The group will be divided into two lines. One person from each line (from opposite ends) will walk towards each other. They cannot talk or make noise. Their goal is to make the other person crack a smile. This is where they need to get creative! Walk funny, make silly faces, dance, whatever it takes. Everyone standing in the lines can help. They can make as much noise as they want. First one to crack a smile loses and joins other side. Continue with two more people from each line.
lds blogs, sisters in zion, lds yw, lds, yw camp, crafts, relief society, primary, mutual theme
lds blogs, sisters in zion, lds yw, lds, yw camp, crafts, relief society, primary, mutual theme
I admit that reciting the Young Women Theme every week with my counselors and my girls is not my favorite part about the Young Women Program. It never has Exponent II blog is a feminist forum for Mormon women and gender minority voices.
Be sure to check out our EMBARK Girls Camp posts (based on this year’s youth theme)! A great fit for Girls Camp and full of activities you could use on any weeknight. We’ve all b…
Stopping in for a post that others can reference easily- I have had a few people ask for details about our girl's camp this year- and it turned out great. We had a "Girl On Fire" theme, with the our girl's being on fire with the spirit of their Heavenly Father. The theme turned out to take on a life of it's own (as often happens with these ventures) but here are a few of the details. We had all the girls bring a dark t-shirt, and we we had stencils and cardstock for them to cut out and use as negatives on their shirts. A little bit of bleach....and you are done.... Make sure to put cardboard in the shirt, and lay it flat- this will keep the bleach from soaking through to the other side. Girls cut out their names, used swirls and butterflies, and really made their shirts amazing. This is the front of my t-shirt and the back of my hoodie. I made these without the cute swirly stencils, so the girls could see them before we started, but once the girls saw each other's shirts they really got into this project. It was a huge success. If you know someone with a Cricket cutting machine you could do amazing things with this- just go light on the bleach, lay them in the sun as you spray, and if you carefully lift your stencils they can be used again and again (let them dry a bit in between uses). For more detailed step by step instructions on bleaching, I refer you to fellow blogger and crafty inspo site Burlap and Denim. (Her shirts are so cute- I am impressed!) We also used vinyl stickers with the mockingjay logo and young women's logo and decorated our 'lanterns'. With the stickers on (you can also wrap twine, cut tape, or cover any other way you desire), we sprayed a light coat of spray paint on the jar. When you remove the stickers and vinyl, the paint reveals the 'etched' looking designs. We added a battery powered tea light candle, and with some bent wire they were good to go. The girls carried these out every night, brought them to night devotionals and testimony meeting, and used them in their tents. We didn't have to worry about fire anywhere, and they looked amazing in the dark. One of our crafts was soda tab bracelets. Again, the girls went crazy once they figured out what to do with the craft (I recommend having at least 3 or 4 leaders trained before you go- it isn't hard, but needs to be done right for the bracelet to lay correctly.) I am not going to give you a tutorial here, but you can watch several great ones on You Tube or go to ehow.com for step by steps. Just make a few before hand and be prepared to help them start and finish them off. Even our Beehives just adored these and made several while at the craft table. Start saving tabs now!!! (hint: Progresso soup tabs are large, and they make a great end tab so the other end can toggle through it- so easy to put on and off!) We also had a Hunger Games style activity, with a Tracker Jacker station (teams with colored stickers that were the stings when stuck on eachother) a battle station (pool noodles or other funny swords can be used) and races for bread, etc. In the secret sister mailboxes (a shoe organizer hung at our pavillon) I gave the following goodies: this little parachute themed note containing glow sticks for them to wear at night And a little extra treat One night we had a 10 Virgin faith walk, based on the script and painting by Gayla Prince. This was especially effective in the dark night, through the trees and brush. (The girls made their lanterns that day and were actually given their tea lights by the first virgin). It was awesome to have them come to the 'feast' in the middle of the hills and place their lights at the portrait of Christ. After we were done they enjoyed the fruit and french bread loaves at the table. It was a great night. We had a picture night and devotional on local temple grounds, and our campground was by a lake, so on our final night we closed by singing late into the night with our lanterns on the dock. It was an amazing camp..... and I hope these ideas can help someone else out there! -UPDATE- I am no computer wiz, so officially adding files completely boggles my brain. I am adding photos here, all in just a jpeg format. My hope is that you can click on the picture and at least save it, then insert into your document (I use Microsoft Publisher) and go from there. The sponsor envelope I used on legal size envelopes, then added the glow sticks. Good luck- hope it helps! click here for our next year's camp theme- Brave Girls Only
These hipster graphic prints feature famous LDS phrases, songs, and scripture that would look great on the walls of any LDS home. These would be fantastic hanging solo, or together as a collage.
LDS 2024 YOUTH THEME BUNDLE: YOUNG MEN'S, YOUNG WOMEN'S POSTERS, BOOKMARKS, FLAG BUNTING AND CAKE TOPPERS: I am a disciple of Jesus Christ - 3 Nephi 5:13 Custom colors and sizing to suit your theme available at no extra cost - simply contact me :) *** Please note this is a digital download only, no physical item will be shipped.*** Embrace your faith with the Mormon 2024 LDS Youth Theme Digital Art Collection. This beautifully crafted set includes posters, bookmarks, and cupcake toppers, all themed around the inspiring message, "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ" from 3 Nephi 5:13. Perfect for Young Men and Women groups, this collection adds a touch of spirituality to any setting. INCLUDES: Digital Posters: High-resolution JPEGs in versatile print ratios: 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 5x7, 11x14, 1:1, and ISO sizing (A4, A3), suitable for framing or display in various settings. Bookmarks: PDFs of 2"x6" and 2"x7" bookmarks, (5 cutouts on letter-size and A4-size pages), perfect for marking your scriptures or as small gifts - simply cut and laminate. Cute Cupcake Toppers: A sheet of 20 charming 2x2 inch toppers, ideal for adding a personalized touch to gatherings - ready to print, cut and add to cake toppers (PDF in A4 and Letter sizing). Flag Bunting: PDF file of 5x7 flag bunting - 12 flags across 6 pages ready to print, cut and hang (2 digital prints per page - A4 and Letter sizes). Instant Download: Upon purchase, you'll receive a link to download your digital files directly from Etsy or yu can download here: https://www.etsy.com/your/purchases. No physical item will be shipped. Your collection includes high-resolution JPEGs, ready for printing at home or through your preferred printing service. Customisation: Need a different size? Contact us for custom sizing options. Explore More: Discover our range of inspirational LDS-themed digital art at https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/PoeticMinimalism?ref=seller-platform-mcnav§ion_id=42371309 Thank you for choosing Poetic Minimalism - we appreciate your support and hope you enjoy your new digital art set. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
“Minute to Win-It” COMBINED Activity* Break the group into 2 teams (mixed YW & YM) and have representatives from each team ...
With the 2014 mutual theme being, "Come Unto Christ and be Perfected in Him..." I have had overwhelming email requests and comments on this particular post. Most of you are requesting a copy of the talk. Just so you know... I have made a request for the talk that was used, but not sure if she still has a copy. This particular New Beginnings was held a few years ago, back in 2010. I will let you know if and when it becomes available. * Original 2010 post: * This year our ward's New Beginnings theme was, "Diamonds in the rough: Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him" . * * INVITATION * Invitations were hand delivered in a simple black envelope, tied with black ribbon. Each name was written in metallic silver on the front of the envelope. * * Needed Supplies: simple printout of invitation on white copy paper, black card stock, black envelopes, clear rhinestone stickers, double-sided tape or glue stick, and a silver metallic Sharpie. * * Other ideas: * * Square Bracket Cards You can purchase them here I saw these cute Square Bracket Cards and thought they might be a bit more "girlie" than the straight edge we used on our invites. * AMBIANCE/DECOR * The Relief Society room was transformed into our Young Women's Diamond Boutique Décor included: black and white table coverings and drapes, black tulle, topiaries, lighting, large acrylic crystals, and a simple vase filled with faux beautiful soft pink roses (which were given to our new and incoming Beehives during the program). The Young Women Medallion was displayed on a black velvet neck display. And the new Personal Progress booklet, Strength of Youth pamphlet and Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, each received a "bling, bling makeover", using clear rhinestone stickers. the YW values were also displayed. My daughter's dress form was transformed into our daughter of a king, complete with a few of the large acrylic crystals around the neck and a sparkly "Diamonds in the Rough" sash, which I made using a piece of black scrap material and felt letters stickers I found at a local fabric store (simple, yet adorable!). Along with the bling was a large piece of coal, a simple rock we found at the lake recently, spray painted black. * PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS * I do not have an exact program outline. But our program included Personal Progress updates, Spotlights on our newest Beehives, a couple musical numbers, and talks from our Young Women's President (Amy) and our Bishop. They each tied in the theme nicely. Amy started out her talk with the cutest object lesson... "How to make a diamond". * * OBJECT LESSON IDEAS * 1) I recall Amy standing in front of the group in a darling apron. Holding a recipe card. She took a piece of coal (could be a simple rock painted black) and placed it in a frying pan. She asked the young women how long it would take her to turn that piece of coal into a diamond. I believe this is when she pulled out the blow torch. She didn't use it of course. Just a visual aid. :) After some discussion, she bridged over to what it takes to be perfected in Him. * * 2) Another idea would be to use a tarnished piece of silver and polish it while explaining how our Savior helps refine us - in the end the silver will shine. * photo credit here, from The Creek Line House * 3) Diamonds, an object lesson. * RESOURCES FOR TALK PREPARATION * The process to create diamonds is completely natural. The diamonds start out as a simple piece of coal, until a molten rock heats pure carbon under tremendous pressure. This causes the diamond crystals to be formed. Volcanic activity will, over time, push the diamonds to the earth’s surface, where they can be found buried in the earth. The diamonds still have to get cleaned and polished before they shine. * The Lord's Pattern for Peace, Elder Christoffel Golden Jr., Ensign April 2008 "Then, as I looked at his almost transparent countenance, I recalled many of the small and great deeds he had done. It was in the small deeds that I discovered the greater joy. Through his renewed life of submission and service, this noble servant of the Lord had received the approval of heaven. He was no longer a rough diamond but rather a refined, polished shaft. * Opposition in Order to Strengthen Us, Eldred G. Smith, General Conference October 1973 "We all have our trials of life to strengthen us. Each thinks he has the hardest or most severe trials. It may be that they are the most difficult only because they are the hardest or most difficult for you. The diamond is enhanced and made more valuable with polishing. Steel is made harder and more valuable through tempering. So also opposition builds the character of man." * James E Faust uses the story of a man's search for diamonds to teach a few different lessons: Happiness and Our Search For Happiness, James E. Faust, Liahona October 2000 "How many times do we look for our happiness at a distance in space or time rather than right now, in our own homes, with our own families and friends?" The Truth Shall Make You Free, James E. Faust, Liahona September 1998 “Where can truth be found?” * * * How Diamonds are Formed, National Geographic As I watched this I was intrigued with the idea that once a diamond is formed beneath the earth's surface, it still needs to be transported. Just as we need our Savior. * MUSICAL NUMBER SUGGESTIONS * Brie sang her first solo in public. She and one of our beehives sang "Daughter of a King", by Jenny Phillips. They each sang a verse on their own and sang the chorus together. Brie was so nervous, but she did wonderful. * TAKE-A-WAY/GIFTS * After the program, the Young Women were directed to the back of the room. There they found two tables which were set-up with supplies for each of them to make their own "Be Strong and of Good Courage" tiles - because that was the mutual theme for 2010. (supplies: 4x4 tiles, prepared vinyl lettering, and Pampered Chef scrapers) * * REFRESHMENTS * We served up Chocolate Mousse Parfaits with Brownies and Caramel Sauce, Amy's creation. * TAKE AWAY IDEAS * Each of the young women were given a small bag, tied with a black ribbon, holding a ring pop inside as they were leaving. * * (1) Small Black Velvet Drawstring Pouches, purchase here ($2.93 for a pack of 12) (2) Clear treat bags, found at your local craft stores (3) Black Organza Bags,purchase here ($1.50 for a pack of 10) * Here are a few other ideas... * Ring Pop Popsicles idea found here, from Make It Cozee * Edible Sugar Diamonds Multiple colors and shapes. Great to top cupcakes or cookies with! You can purchase them here, at Fancy Flours * * Gem Candy Molds Have a candy making activity beforehand. Candy molds found here photo from Make It Love It * MUTUAL or F.H.E. ACTIVITY IDEAS * Rock Hounding, Family Home Evening Resource Book
I am one who, on occasion, enjoys discovering unique items at stores like HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Nordstrom Rack and Ross. Usually home decor or clothing! But, this time I found a different kind of treasure - an oil lamp. * I found this at Ross, and at $4.99 I had to get it. :) In fact, I bought two of them. I found another one tucked behind a picture frame. I was telling my mother-in-law about my find, and she said we should find 8 more. We were definitely on the same page. :) * * I giggled when I found these lamps, only because of a talk (see below) I had come across after the new mutual theme "Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard to the nations" had been introduced. * RESOURCE Your Light - A Standard to All Nations, Elder James E Faust, April 2006 * Here are a few notes from his talk: In the Savior’s parable of the ten virgins, each young woman had a lamp. Clearly, this parable has both a temporal and a spiritual application. Oil can be purchased at the market. But another kind of oil, spiritual oil that is not for sale, can be accumulated only by our daily good works. * The parable tells what happened as all ten young women waited for the bridegroom. The bridegroom came at the darkest hour, when least expected. It was midnight, and the foolish five had run out of oil. You might wonder why the five wise virgins could not share their oil with the other five. It was not selfishness on their part. Spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant because we each fill our lamps drop by drop in our daily living. * The late President Spencer W. Kimball defined those drops of oil for us a few years ago when he said: * “There are oils that keep the gospel burning brightly. One type of oil is the oil of family prayer. It illuminates us and makes us bright and cheery but is difficult to obtain at midnight. One drop or two will not keep the lamp burning long. … “Another type of oil is the oil of fasting. The last midnight is late to start disciplining our lives in preparation for the great day of the Lord. … “Another oil that is not available at midnight is the indispensable oil of home service. This rare oil of service is accumulated through visits to the sick, through lending a helping hand. … “There is another oil that all will need—rich or poor, sick or well. Its light is brilliant and increases with use. The more that is used, the more that is left. It is easy to purchase in the day but not available at night. This is the tithing oil. “There is one … oil that is so precious that without adding it to the other oils no wick will burn. Without it, the light from all the others will dim and go out. This is the oil of chastity.” * My dear young friends, many of you put oil into your lamps last year when you followed President Hinckley’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon. You can continue to do so every time you read the scriptures, partake of the sacrament, and offer your daily prayers. And as you each put oil into your lamps, your light will become “a standard for the nations.” * POSSIBLE 10 HOUR PROJECT & PROGRAM The Ten Virgins by Emily Freeman Ten Women, Ten Stories - A Musical Parable found here at Deseret Book * This would make for a wonderful ten hour project for more than one of the young women. The CD/Songbook combo includes CD with vocals and songbook which includes the script, sheet music and performance track. Under direction of their young women leaders, the girls could do everything from: scheduling the building set design (teaching them how to keep it simple) musical practices (could take 10 minutes during opening exercises on Sunday) costume design (again, keep it simple) invitations/flyer programs for the night ADDITIONAL RESOURCES *
