY in a dress or skirt, KNEES SHOULD BE TOUCHING! (Your underwear may be cute, but we really don't want to see it!) Table Etiquette - Serving and being served When setting the table, knife blades should always be facing the plate. Present an average table setting or have the youth set their own place and tell them what is right and what is wrong. (2 forks, 2 spoons, 1 knife, napkin, dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, water glass) When going to a fancier restaurant and seeing lots of silverware - just remember WORK YOUR WAY FROM THE OUTSIDE IN. Serve from the LEFT REMOVE from the RIGHT Pass food in a counterclockwise motion or to the RIGHT "It is always the RIGHT way when passing food" DO NOT BEGIN EATING UNTIL EVERYONE IS SERVED! Hold your utensil properly. (Do not act as if you are shoveling the food into your mouth.) When finished with your plate, do not push it away or place your napkin on top. Act as if your plate was the face of a clock, you would place both handles of your utensils on the number 4. If you have to yawn....COVER YOUR MOUTH! Nothing is attractive about a HUGE gaping mouth open wide for all to see! COVER YOUR MOUTH! *Say you're on a first or important date, you may want to keep in mind, some foods are messier to eat than others. What would you rather? A clean face with something you can use utensils? Or something that is messy or you have to eat with your hands? First impressions last a lifetime. Top 10 Basic Table Manners 1. Chew with your mouth closed 2. Avoid slurping, smacking, blowing your nose or other gross noises. (If necessary, excuse yourself to take care of whatever it is you need to take care of.) 3. Hold your utensil properly, don't stab or shovel your food. 4. Don't pick your teeth at the table. 5. Remember to use your napkin at all times. 6. Wait until you're done chewing to sip or swallow a drink. (No floaties allowed!) (The exception is if you're choking - please drink if you're choking) 7. Cut no more than 3 pieces of food at a time. (The most logical answer of why, is so your food doesn't get cold!) 8. Avoid slouching and placing your elbows on the table while eating. (Although it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while conversing between courses) 9. Instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you. 10. Always say 'excuse me' whenever you leave the table. _________________________ Having good manners in LIFE! BE RESPECTFUL TO EVERYONE We always need to respect the golden rule. "Treat others the way you want to be treated." Young, Old, Male & Female. Rumors and gossip is sadly part of life. But... it is YOUR CHOICE whether you want to participate in the continuous spreading of those rumors. How would you feel if those rumors were about you? Respecting others and seeing those around your with God's eyes will change your perspective and bring you joy. Make sure all of your interactions with those around you reflect positive feedback- not negative. Everyone around you are always watching. You may not realize how much you are under the microscope. Would your parents be pleased with your actions? Would your bad habits and manners affect your future children? Most importantly, how would your Father in Heaven think of your words and actions? "It's never RIGHT to do WRONG" "It's never WRONG to do RIGHT" The perfect example of how you should act and behave was our Savior Jesus Christ. Ask yourself in ANY situation, "What would Jesus do?" Smile and BE HAPPY! Everyone gravitates towards happiness. Be a MAGNET! Shine your smile and have a happy disposition. No one wants to be around others who always find bad in the world. Gratitude is the true base of happiness. PUNCTUALITY! Being punctual or "on time" is polite. Tardiness or always running late is rude. It shows your lack of preparation. Plan and prepare ahead of time. How long is the drive to the destination? How long does it take to get ready? (Always take into consideration that it takes at least 2-3 minutes to put on your shoes and get in the car before you actually start to drive.) Girls, be ready for your date when they have specified. It is extremely akward for a date to wait over 5 minutes for you. Boys, always be on time. There is nothing worse than waiting on your date to arrive. (I would know- my date showed up 1 hour late for HOMECOMING! I WAS TICKED! Not a good way to start the evening) PHONES Cell phones are an amazing tool. They keep us connected to those around us. But phones are a HUGE distraction. You may physically be in an area, but when scrolling through facebook or pinterest keeps you mentally from the conversation and the space you are literally in. Phone usage needs to be practically eliminated during dates, dinners and family activities. You can't gain the experiences everyone posts on facebook if you're always on the phone and never out making them. APPAREL You may not realize that you appearance can come across as polite or rude. Be confident and comfortable in your apparel but, don't wear things that are too tight, baggy, or show too much skin. There is a proper way to dress. And showing off your body or not even getting ready are not polite. Wearing pajamas, yoga pants, sweat pants, basketball shorts etc. are a sign of laziness and lack of preparation. Wake up 1 minute earlier and throw on some JEANS for goodness sakes! Don't be looked upon as lazy or unkept. Manners at the table and manners in life will keep you polite and positive. Remember- Practice makes Perfect _______________________________________ This was a VERY fun activity and I think a good reminder to youth and adults to always have good manners in life and at the table. When practiced and used regularly, good etiquette lasts a lifetime.
Would you rather help Nephi build a ship or listen to King Benjamin?? Have some FHE or Come, Follow Me fun with this Book of Mormon Would you Rather...? game.
