The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has programs to teach young men (YM) and young women (YW) the beliefs of the church. Youth ages range from 12 to 17. They meet on Sundays for structured lessons and then once a week for planned activities. The activities are under the direction of the YM/YW leaders. These activities can be service projects, or can be intended to reinforce a gospel principle.
Service Scavenger Hunts
You can choose from a variety of scavenger hunts. A chore hunt teaches the youth about giving service. Split the YM/YW into equal groups and give them a list of chores they need to complete. The chores can range from dusting, vaccuming, yard work or washing dishes. On each list, write down names of ward or branch members that would appreciate this service. Have the youth go to the member's home and do as many chores as they can within an hour.
Career Fair
This activity will help the youth decide what kind of career they want. Choose a variety of careers with different levels of education and backgrounds. Pick vocations such as cosmetology, computer programming, nursing or engineering. Ask the adults in your ward or branch who would be willing to help and have them prepare a list of their job responsibilities. Have them also write down what they like or dislike about their job. On the night of the career fair, give each youth a questionnaire to use when talking to the adult representatives.
A Jell-o Festival
Jell-o has been a staple on most dinner menus in LDS homes, and a Jell-o Festival is a great low-cost activity. Start with a tasting contest. The first person to name all the different flavors of Jell-o wins. Then, you can do a Jell-o Jiggler toss, which is done much like an egg toss. Follow that by a Jell-o pie eating contest. Fill pie shells with Jell-o and top with whipped cream. Have the youth bring boxes of Jell-o to donate to the local food bank.
Secret Grandparents
For a week, the YM/YW can adopt elderly members of their ward or branch to be a secret grandparent. Ask the grandparents to write a brief history about themselves. Give the history to the assigned youth and have him read it. This will help each youth know his secret grandparent better. Each night, the youth will drop off a small gift, such as cookies, microwave popcorn or a craft he made, along with a brief note. The note can contain poems or something about the youth as a person. Plan a dinner for the grandparents to meet their grandchildren at the end of the week.
Tags: ward branch, chores they, each youth, Have youth, Jell-o Festival