Fsy 2025 International Staff Handbook
Fsy 2025 International Staff Handbook
Fsy 2025 International Staff Handbook
“My dear young brothers and sisters, these surely are the latter days, and the Lord is
hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking
place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in
importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to,
you can be a big part of it. You can be a big part of something big, something grand,
something majestic!”
Russell M. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” (worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018),
ChurchofJesusChrist.org
COUNSELOR SECTION
Counselor Instructions 12
Counselor Assigned Program Duties 13
Counselor Schedule 18
COORDINATOR SECTION
Coordinator Instructions 136
Coordinator Presession Planning 138
Coordinator Schedule 144
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Journal 201
Music and Hymns 213
Games 226
For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices 228
iv He Leadeth Me, by Yongsung Kim. Image courtesy of Havenlight
FSY Conference Objective
To strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, feel an in-
creased sense of belonging, and be empowered to continue having spiri-
tual experiences at home.
My name:
Session directing couple:
Session dates:
Session location:
Purpose of the
Staff Handbook
This handbook provides teaching skills and operational instructions to guide
you in providing an effective FSY conference. Write your name and session
information in the lines provided, and keep your handbook with you through-
out the conference. Use it as a reference to help you fulfill your duties and to
remember what you learned and taught at FSY.
“The First Presidency and the Twelve are united in endorsing these efforts to
strengthen our youth. Oh, how we love them and pray for them! They are the ‘hope
of Israel, Zion’s army, children of the promised day’ [“Hope of Israel,” Hymns, no.
259]. We express our complete confidence in our youth and our gratitude for them.”
Russell M. Nelson, “Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women
Classes,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 39
1
Conduct at
Church Activities
Church events and activities can be fun, uplifting, and spiritually strengthen-
ing for everyone who attends. To reach these aims, all participants are invited
to commit to follow the principles taught in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide
for Making Choices. When you do, the experience will be better for everyone.
Please note that Church activities are not the time or place for romantic
behavior or for conversations and actions that distract from the purpose of the
event or activity.
If you participate in any of the following prohibited activities, leaders at
the event or activity will speak with you, your parents, and your bishop,
branch president, or stake president. These leaders may decide to send
you home immediately.
Prohibited Activities
• Participating in or encouraging immoral behavior of any kind, which
includes breaking the law of chastity or viewing or distributing
pornography in any form.
• Shoplifting, theft, or vandalism of any kind.
• Breaking the Word of Wisdom, including vaping or possessing illegal or
harmful substances.
• Possessing weapons or dangerous items of any kind. (If specifically
authorized, certain items may be provided and used in supervised
activities.)
• Harming or threatening to harm yourself or others physically, spiritually,
or emotionally, including bullying in any form or disrupting another’s
experience.
• Leaving without following proper procedures, skipping scheduled
activities without permission, or breaking curfew.
Crimes and harmful or destructive incidents or pranks may be reported to
local authorities, who will respond according to local law. Leaders follow the
direction of these authorities.
2
Additional Conduct While at FSY Conferences
To uphold FSY’s commitment to promote and maintain a safe and respectful
environment, weapons and dangerous or banned items are prohibited for all
youth, volunteers, and staff.
Illegal or harmful substances include but are not limited to prescription medi-
cation not prescribed to the individual, alcohol, tobacco products, and so on.
Weapons include any device designed or intended to inflict serious bodily
injury or death. In addition, FSY, at its sole discretion, may from time to time
prohibit additional dangerous items.
Weapons or other banned items brought to FSY will be confiscated. The par-
ents of the youth possessing the item will be contacted, and the youth may be
sent home immediately, at the family’s expense, and with no refund. If a crime
is involved, local authorities may be alerted. Confiscated weapons or other
banned items that FSY staff, at their sole discretion, determine to be too dan-
gerous will not be returned directly to youth. Where lawful, FSY may arrange
with bishops, branch presidents, or parents for the return of these items at the
family’s expense through secure methods.
FSY conferences are held in various jurisdictions with unique laws related to
weapons or other banned items. Many of the partner institutions that host
FSY also have related policies banning certain items. In addition to posing
obvious danger to people or property, bringing a weapon or other banned
item to FSY jeopardizes FSY’s partnerships and future scheduling with these
host venues.
3
Presession Preparation
and Planning
Note: Instructions for each activity are included on the day the activity
occurs. However, in most cases advance preparation is best. Please carefully
read your responsibilities and be familiar with them before the session begins.
4
Recommended
Staff Agenda
The following pages contain a recommended staff agenda. It may be modified
to accommodate local needs. This is not a comprehensive list of things that
need to be attended. Each position may attend other activities if desired.
5
Day One
FSY Staff Shirt
SESSION
TIME, MEETING ASSISTANT
COUNSELORS COORDINATORS DIRECTING
DESCRIPTION COORDINATORS
COUPLE
7:30 a.m.–8:20 a.m. Attend Attend Attend Attend
Staff Breakfast
8:00 a.m.–8:25 a.m.
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct —
Meeting
Share
8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Attend Attend Conduct 5-minute
Staff Meeting message
9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Conduct — — —
Co-Counselor Planning
9:15 a.m.–10:50 a.m. Attend, if
Materials Distribution and Assist Conduct, if assigned Oversee desired
Orientation Practice
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Assist Conduct, if assigned Oversee Attend
Check-In
1:15 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Conduct Assist, if needed — —
Room Checks (if applicable)
1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired —
Meet Your Counselor desired
2:30 p.m.–3:05 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired —
Meet Your Company desired
3:05 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Conduct Attend, if desired — —
Company Name and Chant
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Attend Assist Conduct Assist
Orientation
4:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct desired
Meeting
4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Dinner
5:45 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Attend Attend Conduct Teach
Home Evening Lesson
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend Attend
Home Evening Games desired
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired —
Home Evening Goal Setting desired
9:00 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Head Count
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Oversee — — —
Quiet Time
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Reflect and Review desired
10:30 p.m. Oversee Assist Assist —
Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct desired
Meeting
6
Day Two
FSY Staff Shirt
SESSION
TIME, MEETING ASSISTANT
COUNSELORS COORDINATORS DIRECTING
DESCRIPTION COORDINATORS
COUPLE
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Attend Conduct — —
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Conduct Attend, if desired — —
Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Gospel Study desired
8:45 a.m.–9:15 a.m. — — — Conduct
Session Directing Couple/Teacher Meeting
9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session Directing Couple Morning Attend Attend Conduct Teach
Devotional
10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Classes
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Lunch
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Musical Program Rehearsal desired
1:30 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Classes or Session-Specific Activities
1:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct desired
Meeting
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if able —
Participant Free Time
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Variety Show Tryouts desired
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Musical Program Rehearsal desired
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Attend Conduct Attend, if able —
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Dinner
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Oversee, if assigned Attend, if able
Banner and Cheer Prep desired
6:30 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Conduct — — —
FSY Dance Guidelines
6:45 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Assist, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Assist, if assigned
Dance assigned
9:00 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Meet with Company | Head Count
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Oversee — — —
Quiet Time
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Reflect and Review desired
10:30 p.m. Oversee Assist Assist —
Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct desired
Meeting
7
Day Three
FSY Staff Shirt
SESSION
TIME, MEETING ASSISTANT
COUNSELORS COORDINATORS DIRECTING
DESCRIPTION COORDINATORS
COUPLE
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m.
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Attend Conduct — —
Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Conduct Attend, if desired — —
Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Gospel Study desired
9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Session Directing Couple Morning Attend Attend Conduct Teach
Devotional
10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Classes or Session-Specific Activity
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Lunch
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Musical Program Rehearsal desired
1:30 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Classes or Session-Specific Activities
1:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct
Meeting desired
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if able
Participant Free Time desired
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Variety Show Tryouts desired
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Musical Program Rehearsal desired
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Attend Conduct Attend, if able —
Meeting
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Dinner
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Conduct Oversee, if assigned Assist, if assigned —
Games Night Prep
6:45 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Games Night and Cheer-Off
8:15 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Meet with Company | Head Count
8:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Favorite Food Night desired
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Oversee — — —
Quiet Time
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Reflect and Review desired
10:30 p.m. Oversee Assist Assist —
Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct desired
Meeting
8
Day Four
Sunday Dress
SESSION
TIME, MEETING ASSISTANT
COUNSELORS COORDINATORS DIRECTING
DESCRIPTION COORDINATORS
COUPLE
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m.
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Attend Conduct — —
Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Conduct Attend, if desired — —
Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Gospel Study desired
9:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Young Men and Young Women Attend Attend Conduct Teach
Devotionals
9:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Attend, if
Young Men and Young Women Conduct Oversee, if assigned Attend
Activities desired
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Lunch
12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Assist, if assigned —
Variety Show Dress Rehearsal
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Musical Program Rehearsal desired
1:30 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Conduct — — —
Variety Show Guidelines
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Variety Show
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if able
Participant Free Time desired
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Musical Program Dress Rehearsal desired
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct
Meeting desired
4:30 p.m.–5:50 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Dinner
5:50 p.m.–6:05 p.m. Conduct — — —
Reverence and Testimony Discussion
6:20 p.m.–7:40 p.m.
Musical Program and Evening Attend Oversee, if assigned Conduct Teach
Devotional
7:50 p.m.–8:50 p.m. Conduct Attend, if able Attend, if able Attend, if able
Testimony Meetings
9:00 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Meet with Company | Head Count
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Oversee — — —
Quiet Time
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Reflect and Review desired
10:30 p.m. Oversee Assist Assist —
Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct desired
Meeting
9
Day Five
FSY Staff Shirt
SESSION
TIME, MEETING ASSISTANT
COUNSELORS COORDINATORS DIRECTING
DESCRIPTION COORDINATORS
COUPLE
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m.
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Attend Conduct — —
Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Conduct Attend, if desired — —
Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Gospel Study desired
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Goal Setting Review desired
10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Session Directing Couple Morning Attend Attend Conduct Teach
Devotional
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Attend, if
For the Strength of Youth Guide Teach Conduct Attend, if desired
Activity desired
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Lunch
1:30 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Attend, if
Teach Oversee, if assigned Attend, if desired
Living the Gospel Activity desired
3:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Slide Show
3:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Attend, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Attend, if able
Participant Free Time desired
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Attend Oversee, if assigned Attend Attend
Dinner
6:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Conduct — — —
Picture Taking
6:15 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Assist, if
Assist, if assigned Oversee, if assigned Assist, if assigned
Dance assigned
8:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Attend Attend Conduct Teach
Taking It Home Message
9:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Attend, if
Conduct Attend, if desired Attend, if desired
Company Taking It Home desired
9:45 p.m. Conduct Receive Receive —
Meet with Company | Head Count
9:45 p.m.–10:25 p.m. Oversee — — —
Quiet Time
10:25 p.m. Conduct — — —
Prayer
10:30 p.m. Oversee Assist Assist —
Lights Out/Night Watch
10:30 p.m. Attend, if
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator — Attend Conduct desired
Meeting
10
Day Six
FSY Staff Shirt
SESSION
TIME, MEETING ASSISTANT
COUNSELORS COORDINATORS DIRECTING
DESCRIPTION COORDINATORS
COUPLE
11
Counselor Instructions
As a counselor, you have the greatest effect on the quality of the youth’s FSY
conference experience. It is critical that you set an example and develop mean-
ingful relationships with the youth. Get to know and pay attention to each
of the youth in your group. Teach, inspire, interact with, and have fun with
them. Be an example of obedience and help keep them safe.
Before FSY, your dedicated study and preparation will allow you to be an
effective counselor, which includes being both a good learner and teacher.
Build relationships with your leaders and accept their direction with a teach-
able attitude, knowing that they want you to succeed. By drawing inspiration
from and implementing the wisdom and counsel of inspired leaders, you can
become an effective mentor to your youth.
At FSY conference, you will oversee a “counselor group” of about 10–12 par-
ticipants of your same sex. You will also be assigned at least one co-counselor
of the opposite sex. Together, your counselor groups will form a “company.”
You will conduct various activities with your counselor group alone, while
other activities will be conducted in companies, overseen by both you and
your co-counselor or co-counselors.
An assistant coordinator of your same sex will be assigned to oversee you and
a few other counselors. Get to know your assistant coordinator, and feel free
to ask questions and request help as needed.
Although you are assigned to a specific group of youth, all FSY staff are re-
sponsible for watching over and caring for all youth. If you see any participant
doing something that jeopardizes anyone’s health or safety, act responsibly to
resolve the situation. Be particularly conscientious of youth who have special
needs. Keep your assistant coordinator well informed of youth who are strug-
gling or of any situations that call for discipline. Ask for help with youth who
need more individual attention.
“Now, I cannot tell . . . every leader of youth the details of what is best for you to do.
But I can promise you that you will bless them to help them recognize the spiritual gifts
with which they were born. Every person is different and has a different contribution
to make. No one is destined to fail. . . . God knows our gifts. My challenge to you and
to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them,
and to recognize the opportunities to serve others that God provides us. But most of
all, I pray that you will be inspired to help others discover their special gifts from God
to serve. I promise you that if you ask, you will be blessed to help and lift others to
their full potential in the service of those they lead and love.”
Henry B. Eyring, “Help Them Aim High,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 60, 67
12
COUNSELORS
Counselor Assigned
Program Duties
Throughout the conference, you may be assigned specific program duties.
Instructions for each of those duties can be found on the following pages.
Refer to this section throughout the session.
Class Duty
If you are on morning class duty, remember to promptly report for duty to the
assistant coordinator over morning classes. If you are on afternoon class duty,
you will meet the assistant coordinator assigned to class duty toward the end
of lunch.
Conducting Assignment
Before Youth Arrive
• Introduce yourself to the teacher. If the teacher is late for class, send a
counselor to talk to the assistant coordinator in charge. Do not cancel
the class.
• Ask the teacher about any preference for an opening hymn.
• Promise to give a five-minute warning before the class ends.
• Ask the teacher how they would like to be introduced, or ask for specific
information to help you give a brief introduction.
• If available, make sure the classrooms are properly set up with applicable
materials, like audiovisual equipment, piano, and so on. Report any
concerns to the assistant coordinator assigned to class duty.
13
As Youth Are Arriving
• Instruct the youth to fill all the seats in the front of the classroom before
sitting toward the back and sides. Once the class is full, have a counselor
redirect youth to other classes.
• Invite four participants to help with the following:
◦ Lead the opening hymn
◦ Play the piano (if applicable)
◦ Offer the opening prayer (going to the front of the class for the
opening prayer immediately after the hymn)
◦ Offer the closing prayer (going to the front of the class for the closing
prayer immediately after the lesson)
Beginning of Class
• Welcome the youth. Invite them to open their scriptures and handbooks
to take notes.
• Make announcements as needed (for example, gather your belongings
after the closing prayer, where to meet your company after lunch, and
so on).
• Introduce the teacher, announce the hymn number and title for
opening hymn, announce the participants offering the opening and
closing prayers.
• During class, sit among the youth to help them focus their attention.
• Do not stand up or add anything after the teacher finishes.
• If the class finishes early, have the youth visit quietly until class time
has ended.
Rovers/Hall Assignment
• Be at your assigned location before the youth arrive. You may be
assigned to remain at a specific “post,” or you may be assigned as a rover
to walk around hallways to monitor the youth. Help youth get to class on
time or choose another class if a class is full.
• Be alert and attentive to your surroundings throughout your assigned
area. Ensure that youth are not wandering around unsupervised.
• When youth are in classes, take the opportunity to join a class so that you
can be uplifted and edified while on duty. Listen and learn so you will
be better prepared to discuss the classes with your youth in an informal
setting or during Reflect and Review.
• During class, sit among the youth to help them focus their attention.
• Go back to your assigned location after the teacher is finished and before
the closing prayer begins.
14
COUNSELORS
Dance Duty
Check in with the assistant coordinator in charge before your assigned time to
receive your specific duty (entrance, chaperone, water table, or other stations).
Entrance
Counselors helping with dance admission should stand at the entrance and
check all wristbands or ID badges carefully (if applicable). This will ensure
that only FSY participants join the dance. Do not allow people who are not
part of the conference on the dance floor. Remain at the entrance and con-
tinue to monitor it throughout the dance.
Chaperone
Help maintain the Spirit by patrolling the dance floor and enforcing all FSY
dance guidelines (see p. 48). Kindly ask people who are not keeping the
guidelines to do so. Alleviate any disturbances. Encourage youth to involve
other youth who are alone and need a friend. Report any problems to an assis-
tant coordinator.
Water Table
Maintain the water supply at all times. Ask the assistant coordinator in charge
how to respond if water containers are empty or if more cups or water bottles
15
are needed. Keep the water area clean. Make sure spouts do not drip; ensure
you have towels, paper towels, or a mop in case of spills.
Stations
By assignment, watch over a station or area (for example, restrooms, entrances
and exits, hallways, and so on). Discourage youth from congregating near re-
strooms or other areas. Monitor entrances and exits; prevent youth from leav-
ing the dance unless approved by a counselor or entering the dance without a
wristband or ID badge (if applicable), unless accompanied by a counselor.
16
COUNSELORS
17
Counselor—Day Zero
Sunday Dress
AGENDA
Time to Be Determined at Session Facility/Venue Tour
Time to Be Determined at Session Counselor Orientation
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Session Directing Couple Message
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Breakout
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Session Directing Couple/Coordinator Meeting
8:45 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Co-Counselor Interviews and Planning
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
Facility/Venue Tour
Become familiar with the facility or venue so you will know where to direct
participants during the session. All FSY staff serving at any location for the
first time should become familiar with the facility by touring the areas where
activities will take place. This should include reserved facilities, housing, cafe-
teria, fields, and free-time areas.
Counselor Orientation
Learn more about your role and responsibilities as an FSY conference coun-
selor. Be on time and take notes.
18
COUNSELORS
19
• Determine a company meeting spot that all youth in your company can
access and find. This spot will be used for certain activities such as Meet
Your Company, gospel study, Company Taking It Home, and more.
Discuss whether your group needs a second company spot to meet for
activities, meals, or dances.
20
COUNSELORS
Counselor—Day 1
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:30 a.m.–8:20 a.m. Staff Breakfast
8:00 a.m.–8:25 a.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Staff Meeting
9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Co-Counselor Planning
9:15 a.m.–10:50 a.m. Materials Distribution | Singer Assignments Dancer
Practice (as time allows)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Check-In
1:15 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Participant Room Checks (if applicable)
1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m. Meet Your Counselor
2:30 p.m.–3:05 p.m. Meet Your Company
3:05 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Company Name and Chant
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Orientation
4:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Dinner
5:45 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Home Evening Lesson
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Home Evening Games
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Home Evening Goal Setting
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
21
Staff Meeting
At this last staff meeting before the session begins, be on time, and pay atten-
tion to any agenda changes, session-specific information, and other announce-
ments. We hope you will feel encouraged and excited for the conference!
Co-Counselor Planning
Plan and discuss how you will carry out the following activities and
assignments.
• Daily—Lunchtime head count
• Day One—Meet Your Company
◦ Get-to-know-you games
◦ Company name and scripture application
◦ Company chant—A simple chant to unify your company and help
them remember their name. For example, if your company name were
“Joy in the Journey,” the chant could be “Joy! Joy! Joy! Joy in the
Journey!”
• Day One—Home Evening
◦ Games and debriefing
◦ Goal setting
• Day Two through Day Five—Gospel study
• Day Two—FSY Dance Guidelines
• Day Four—Reverence and testimony discussion
• Day Five
◦ Goal setting review
◦ For the Strength of Youth Guide Activity
◦ Living the Gospel Activity
◦ Company Taking It Home
22
COUNSELORS
“Besides showing youth the way by example, we lead them by understanding their
hearts and walking alongside them on the gospel path. To truly understand their
hearts, we must do more than just be in the same room. . . . We must plan and take
advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their
minds and hearts. . . .
“For our interactions with youth to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention
to them. . . . Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then
being willing to listen—yes, listen and listen some more—even hearken with spiritual
ears!”
Robert D. Hales, “Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the
Rising Generation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 95, 96
Materials Distribution
Prepare for check-in to run smoothly and effectively.
• At the direction of the assistant coordinator in charge, help transport
check-in materials to the check-in location.
• Organize name tags and wristbands, if available, on tables.
• Organize shirts by shirt size. (If needed, a few T-shirts can be laid out
on a table to serve as a reference for those who do not know what size
they are.)
23
Dancer Practice (Optional)
FSY conference staff are encouraged to help build unity and bring excitement
to the youth by dancing during orientation, check-in, and throughout the
week. All counselors who have learned line dances, or who wish to learn line
dances, may participate in dancer practice. The assistant coordinator over
dancers will provide more information.
Check-In
Welcome, prepare, and excite all youth for their FSY conference experience.
Throughout check-in, be professional and welcoming. Give a positive first im-
pression by being outgoing and friendly. Remain alert and helpful through-
out check-in.
• Always start on time.
• Excite the youth, but refrain from boisterous behavior.
• Correctly answer questions from participants, parents, and leaders.
Questions about on-site registration or room changes must be referred
to the coordinators, session directing couple, or logistics team at the
solutions table. For any doubt about answering a question, send or
accompany participants to the solutions table.
• As you hand out materials, be friendly and kind to the youth. Tell each
participant where to go or guide them through the check-in line, quickly
explaining what each item is.
• Do not give a wristband or other materials to anyone not registered for
the FSY conference. When handing out participant name cards, double-
check the name and verify with the participant that all listed information
is correct.
• After giving participants their name card and lanyard, place a wristband
(if available) on their wrist and explain the importance of keeping it on.
• Remind participants to label their handbooks and have them accessible
throughout the session.
• Weather conditions or special circumstances may affect check-in.
Alternative instructions will be given by an assistant coordinator if
needed.
• Be flexible and willing to give extra help and support.
24
COUNSELORS
25
A Tone of Love and Kindness to Invite the Spirit
• Introduce yourself and express your appreciation and excitement for
being an FSY counselor.
• Have the youth introduce themselves and share something fun or unique
about themselves.
• Help your youth understand the purpose of the FSY conference: to
strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, feel an
increased sense of belonging, and be empowered to continue having
spiritual experiences at home.
• Emphasize making and accomplishing personal and company goals
by participating spiritually and socially, obeying rules, and making
good choices.
• Encourage your youth to talk with you about concerns that arise
during FSY.
Checklist Explanations
After introductions, ask youth to turn to “Meet Your Counselor” (participant
handbook, p. 10). Explain each item on the checklist (see instructions below).
When you are sure they understand the expectations, ask them to sign and
date the bottom of the page in their handbook.
Accept and commit to honor “Conduct at Church Activities”
Explain each of the six rules provided in the “Conduct at Church
Activities” section (participant handbook, p. 4), and make sure the
youth understand them all. Involvement in any conduct listed may result
in youth being sent home immediately. Advise them that crimes and
harmful or destructive incidents may be reported to local authorities. The
consequences of actions taken by local authorities are out of the control of
FSY conference staff.
Wristband (if applicable)
Youth must wear their FSY wristband at all times! These indicate which
individuals are part of the session and give participants entrance into every
activity, including meals and dances.
Handbook and For the Strength of Youth Guide
Participants must write their name and their counselor’s name in their FSY
Participant Handbook. Participants should always have their handbook acces-
sible. Show them where the daily schedules are. If a youth is assigned to a par-
ticipant morning devotional, point out what day and page they will reference.
26
COUNSELORS
27
accompany two to four youth. Counselors cannot be alone with a
participant. The youth may find this inconvenient, but emphasize that
their safety is a top priority.
• Lights out. Every night at 10:30, participants must be in their room with
the lights off. Make sure your youth know where your sleeping quarters
are located so they know where to find you in case of emergency.
• Head count. Head counts are scheduled regularly throughout the
day. Help participants understand how important it is for staff to know
where they are at all times. As a counselor, understand and follow head
count procedures:
◦ Have the youth write down the location and times for head count in
the space provided in their handbook.
◦ Take head count and report to your assistant coordinator each
night after your participants return to their rooms, with the
following requirements:
a. Participants are not allowed to leave their floor or sleeping
quarters except with the permission of their counselor and
accompanied by a staff member and at least one other person.
b. Participants’ windows must be covered (if applicable).
• Do not leave the FSY conference. FSY is generally contained within
the facility or venue where it is held. Ask your assistant coordinator what
the boundaries are for your session. Disciplinary action may result from
leaving conference boundaries. FSY conferences may be liable for any
harm that comes to youth. Participants cannot leave without following
the established policy and checkout procedures of your specific session.
• Obligation to Report. Explain to the youth that when an FSY
conference staff member has reason to believe that a youth (even if the
youth is 18) has been subjected to abuse or learns that a youth is being
subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result
in abuse, the staff member must report the situation to a coordinator,
local authorities, or both, according to local law.
• Emergency Protocol. In case of emergency, direct your youth to
report to the closest FSY conference staff member. Staff should follow
emergency procedures set by local law and the area legal counsel.
28
COUNSELORS
• Reflect and Review. Briefly explain Reflect and Review so the youth can
come prepared to share their experiences and thoughts.
• Variety Show. Invite youth to try out for the Variety Show. Have them
write down the location for tryouts in their handbook.
• Musical Program. Invite youth to participate in the Musical Program.
Have them write down the location of rehearsals in their handbook.
Preparation
Read Jeffrey R. Holland’s talk “Be With and Strengthen Them” (Ensign or
Liahona, May 2018, 101–3). In outlining the invitation to minister, he taught:
“We all need to feel the warm hand of friendship. . . . May we labor side by side with
the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with
His staggering task of answering the prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and
strengthening feeble knees. If we will do that, we will be more like the true disciples of
Christ we are meant to be.”
Jeffrey R. Holland, “Be With and Strengthen Them,” Ensign, May 2018, 102, 103
Plan with your co-counselor or co-counselors how you will facilitate a discus-
sion with your youth that emphasizes principles from Elder Holland’s talk.
The discussion should help them recognize opportunities to serve and meet
the needs of those around them. Include in your discussion the scripture, quo-
tation, and ideas provided in the participant handbook, p. 12.
Gather at your company spot so the participants in your company can meet
each other.
• As they mingle and meet each other, you should meet the youth in your
co-counselors’ groups.
• If this activity feels awkward at first, stay positive and encouraging. Be
willing to step out of your comfort zone so that your youth will feel more
comfortable participating and being themselves.
29
• Be proactive, involved, and inclusive of all youth. Help them to meet,
mingle, and talk with each other.
• Observe the needs of the youth and their interactions so you can
effectively facilitate this activity.
30
COUNSELORS
Orientation
Orientation is meant to excite the youth about the coming week. They will be
introduced to the session directing couple, coordinators, assistant coordina-
tors, and wellness coordinators, and they will receive crucial information for
the upcoming activities. Orientation should build company and session unity.
• Counselors should stay on their feet and be dancing to promote
excitement, keeping an eye on the youth until the coordinators stand up
to get orientation started.
• It is a good idea to sit on an aisle seat so you can be aware of youth that
need to leave for any reason, such as using the restroom.
• Help the youth become excited about FSY. Don’t underestimate the
power of your example! Cheer for everyone and everything, and the
youth will begin to follow your example.
• The counselors may learn a line dance and perform it at orientation.
Note: When seating for orientation (or any large group activity), some youth
may need to use the restroom. Have them be seated first before going to
the restroom, or make sure you save them a seat so they can still sit with
their company.
31
Dinner
Mealtime is a great opportunity to get to know your youth and help them feel
comfortable. During all meals, all staff should help youth behave appropri-
ately and stay in approved areas. Set a good example. Do not encourage or be
a part of inappropriate behavior such as food pranks, eating contests, and so
on. Remind youth to be respectful to other groups in the cafeteria. Leave the
dining area clean.
• Encourage your company to eat together to build unity. If a
participant wants to eat with a friend or relative in another company,
respect their choice.
• Remind your youth that you will be traveling to home evening as a
company.
32
COUNSELORS
Debriefing an Activity
Debriefing can help youth connect principles of the activity to principles of
the gospel.
• Games can create a safe environment to help youth understand gospel
applications in all aspects of their lives and make connections afterward.
Tell youth that debriefing will follow the game.
• Successful debriefing skills are similar to effective questioning skills,
with some additional principles. Bridge the game-application gap
with questions.
◦ What aspect of the game did you like or dislike?
◦ What emotions did you feel during the game?
◦ What challenges did you experience?
• Ask the group to apply ideas to the gospel, calling on specific people
who seemed affected.
◦ How did this game apply to the gospel?
• Use follow-up questions to lead to deeper thinking.
• Develop questions purposefully, and listen closely to answers.
• Validate all responses to increase participants’ confidence. Thank
individuals by name, and then emphasize a point they made or
summarize their comment.
Invite the youth to sit close together in a semicircle a few rows deep; being
close keeps them engaged. Encourage speaking in loud, clear voices. Be
sure all can see everyone and hear all comments. Help all feel seen, heard,
and appreciated.
Game Options
Caterpillar Race
Form teams of equal size, with five, seven, or nine players on each team (de-
pending on how big your company is). Line up the separate teams parallel to
each other behind a starting line. Instruct youth to place their hands on the
shoulders of the team member in front of them to form a “caterpillar.” The
teams then race to a finish line according to the following rules of movement:
The first person in line hops forward once; the next person then hops; this
continues down the line until the last person in line hops forward. After the
last person hops, he or she must shout your company name. Then the whole
team may hop forward once at the same time. Repeat this process to move
the caterpillar along. Youth must keep their hands on the shoulder of the
team member in front of them at all times during the race. Players may move
33
forward only by hopping forward once with both feet. If a team breaks any of
the rules of movement, they must return to the starting line and begin again.
Animal Sounds
Ahead of time, calculate how many groups would be formed by separating
your company into small groups of three to four participants each. Next, think
of several animals—enough for one animal for each small group. (Animals
might include wolf, cat, pig, snake, lion, crow, monkey, frog, elephant, and
others. Feel free to be creative.) Do all of this privately before the game starts.
To start the game, invite participants to close their eyes and mill about as a
counselor moves among them, whispering the name of one of the animals to
each person. Participants then make the sound of their assigned animal and
walk around, listening for others making the same sound.
The challenge is to find all the other animals of one’s own kind, and the first
group to find all members wins. No one can talk; participants can only make
animal sounds. Loud chaos is likely to ensue, and gradually order and unity
emerge as animals find one another.
Be prepared to shepherd people away from dangerous areas if needed.
Bandage Tag
Select five to ten participants to be taggers and about five to be doctors; the
rest of the players are patients. One team consists of the taggers, and the sec-
ond team consists of the doctors and patients together.
To begin, the taggers begin chasing and “tagging” (lightly touching) as many
patients and doctors as possible. When a participant is tagged, they must
“apply a bandage” by holding their hand directly on the spot where they were
touched. Each participant has two bandages (both hands). Once a participant
is tagged a third time, they must freeze and sit down until a doctor “heals”
them by touching them.
Doctors cannot heal themselves but may heal others, even if the doctor has
two bandages on. Doctors may only heal frozen players who are sitting. After
three to five minutes, stop the game and count all the patients and doctors.
For each player who is frozen or has two bandages on, the taggers get a point;
for each player who has zero or one bandage on, the doctor-patient team gets
a point. The team with the most points wins. If the taggers have frozen every-
one, choose new taggers and start a new round.
You can also play a version where everyone is a tagger (last person stand-
ing wins) or change the game dynamic by varying the number of taggers
and doctors.
34
COUNSELORS
Poison Stump
All participants stand in a circle and grasp the forearms of the people on their
left and right. Choose one participant to be the “poison stump,” and have
them stand stationary in the middle of the circle. Participants then attempt
to “poison” other players by pulling the other side of the circle toward the
“stump” in the middle. If any participant in the circle touches the stump,
they’re poisoned and must leave the circle. The circle will gradually get
smaller, and the last four or five players not poisoned are the winners. If the
players in the circle break their link, re-form the circle and start over.
Objectives
• Help the youth recognize that the choices they make every day help
them stay on the covenant path toward eternal life.
• Set goals to promote unity, service, and spiritual growth during the week.
Preparation
• Prayerfully prepare and discuss with your co-counselor how to facilitate
this activity. You will simply guide the discussion—the youth themselves
will determine company goals.
• Study the following resources, and prepare yourself spiritually for
teaching effectively:
◦ Jeffrey R. Holland, “Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually,” Ensign or
Liahona, Nov. 2017.
◦ M. Russell Ballard, “Return and Receive,” Ensign or Liahona,
May 2017.
◦ Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Can Do It Now!,” Ensign or Liahona,
Nov. 2013.
◦ Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “On Being Genuine,” Ensign or Liahona,
May 2015.
35
SEGMENT TIME FRAME
Goal setting introduction 8:00 p.m.–8:10 p.m.
Company goal setting 8:10 p.m.–8:25 p.m.
Personal goal setting 8:25 p.m.–8:40 p.m.
Wrap-up 8:40 p.m.–8:45 p.m.
36
COUNSELORS
Wrap-Up (5 Minutes)
• Bring your company back together and ask for a few volunteers, without
pressure, to share a personal goal.
• If you feel prompted, you may share the following quote to encourage
those who may be worried about falling short of their goals:
“Even those who set their hearts upon divine goals may still occasionally
stumble, but they will not be defeated. They trust and rely upon the promises
of God. They will rise up again with a bright hope in a righteous God and the
inspiring vision of a great future. They know they can do it now.”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Can Do It Now!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 57
37
• Prepare for bed before nightly Reflect and Review.
• Prepare the participant morning devotional, if assigned.
• Close all window blinds or ensure that windows are covered so that
people cannot see into the room (if applicable).
• Not leave the sleeping quarters after head count.
Quiet Time
• Allow youth to relax and visit as they prepare for bed (including
showering, brushing teeth, or other hygiene-related needs). Discourage
rambunctious behavior.
• Be patient with unexpected delays, and give participants adequate time
to get ready for bed.
• Encourage youth to prepare for participant devotionals during quiet
time.
• Do not go to your own sleeping quarters during this time. Instead, stay
in a location where you can monitor the participants’ rooms and make
sure they don’t leave their sleeping quarters. Do not use this time to
shower, make phone calls, and so on.
Reflect and Review is a time each evening for the youth to ponder and process
the information and experiences of their day and ultimately to recognize what
Heavenly Father is trying to teach them individually. To help them internalize
what they’ve learned, they are invited to record their thoughts and share their
experiences and testimonies with each other. This helps solidify what they’ve
learned and prepares them to receive further revelation.
An effective Reflect and Review requires the guidance of the Holy Ghost, who
carries truth into the hearts of the youth and inspires them to change. Your
primary responsibility is to create an environment where the Spirit can have
the most impact. Study the following scriptures as you strive to be prepared
and guided by the Holy Ghost during your nightly Reflect and Review.
• Doctrine and Covenants 84:85
• Doctrine and Covenants 100:5–6
• 2 Nephi 33:1
38
COUNSELORS
In 3 Nephi 17:2–3, Christ teaches guiding principles that can lead to a suc-
cessful Reflect and Review. Encourage youth to prayerfully study these verses
to discover doctrine and principles related to reflecting on the things they’ve
learned. Invite them to understand these principles more deeply and be pre-
pared to learn more tomorrow.
39
of Reflect and Reviews depends on follow-up questions that help youth under-
stand and apply the principles being discussed.
Taking It Home (5 Minutes)
After youth have shared their thoughts with each other, Reflect and Review
ends with the counselor inviting them to record specific actions they can take
both at the FSY conference and at home to apply what they’ve learned that
day. Do not skip this. A separate Reflect and Review page has been included
in the handbook for each night, entitled “Taking It Home: An Invitation to
Act.” Throughout the Reflect and Review, try to direct participants’ comments
to turning what they’ve felt into actions so they can be prepared for this final
activity. This is a time to ponder how they can have experiences that will help
them become more like Jesus Christ by making and keeping sacred covenants
and preparing to attain celestial glory. The Taking It Home portion of Reflect
and Review should focus on lasting changes the youth intend to keep long
after they have returned home from their FSY session.
Announcements and Prayer (5 Minutes)
Before praying together, give necessary last-minute announcements or remind-
ers. Praying together builds unity and strength. Afterward encourage youth
to return to their rooms and offer personal prayers before going to bed.
Suggested Announcements
• Youth who have been assigned to Day Two participant devotional
should prepare.
• Be completely ready for the day before going to participant devotional.
• Begin thinking of ideas for a company banner and cheer.
Lights Out
Lights go out at 10:30 p.m. Teach your youth that they need a good night’s
sleep to fully feel the Spirit and have a good experience during the confer-
ence. If any youth are uncooperative, counselors and assistant coordinators
should teach them principles and allow them to act for themselves. Be sensi-
tive and tactful. Roommates are permitted to talk after lights out if they do so
quietly and do not disturb others.
Inform your assistant coordinator when all lights are out. Remain on patrol
near your youth’s sleeping quarters for 15 minutes after your last participant’s
light is off, unless otherwise directed. Coordinators and assistant coordinators
can extend the nightly patrol length if needed.
40
COUNSELORS
Counselor—Day 2
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
41
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
Come dressed and ready to go, as you will not have time to finish getting
ready later. Start the day by praying together. Listen carefully to announce-
ments and instructions.
Breakfast
Mealtime is a great opportunity to get to know your youth and help them feel
comfortable. During all meals, all staff should help youth behave appropri-
ately and stay in approved areas. Set a good example. Do not encourage or be
a part of inappropriate behavior such as food pranks, eating contests, and so
on. Remind youth to be respectful to other groups in the cafeteria. Leave the
dining area clean.
Encourage your company to eat together to build unity. If participants want to
eat with a friend or relative in another company, respect their choice.
42
COUNSELORS
Preparation
• Gospel study provides each counselor with a formal teaching
opportunity. Prepare well. Your personal daily spiritual preparation is
vital. Pray, study the scriptures, and be obedient. Your example will be
more impressive than your words, so practice what you teach.
• During co-counselor planning on the morning of Day One, divide the
daily teaching responsibilities and plan the scriptures you will be using
during the conference.
Gospel Study
Follow Day Two gospel study as outlined below. Remember that being flexi-
ble in your teaching will enable you to follow the Spirit and teach effectively.
43
SEGMENT TIME FRAME
Formal Teaching Time/Group Discussion 8:30 a.m.–8:50 a.m.
Personal Study Time 8:50 a.m.–9:20 a.m.
Sharing Time 9:20 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Each day at the beginning of gospel study, remind your company of their
company goals, check their progress, and continue to encourage them.
44
COUNSELORS
coordinator stands up to get the meeting started. Sit with your company
and learn from the session directing couple. Encourage youth to be reverent
and pay attention. Take notes and prepare possible questions to ask during
Reflect and Reflect.
Classes
As you attend classes, sit among the youth rather than with other counselors.
Be an example to the youth and help them be respectful and focused.
Lunch
Mealtime is a great opportunity to get to know your youth and help them feel
comfortable. During all meals, all staff should help youth behave appropri-
ately and stay in approved areas. Set a good example. Do not encourage or be
a part of inappropriate behavior such as food pranks, eating contests, and so
on. Remind youth to be respectful to other groups in the cafeteria. Leave the
dining area clean.
Encourage your company to eat together to build unity. If participants want
to eat with a friend or relative in another company, respect their choice.
45
Suggested Announcements
• Remind the youth of Musical Program rehearsal and Variety
Show tryouts.
• Tell them where and when to meet after dinner for banner and
cheer prep.
46
COUNSELORS
47
FSY Conference Dance Guidelines
Dances at FSY conferences provide a wholesome social experience where the
Spirit may be present. Youth are encouraged to learn new dances and practice
dance etiquette.
After banner and cheer prep, and before the dance begins, regroup with your
company and review the FSY Conference Dance Guidelines (see participant
handbook, p. 38).
If you have extra time, you may want to teach your youth a line dance or some
fun dance moves.
Dance
When you arrive at the dance location with your company, decide on a place
to meet after the dance to eliminate confusion and allow groups to dismiss in
an orderly and timely manner.
All counselors are to help maintain dance standards. Dance with the youth
in groups and get to know them, and encourage your participants to dance.
However, do not force youth to dance. Do not prohibit them from using the
restroom and getting water at any time during the dance.
Counselors should enjoy the dance but remember that their priority is to
attend to the needs of the youth.
Note: If you have youth who are sensitive to loud music, you may want to
prepare them ahead of time for the environment and energy of the dance. Plan
for them to participate in ways that can stretch their comfort zone while still
allowing them to feel safe. If you have any youth with physical disabilities, plan
with them ahead of time for ways they can participate.
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COUNSELORS
Counselor—Day 3
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch | Musical Program Rehearsal
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
1:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
2:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Rehearsal | Variety Show Tryouts
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Games Night Prep
6:45 p.m.–8:00 pm. Games Night and Cheer-Off
8:15 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
8:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Favorite Food Night
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
49
Participant Morning Devotional
Suggested Announcements
• Remind youth where to meet after lunch for head count.
• Invite your youth to be looking for and recording insights to share
during Reflect and Review.
Gospel Study
Follow Day Three gospel study as outlined below. Remember that being flexi-
ble in your teaching will enable you to follow the Spirit and teach effectively.
Each day at the beginning of gospel study, remind your company of their
company goals, check their progress, and continue to encourage them.
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COUNSELORS
Games Night
Help the youth become united as a company, feel the Spirit while having fun,
and become comfortable interacting with others.
Instructions
Promote an atmosphere of encouragement and teamwork. Games Night is
about building unity within your company, not competition. Participants
must wear their participant T-shirt. They should be strongly encouraged to
bring a full water bottle. After arriving at the game field, check in with the
assistant coordinator in charge, who will tell you which assistant coordinator
will be with you for Games Night and direct you to your assigned location on
the field.
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Your group will remain with the assistant coordinator throughout the night as
they rotate through the different games. Unless otherwise directed, the judges
will come to your location to see your company cheer. During the short gaps
between games while the assistant coordinator sets up the next game, keep
your company together, active, and excited. The first break might be a time to
take a company photo. Send the photos to the assistant coordinator in charge
of the slide show so your company can be included.
When leaving your Games Night location, make sure participants have col-
lected all their belongings.
Note: If you have youth who are sensitive to loud noises, yelling, seeing others
run past them, and so on, you may want to prepare them ahead of time for the
environment and energy of Games Night. Plan for them to participate in ways
that can stretch their comfort zone while still allowing them to feel safe. If you
have any youth with physical disabilities, plan with them ahead of time for ways
they can participate.
Cheer-Off
After watching all the cheers during Games Night, the judges will choose
a few cheers to be performed for the whole session in the final Cheer-Off.
Encourage your youth to be positive and supportive. Competition should be
exciting and friendly, not intense or divisive.
If Games Night is running late, coordinators are encouraged to postpone the
Cheer-Off to Day Five to avoid delaying Favorite Food Night.
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COUNSELORS
Remember, the way you end Day Three will set the tone for Day Four. Favorite
Food Night should be a small gathering within your counselor group, held in
or near your youth’s sleeping quarters, if possible.
• Keep the atmosphere uplifting; don’t let the youth gossip or talk
negatively.
• Calm your group down by the end of the activity to invite the Spirit for
Reflect and Review.
Cleanup
• Dispose of any trash after the activity. Take trash to outside dumpsters if
possible, ensuring that at least one counselor for each hallway or sleeping
area is available to the youth during quiet time.
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Counselor—Day 4
Sunday Dress
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Young Men Morning Devotional | FSY Medley Practice
9:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Young Women Activity
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Young Men Activity
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Young Women Morning Devotional | FSY Medley Practice
12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch | Variety Show Dress Rehearsal
Musical Program Rehearsal
1:45 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Variety Show Guidelines
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Variety Show
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Dress Rehearsal
4:30 p.m.–5:50 p.m. Dinner
5:50 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
5:50 p.m.–6:05 p.m. Reverence and Testimony Discussion
6:20 p.m.–6:55 pm. Musical Program
6:55 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Session Directing Couple Evening Devotional
7:30 p.m.–7:40 p.m. Testimony Writing | FSY Medley
7:50 p.m.–8:50 p.m. Testimony Meetings
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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COUNSELORS
Breakfast
Suggested Announcements
• Remind Variety Show participants to bring all props and costumes with
them to dress rehearsal.
• Give any additional Variety Show dress rehearsal instructions.
Gospel Study
Follow Day Four gospel study as outlined below. Remember that being flexi-
ble in your teaching will enable you to follow the Spirit and teach effectively.
Each day at the beginning of gospel study, remind your company of their
company goals, check their progress, and continue to encourage them.
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Young Men and Young Women Activity
Responsibility
Your role is to guide the youth as they complete the activity on pages 66–77
of the participant handbook. Facilitate a discussion about the spiritual and
physical witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Teach the following principles
about personal revelation so the youth will understand how the Spirit testifies
of truth:
“Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which
shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the
spirit of revelation.”
Emphasize that a personal spiritual witness (in the heart) brings about a
deeper, more meaningful testimony than can physical evidence alone (in the
mind). Physical evidence is important, but it is just one piece of the framework
for testimony building. Focus on achieving the activity objectives and helping
the youth understand the importance of having a personal testimony of the
Book of Mormon.
Objectives
With the Book of Mormon as the focus of this activity, help the youth to:
• Increase their testimony of the Book of Mormon.
• Become familiar with the evidence and witnesses of the Book of Mormon
and understand their importance.
• Strengthen their testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet, seer, and
revelator.
• Commit to living the eternal truths found in the Book of Mormon to
become closer to Jesus Christ.
Preparation
Your preparation for this activity is crucial to its success. Although this activity
has a detailed outline, you may need to adapt your lesson to meet the unique
needs of your group. You should:
• Know and understand the Young Men and Young Women Activity
objectives.
• Read the entire activity in the participant handbook, and understand all
topics so you can effectively lead a meaningful discussion.
• Prayerfully read and study resource materials if possible.
• Resources:
◦ Neil L. Andersen, “Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014.
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◦ Tad R. Callister, “God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon,”
Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017.
◦ Shayne M. Bowen, “The Role of the Book of Mormon in
Conversion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018.
Time Frame
The young women will participate in the Young Men and Young Women
Activity during the first rotation while the young men attend the morning
devotional. The young men will then rotate with the young women and
participate in the activity while the young women meet with the session
directing couple for the morning devotional.
YOUNG WOMEN SCHEDULE ACTIVITY YOUNG MEN SCHEDULE
10:05 a.m.–10:15 a.m. Move to counselor breakout groups. 11:35 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
58
COUNSELORS
group, you may spend varying amounts of time on the different topics and
may not have sufficient time to discuss them all. Remember to keep the focus
on reaching the activity’s objectives.
Application Activity (10 minutes)
Invite the youth to take this time to ponder, pray, and finish the final part of
the Young Men and Young Women Activity (see participant handbook,
pp. 76–77).
Counselor/Participant Testimony, Prayer (5 minutes)
• Invite the youth to share a brief testimony of what they learned.
• Conclude with your own brief testimony of the truths discussed,
emphasizing how they bless your life. Your testimony will set a good
example for the youth who will bear their testimonies later during
testimony meeting.
• Ask someone to say the closing prayer.
Note: Before going to lunch, make sure you know which of your youth are
participating in the Variety Show or the Musical Program. Confirm that they
understand where they need to be and when.
Lunch
Suggested Announcements
• Remind the youth when and where to meet after lunch for the
Variety Show.
Variety Show
Sit with your youth. Remind them to be supportive and respectful.
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Dinner
Some of your youth will need to get dinner quickly so they can participate in
the Musical Program. The assistant coordinator over Musical Program will
lead the reverence and testimony discussion for those youth. Be aware of your
participants singing in the Musical Program so you can proceed to the next
activity with the other youth. Make sure they know when and where to meet.
Testimony Meeting
After the Musical Program and evening devotional, a coordinator will dismiss
everyone for testimony meeting. Your assistant coordinator will inform you
where your company will have testimony meeting and who will conduct (see
testimony meeting duty on p. 17). Help your youth stay reverent and focused
on feeling the Spirit.
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COUNSELORS
Counselor—Day 5
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Goal Setting Review
10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. For the Strength of Youth Guide Activity
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Living the Gospel Activity
3:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Slide Show
3:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Picture Taking
6:15 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Dance
8:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Taking It Home Message
9:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Company Taking It Home
9:45 p.m.–10:25 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed | Prayer
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
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Gospel Study
Follow Day Five gospel study as outlined below. Remember that being flexible
in your teaching will enable you to follow the Spirit and teach effectively.
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COUNSELORS
Objectives
The objectives of this activity are to help the youth:
• Recognize the impact that goal setting can have in their lives.
• Reflect on what they learned as they set personal and company goals.
• Celebrate their growth and help them have positive feelings about their
progress.
• Empower them to continue setting goals as they go home.
Instructions
Immediately following gospel study, have the youth stay at their company spot
and begin the goal setting review activity.
Introduction
Use the object lesson to begin the activity. Starting with an object lesson has a
threefold purpose: (1) create separation from gospel study, (2) provide an en-
gaging teaching opportunity, and (3) help the youth re-energize and refocus.
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Debrief (15 minutes)
Discuss the object lesson in terms of the goal-setting process. The debriefing
should naturally lead to discussion about the desired outcomes of goal setting
and ways the process can be applied in their daily lives.
Use the questions in the participant handbook, p. 96, and the goal setting
review activity objectives to guide your discussion. Remember, the discussion
should not evolve into goal sharing but stay focused on the process and ulti-
mate outcomes of goal setting.
• Teach the youth that the things they learn at FSY conferences will
impact their lives only if they put them into practice.
• Help them identify principles they have been living at the FSY session,
such as scripture study, prayer, obeying rules, surrounding themselves
with good friends and good people, having gospel discussions, and so
on.
• Help youth understand the meaning of progressing on the covenant path.
“Keep on the covenant path. Your commitment to follow the Savior by making
covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every
spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.
. . . I invite you with all the hope in my heart to please come back. Whatever your
concerns, whatever your challenges, there is a place for you in this, the Lord’s
Church. You and generations yet unborn will be blessed by your actions now to return
to the covenant path.”
Russell M. Nelson, “A Message from the First Presidency,” Jan. 16, 2018, 3,
ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Wrap Up (5 minutes)
Help the youth see how the process of goal setting, coupled with living the
gospel every day, will help them draw closer to the Savior. Encourage them to
prepare for this evening’s company Taking It Home activity by thinking about
the goals they would like to focus on as they return home. Invite them to use
the FSY conference to guide them toward their future. Share with them the
happiness, strength, and power that come from living the gospel, working to
accomplish goals, and becoming more like the Savior.
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COUNSELORS
Objective
Help participants be excited about For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making
Choices (found at the back of both FSY handbooks), help them understand its
purpose and the inspiration behind it, and give them an experience with the
guide that can strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.
While many participants will have prior knowledge of the For the Strength of
Youth guide, not all will. Be sensitive to each learner’s level of familiarity with
youth standards.
Rather than focusing on specific standards that are no longer mentioned in
the updated guide, use this time to build confidence in the new resource as
well as faith in Jesus Christ. Do not pass judgments about previous versions
of For the Strength of Youth or draw specific attention to how the booklet has
been updated. Jesus Christ is the “strength of youth,” and this guide is meant
to point youth to Him (see Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of
Youth,” Liahona, Nov. 2022).
65
stay in place without talking; they can spread out their arms and legs but
cannot reach out to tag the ships.
You can play the game multiple times, adding in variations like these:
• The obstacles can talk, trying to distract the ships so they cannot hear
their sailors.
• The obstacles can move their arms and reach out for ships.
• The ships can look at where the obstacles are before closing their eyes.
• The sailors can only whisper.
• The obstacles stand to the side, and the sailors guide their ships through
an empty room without the ships knowing it’s empty.
Debrief
Discuss with the youth how this game might apply to the For the Strength
of Youth guide. For example, the sailors are the guidelines in the For the
Strength of Youth guide, and we are the ships. The obstacles are influences
from the world. This is just an example of how this game can be applied.
The youth will come up with many different scenarios and connections.
How might this game apply to our lives today?
Transition (5 Minutes)
Finish the game and gather with your company. Make sure everyone has
access to the For the Strength of Youth guide or is partnered with someone
who does.
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COUNSELORS
Select a couple of the choices from your list above. How might someone apply
the principles in the For the Strength of Youth guide to help them make their
choice? How can this help them be an example to others and grow closer to
the Savior?
This activity is meant to help youth come up with scenarios that are relevant
to their lives, wherever you are in the world. Encourage the youth to think
openly about how to use the For the Strength of Youth guide to make choices
and to seek heaven’s aid as they do so. If they are having a hard time coming
up with scenarios, consider using one of the following:
Example Story 1
“Recently my 17-year-old daughter had plans to go to a school dance. The
friends she was going with were coordinating their outfits. Most of the girls in
her group wanted to wear a style that was immodest. My daughter came to me
and asked, ‘What should I do?’
“Before October 2022 general conference and the new For the Strength of Youth
guide, I probably would have been tempted to give her a lecture, including
the words ‘You are absolutely not wearing that dress!’ However, with Elder
Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk in mind, I asked, ‘Well, what do you think?’ She
sighed audibly and gave me a look that communicated ‘You mean I have to do
the work to find this answer on my own?’
“In the past we have had many conversations on the topic of modesty, and so
it has been on her mind for a long time. I followed up with more questions:
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‘What do you know about the principles in the guide? What does it mean
that your body is sacred? What does it mean that Heavenly Father wants us
to see each other for who we really are and not just physical bodies? What
can we learn from the scriptures and temple recommend questions listed in
the guide? Where else can you go to find out what God wants you to do?’
“The next day I asked her if she had decided one way or another, and she said
she felt like she was making a big deal out of a little thing. She said, ‘I wonder
if such a little thing even matters to Him.’ I assured her that it does and asked,
‘Have you prayed about it?’”
Example Story 2
“My son came home from school in early October and said his friends told
him that Elder Uchtdorf announced in conference that now tattoos are OK.
He said, ‘Dad, I want to get one.’ My first response was to say, ‘Over my dead
body.’ Instead, I asked, ‘Have you even heard Elder Uchtdorf’s talk?’ I knew
he hadn’t because he only listened to the Sunday sessions. I asked, ‘Have you
read the new For the Strength of Youth guide?’ Again, I knew he hadn’t. I told
him that once he did, we could talk about it again.
“A few days later he came to me and said he had read the talk and the guide.
I asked, ‘Did Elder Uchtdorf announce that tattoos are OK?’ He said, ‘No.
In fact, he said that the Lord is not saying, “Do whatever you want.”‘ I asked,
‘Does the guide say tattoos are OK?’ He said, ‘It says we are supposed to
honor the sacredness of our bodies, even when that means being different
from the world. It says that we must make wise decisions—especially when
they can have lasting effects on our bodies. But, Dad, it doesn’t say we can’t.’
“I responded, ‘It doesn’t say we can’t rob a bank, either, but that doesn’t
make it a smart choice. What does your discipleship call on you to do? You
know how I feel about it. Maybe it is time to ask how Heavenly Father feels
about it.’”
Close (5 Minutes)
Wrap up your discussion, and then proceed as a company to lunch.
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COUNSELORS
Responsibilities
Lead an engaging activity in which the youth choose and complete tasks
that are meaningful to them. Help the youth understand how these activities
relate to ministering and how ministering relates to the call to gather Israel.
Help the youth get excited about ministering and understand that it can be
fun and fulfilling.
Gathering Israel through Family History Work
In President Nelson’s worldwide youth devotional titled “Hope of Israel”
( June 2018), he invited every young woman and young man in the Church to
“enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel.” It was a pure
and earnest admonition to join the Lord in His work.
The objective of this activity is to help the youth feel inspired to respond to the
invitation to gather Israel as they:
• Share Christ’s love with people they encounter daily.
• Become more mindful of the needs of others.
• Make plans to improve the way they minister.
Preparation
• Prayerfully study Russell M. Nelson’s worldwide devotional for youth,
“Hope of Israel” ( June 2018).
• Bring your company banner from Games Night—you will need it.
• Familiarize yourself with the game used in this activity (“Blob Tag”), and
be prepared to lead a meaningful debrief.
• Discuss with your co-counselor or co-counselors how to help your youth
get the most out of this activity.
◦ Discuss how to divide your company for rotations beforehand (one
group with each counselor). Groups should include a random mix of
genders and youth from each counselor group.Become familiar with
the time frame and follow it.
◦ Be sure to rotate at the times indicated in the time frame provided.
Always leave at least one to two minutes for wrap-up.
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Living the Gospel Activity Format
ACTIVITY TIME FRAME
Introduction/Divide into Rotations 11:15 a.m.–11:25 a.m.
Discovery Part One: Team Activity 11:25 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Game: Blob Tag 11:45 a.m.–12:05 p.m.
Discovery Part Two: Individual Activity 12:05 p.m.–12:25 p.m.
Personal Development Plan
Wrap Up 12:25 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
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COUNSELORS
If there are individual activities that don’t work for some participants (for
example, a participant doesn’t have a phone, has family members who are
unavailable, and so on), invite them to choose another activity that will work
for them during this time.
Note: If there is a question about whether something qualifies for an
activity, you may be liberal in signing off activities if you feel the youth are
accomplishing the activity’s purpose. Please remember that the priority is to
encourage youth to engage and feel a sense of connection and accomplishment
rather than to focus on the number of activities completed.
Game
Bring the company back together to play the following game.
Blob Tag (15 minutes)
Set reasonable boundaries for the game. Consider standing on the boundaries
so they are clearly indicated. Assign one or two people to be “it”; they each
have the goal of forming their own group or “blob” by tagging (gently touch-
ing) other players. Each person tagged by someone joins that person’s blob
by linking arms or joining hands, and together they attempt to tag others.
Players must join the blob if they are tagged by any member of it. Once a blob
has six people, the blob splits in half, making two new blobs. As soon as all
players have been tagged, the blobs run to link arms with a designated coun-
selor to form a mega-blob. Two members of the last blob to join a mega-blob
will be “it” for the next round.
Play a few rounds of this game with the variations below:
• Change the number of people who are “it.”
• Change the number that can be in a blob before splitting.
• Choosing to not split into smaller blobs. In this version, players will
eventually form one or two large blobs and must speed walk (not run)
after their blob has four members to avoid trampling.
Remind youth to be aware of their surroundings to avoid colliding.
Note: Be sure to allow a few minutes to debrief this game. Ask questions that
help the youth make connections between the game and family history work.
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Wrap Up and Rotate (5 minutes)
Have the youth share with a partner what they accomplished during this seg-
ment of the activity. Remind them that any time they lift another person and
bring them closer to Christ, they are helping to gather Israel.
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COUNSELORS
Slide Show
Picture Taking
Meet with your company to allow participants to take pictures with one an-
other and with the group. Those who want to keep in contact with each other
can exchange contact information.
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Company Taking It Home
Help the youth do the following:
• Understand that the “it” in “taking it home” refers to the gospel
principles they have learned and lived during the FSY conference.
• Set personal goals to live the gospel using the FSY “Do and Become
Invitation” and focus on “A Pattern For Growth.”
Responsibilities
• Discuss what the “it” means in “taking it home.”
• Review the “Do and Become Invitation” extended by the session
directing couple.
• Teach the youth that as they consistently apply what they have learned
at FSY, their goals will become more meaningful and have greater
significance.
• Reinforce the goal setting principles taught in “A Pattern for Growth.”
• Facilitate a discussion that allows the youth to set and share goals.
SEGMENT TIME FRAME
Company Taking It Home discussion 9:00 p.m.–9:10 a.m.
Goal Setting 9:10 p.m.–9:15 p.m.
Goal Sharing 9:15 p.m.–9:25 p.m.
Wrap Up 9:25 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
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COUNSELORS
75
Lights Out
Do all you can to help your youth end the week on a positive note. Lights out
on Day Five is strictly enforced.
Night Watch
During night watch, assigned FSY staff will enforce lights out to ensure
that all youth remain in their sleeping quarters. Staff should understand the
importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment. Follow instructions
and be flexible and willing to help.
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COUNSELORS
Counselor—Day 6
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
6:30 a.m.–7:00 a.m. Prepare to Leave
7:00 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Post-Session Room Checks | Participant Checkout
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Staff Wrap-Up Meeting
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Wrap-Up Meeting/Key Return
This meeting is mandatory for all counselors.
Assistant Coordinator
Instructions
As an assistant coordinator, you will act as a liaison between counselors and
coordinators. You will oversee a group of counselors while tending to various
day-to-day responsibilities. As you strive to humbly support and build up the
counselors in your session, they will in turn be better able to bless the lives of
their youth.
Support the session directing couple, coordinators, wellness coordinators,
and fellow assistant coordinators by following FSY conference policies and
guidelines. Be proactive. If you see something that needs to be done, address
the situation.
You must continually study, learn, and prepare to be effective. Build relation-
ships with your peers and accept direction with a teachable attitude, knowing
with certainty that they want you to succeed. By drawing inspiration from
and implementing the wisdom and counsel of inspired leaders, your personal
leadership skills will strengthen.
Focusing on Strengths
Everyone working with the youth at FSY has unique talents and attributes
that make them a powerful asset to the program. Many may not recognize
79
their own strengths or may not have learned how to use them to their full
potential. You can boost their confidence and increase the impact they have
on others by recognizing and complimenting their strengths and by helping
them develop and learn to use those strengths.
Counselor Development
Assistant coordinators are responsible to mentor and strengthen counselors
by consistently helping them improve in their responsibilities while working
with the youth. Your efforts should focus on encouraging the counselors you
supervise to do their best to enhance the FSY conference experience of the
youth. The following meetings and activities are part of a united effort to help
counselors meet their FSY responsibilities and expectations:
• Assistant coordinator/counselor breakout (Day Zero)
• Counselor interviews (Day Zero and Day One)
• Observations
• Assistant coordinator/counselor morning meeting (Day Two–Day Five)
• Assistant coordinator/counselor afternoon meeting (Day Two–Day Three)
These interactions give you a chance to both compliment counselors’ positive
performance and motivate them to improve. This feedback will strengthen
counselors’ abilities as they work with the youth. Be kind and loving as you
provide uplifting feedback. Focus on helping counselors to understand the
schedule and to work with difficult youth. Be familiar with the instructions
and agendas in this handbook relating to FSY conference activities.
Coordinator Interview
During the week, your coordinator will meet with you individually to review
your goals and discuss expectations and concerns. In preparation for this
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
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Assistant Coordinator
Assigned Program Duties
Throughout the week you may be assigned specific program duties.
Instructions for each of those duties can be found on the following pages.
Refer here throughout the conference.
Class Duty
Ensure smooth, efficient class management; adequate teacher technical sup-
port; and a positive learning environment.
Day Zero
An assigned assistant coordinator over class duty creates a map of designated
“post” locations. Counselors on class duty will be assigned to a post during
class time. Posts should be designated near bathrooms, in hallways or paths
among classes and sleeping quarters, and so on. These posts ensure the safety
and supervision of the youth, enforce facility boundaries, and prevent youth
from returning to sleeping quarters during class time. Review your map with
the coordinators to receive feedback and approval. Once approved, pass the
map on to all other assistant coordinators.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Day One
During staff meeting, announce the time and location for dancer practice for
counselors who have learned the dance and would like to perform. This is a
time to determine spacing and, if time allows, do a run-through.
• You are responsible for supervising the dancers.
• You should know the dance at least well enough to provide instruction
on places and spacing. Instruction videos for the line dance can be found
on the FSY conference website Resources page.
• Decide at orientation how the dancers will be staged, and direct
counselors to those areas. (Consider using the stage, the area in front of
the stage, and the aisles.)
• Make sure lines are straight, moves are together, and dancers are smiling!
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Damage Report Duty (If Applicable)
Day Zero
The assistant coordinator with damage report duty should ensure that all
counselors have a baggie or envelope for collecting room keys (if applicable).
Day One
All assistant coordinators should collect presession damage reports from each
of their counselors on Day One.
Notify the coordinators of any damage that will negatively affect a partici-
pant’s experience (such as a broken toilet or shower, broken key, or broken
window). The coordinators will then communicate with the facility contact to
ensure the damage is fixed promptly.
Day Six
• Assistant coordinators will make sure their counselors turn in all keys as
instructed (if applicable).
• The coordinator should discuss lost keys and damage with the facility
contact to verify any charges that will be billed to the FSY session.
Dance Duty
Provide a wholesome and enjoyable social experience for the youth. Keep
the dance lively by dancing among the youth and helping them be involved.
Encourage each youth to participate in various activities. Help enforce
dance guidelines.
Day Zero
The assistant coordinator with dance duty creates a map of designated “post”
locations and then assigns each counselor on dance duty to a post. Post loca-
tions should include water stations, exits and entrances to the dance area, and
bathrooms. These posts ensure the safety and supervision of the youth and
enforce facility boundaries. Review the map with the coordinators to receive
feedback and approval. Once approved, pass the map on to all others with
this duty.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
85
Have the youth sit in a large semicircle facing the front of the dance floor,
leaving plenty of open space. Invite youth who would like to compete to stand
up and dance in the semicircle. Invite other staff members to be judges.
The judges will select approximately eight dancers to advance to the final
round. Select the youth while they’re dancing and send them to one of the
staff members in charge, who will write down their names and their com-
pany names. When eight finalists are chosen, invite all remaining dancers to
sit down.
Invite each of the eight finalists, one at a time, to the front to showcase their
dance moves for about 10 seconds.
Next, select three finalists from the eight to compete in a final dance-off. Have
the three finalists dance at the same time for about 10 seconds. The winner
can then be chosen by (1) having the judges select the winner or (2) having all
the finalists stand side by side and close their eyes while a judge points to each
finalist and have everyone cheer for their favorite—the winner is the one who
receives the loudest cheers. To reduce embarrassment, ensure the competitors
don’t see which youth you’re pointing to.
Fast dance challenge. Play three fast songs in a row, challenging the youth to
dance to all three songs without stopping.
Interpretive dance-off. Separate the youth into two teams (for example, boys
versus girls, young teens versus older teens). Have the two teams face each
other with an empty space between them. Ask a counselor who is good at
interpretive dance to stand in the empty space and lead an interpretive dance.
Participants should mimic the counselor’s dance moves. If you like, have the
session directing couple choose a winning team.
Presession
• Record and report any dietary restrictions (for both youth and staff) that
were not noted during registration to the food administrator.
• Remind counselors to clearly explain when and where the favorite food
will be delivered and how it will be distributed.
Day Three
If needed, arrange for other assistant coordinators to help with the distribu-
tion of food.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
87
sections of his talk, and then ask questions for each section as listed
below:
◦ “The Savior’s Message to You”
▪ What do you learn from Elder Uchtdorf about how the Savior
feels about His youth of the latter days?
▪ Which of the messages from Elder Uchtdorf do you feel like youth
most need to hear in today’s world?
◦ “Truth and Choices” (you may also invite them to read the section
“Make inspired choices” in the updated For the Strength of Youth
guide)
▪ What do you learn from Elder Uchtdorf about our agency to
choose?
▪ According to the talk, how does knowing eternal truth help us
make correct choices?
◦ “For the Strength of Youth”
▪ What do you learn from Elder Uchtdorf about the purpose behind
the updated For the Strength of Youth guide?
• Help the youth see how For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making
Choices is structured. Each topic includes three parts (youth will be
discussing this more with their counselors):
1. Eternal truths, or doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Invitations to act on those truths.
3. Promised blessings that the Lord offers to those who live by His
teachings.
Invite youth to choose a topic in the For the Strength of Youth guide, and
read the three parts listed above. Discuss the following questions:
• Why do you think the guide was structured with these three parts in
each topic?
• Why would they have chosen unchanging, eternal truths to emphasize in
each topic?
• Who is the one extending these invitations to youth? Why is that
important to know?
• How does knowing the promised blessings increase our desire to act on
the invitations given?
To help participants become acquainted with the “What about . . . ?” section,
give them four or five minutes to scan through and look at any topic they’re
interested in. Invite them to share with someone sitting next to them some-
thing new they learned.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Scripture Resources
• Helaman 5:12. How does this updated guide help us to build our
foundation on Jesus Christ?
• Doctrine and Covenants 45:57. Why is it so crucial to have the Holy
Spirit as our guide as we make decisions?
Games Night
All assistant coordinators should read and be familiar with the
instructions, logistics, and assignments related to this activity.
89
companies of similar size and the same age group where possible. Assign
one or two assistant coordinators to each station. When possible, assign
counselors to the station with their assistant coordinators. Since the
assistant coordinator assigned to Favorite Food Night might not be
available, some companies may be assigned to an assistant coordinator
different from their usual one.
• Check with the coordinators to make sure water will be supplied, and
confirm where it will be delivered.
Weather Alternatives
Work with your coordinator to arrange a backup location in case of rain or
extreme heat on Games Night. If the alternate location is spacious enough for
companies to continue playing games, you may carry on with Games Night as
normal—with adjustments as needed.
Games Night Instructions
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to help set up (if applicable).
• Be aware of the plan for doing cheers, taking photos, and getting water.
• Greet the companies and direct them to their Games Night station.
• Be enthusiastic and promote teamwork and energy while maintaining
control.
Be prepared with:
• Game flags (if applicable)
• Sound system or microphones (if applicable)
• Games Night location sheets
• Banner and cheer score sheet
Preparation
• Be familiar with the game setup instructions shown below.
• Since the companies should have practiced the games before
Games Night, briefly introduce each game and share any specific
instructions. After each round, you may implement variations to the
game to keep it interesting.Plan ahead what you might have companies
do between games while you are setting up the next game.
• During the first break, if the staff member over the slide show doesn’t
have other plans for getting company photos, have all the counselors
help each other take photos of each company, and remind them to send
the photos to the staff member over the slide show.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Game Instructions
91
flag. When the assistant coordinator signals players to go, all the runners run
out through their tunnel and continue to run in a clockwise circle around the
perimeter of all the tunnels until they come back to their company’s tunnel.
They run back through their tunnel and try to be the first one to grab the cen-
ter flag. The assistant coordinator in charge will add new twists to each round.
No one can run twice.
Assistant Coordinator Instructions. For each variation round, make sure
boys compete against boys and girls against girls. An individual can run
only once for their company. If one company is considerably larger than
the others, smaller companies’ tunnels can be placed slightly farther from
the starting flag; you may put a flag down where the starting point for their
tunnel should be.
Possible variations:
• Have runners run around the perimeter two or three times before they
can reenter their tunnel.
• Have participants kneel to form the tunnels so runners have to crawl in
and out.
• Instead of having runners run around the perimeter once, tell them to
keep moving clockwise around the circle until the assistant coordinator
gives the signal to return to their tunnel (like musical chairs).
• Have a relay with two runners (male and female) for each company. The
first runner runs out, around, and back and then tags the second runner
upon returning through the tunnel. The second runner then runs out,
around, and back.
• Play additional rounds in which the tunnels can expand and contract.
Participants forming the tunnel can contract toward their flag to create a
shorter running distance for their teammate or expand out from the flag
to create a longer distance for runners from other companies. Encourage
participants to create their own strategy and play a few more rounds to
allow them to improve their plan.
Animal Sounds
Instructions. To start the game, invite participants to close their eyes and mill
about as a counselor moves among them, whispering the name of one of the
animals to each person. Participants then make the sound of their assigned
animal and walk around, listening for others making the same sound. The
challenge is to find all the other animals of one’s own kind, and the first group
to find all members wins. No one can talk; participants can only make animal
sounds. Loud chaos is likely to ensue, and gradually order and unity emerge
as animals find one another. Be prepared to shepherd people away from dan-
gerous areas if needed.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Day Zero
Establish the location for a lost-and-found box.
Day One
During staff meetings, notify counselors that you are in charge of lost and
found so they know to turn items in to you.
• At the end or beginning of large group events, announce any lost items.
• If you can determine the lost item’s owner, deliver it to them or their
counselor.
Day Six
FSY conference does not return or store unclaimed items from completed
sessions. Turn in any unclaimed items from the session to the facility lost and
found. Talk with session directors, coordinators, and logistics administrators
for session-specific procedures.
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Lunch Duty (If Needed)
Day Zero
The assistant coordinator assigned to Day Two lunch duty will make a map
of the facility, indicating counselor placement approved by a coordinator so it
can be shared with the other assistant coordinators assigned to lunch duty.
Day One
• Supervise counselors.
• Set up loudspeakers and FSY conference signs near entrances (if
applicable).
• Post signs to direct traffic and organize lines.
• Set up tents, chairs, and tables for solutions tables, onsite registration,
and so on.
• Open boxed materials and distribute them to tables.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
• Organize name tags and other items provided by the session, such as
wristbands, cinch packs, water bottles, and so on.
• Organize shirts by size.
• Work with the assistant coordinator assigned to check-in to make sure
everything is ready for participants.
Musical Program
An assistant coordinator and two or three other staff members are assigned to
be in charge of the Musical Program. If you are not musically skilled, have a
staff member with musical skills assigned to help you.
The Musical Program is performed on Day Four and allows youth to share
their musical talents and testimony through song and spoken word. The pro-
gram sets the tone for the rest of the evening, including evening devotional
and testimony meeting.
Follow the program as outlined, without any alteration (found on the FSY
conference website Resources page).
Preparation
• Be spiritually prepared—each rehearsal presents a teaching opportunity.
• Be physically prepared—have rehearsal rooms set up and supplies
gathered.
• Determine the setup needed so you can begin on time.
• Consider seating arrangements, and locate electrical outlets, pianos, and
so on.Be prepared with music folders and a laptop or iPad (if applicable).
• Arrange for someone to bring dinner to you and your counselors.
95
• Discuss how they can each help with preparations, and delegate
responsibilities (for example, making a sign for check-in with rehearsal
times and locations, assisting with solos or reader parts). One should be
assigned to readers and those bearing testimony, one assigned to solos
and small groups, and one assigned to the choir.
• Have a complete plan in place before the first audition and rehearsal.
During Check-In
Mention the Musical Program to youth and encourage them to participate.
During Orientation
Briefly explain the Musical Program, announce rehearsal times and locations,
and inform participants of auditions for narration and solo parts (held on Day
Two and Day Three during lunchtime). Mention that youth participating in
the Musical Program are invited to go to the front of the lunch line each day
in order to get to rehearsals on time, but they should not cut in front of other
camps or conferences. Youth who are participating in the Musical Program
need to let their counselors know they may be late for head count after lunch.
Auditions
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Day Three
Continue to audition or announce the soloists and readers who have been
selected. Work with Musical Program soloists and readers on their parts.
Day Four
• If the Musical Program is held in the same location as the Variety
Show, ask for help in clearing the venue as quickly as possible when
the show ends.
• Make sure all audiovisual equipment is ready for the Musical
Program performance.
• Do a complete run through with the video production, including all
parts. Practice exiting the stage in an orderly manner.
• Ensure the choir has seats toward the front for the evening devotional.
• Help the participating youth understand that they can bring the Spirit
to touch the lives of the youth attending. Pray with the youth for help in
performing the Musical Program.
Day Four
• Arrange to have reverent music playing as the youth come in and are
seated. The choir might hum along to keep engaged and reverent.
• Encourage the youth to do their best and let them know you are grateful
for their efforts.
97
Orientation Tech (If Needed)
Day One
• Assist coordinators with audiovisual needs for the orientation
presentation.
• Be prepared to run through the presentation with coordinators
beforehand to be familiar with audiovisual needs and cues.
• Take cues from coordinators throughout the presentation to change
slides and play music.
Day One
Before Check-In
• Work with the assistant coordinator assigned to materials distribution to
make sure everything is set up and ready to go before check-in (refer to
the materials distribution duty).
• Post signs guiding participants to the check-in area and to the correct
lines. Post any additional signs (solutions table, wellness coordinators,
and so on).
• Create a positive atmosphere. Set up sound equipment and play
energetic and uplifting music (if applicable).
• Counselors should check in with you 30 minutes early. Be prepared to
assign them to different stations:
◦ Materials distribution (participant ID card, wristbands, shirts, and
so on).
◦ Directing participants or parents as needed.
• Check-in should always start on time. Help the coordinators with their
preparations if necessary.
• Participant check-in duty may change depending on weather conditions
or special circumstances at individual locations. Work with coordinators
to make any needed adjustments.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
During Check-In
Remind counselors of the following:
• Maintain a professional and welcoming atmosphere by being alert
and helpful.
• Refer any questions about room or group changes to the coordinators
at the solutions table. If you are unsure of the answer to a question, send
participants to the solutions table.
• Leave when excused to be on time for Meet Your Counselor.
After Check-In
• Express appreciation to the staff who helped during check-in.
• Pack all extra materials and return them to the site office or storage area.
◦ Extra materials should not be given to staff who have already
received them but should be kept in case the youth damage or lose
the originals.
• Recycle or throw away boxes.
Day Zero
The assistant coordinator with the first assigned shift for free time duty (Day
Two afternoon) creates a map of ideal post locations to be assigned to coun-
selors with free time duty. Review the map with the coordinators to receive
feedback and approval. Once approved, pass the map on to all staff with this
duty.
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Scribe Duty
The scribe is responsible for taking notes in meetings and distributing them to
other staff members. Consider distributing notes via text message.
• Take notes during the morning of Day One staff meeting and daily
coordinator/assistant coordinator meetings.
• Distribute the notes to all assistant coordinators before their assistant
coordinator/counselor meetings.
Make sure all assistant coordinators and counselors who miss meetings
because of Musical Program and Variety Show duties receive the necessary
notes.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Day Zero
On the evening of Day Zero, talk to the session directing couple about
which songs they would like to have sung during the session-wide morning
devotionals.
Day One
Singer Selection
• When selecting singers, prioritize counselors before other staff members.
• If there are not enough acceptable singer options, you can play a
recorded track during meetings instead of having live singers.
Singer Placement
• Place singers according to session needs. Select soloists or groups as you
see fit to help bring the Spirit to the session.
• Notify singers by the afternoon of Day One and thank them for sharing
their talents and testimony.
• Schedule a time with each singer to do a sound check before
performing, and let them run through the song with the mics in the
venue, if applicable.
• Give kind feedback and encouragement.
• Find a time to pray with singers before they perform and be available to
help run the tech during the performance, if applicable.
101
Slide Show (May Be Done by a Logistics
Team Member)
The slide show allows youth to remember the spiritual experiences, friends,
and activities they participated in during the FSY conference. Slide show
duty requires consistent effort throughout the session and can be technically
challenging. Carefully review the following instructions to help make this
responsibility more manageable and enjoyable.
We promise FSY participants that we will protect their personal information
in accordance with the Church and data privacy policies.
102
ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Day Two
• Ask a coordinator for a list of the rooms or areas reserved for testimony
meetings and a company count list.
• Assign the companies to available rooms and locations, accounting for
both youth and counselors when considering room capacity, and assign
one counselor to conduct in each.
Day Four
• Before the Day Four coordinator/assistant coordinator afternoon
meeting, give the testimony meeting location assignments, including
the name of the counselor conducting, to the coordinators so they are
prepared to announce them after the FSY medley.
• Assign assistant coordinators to help direct counselors to their
assigned rooms.
103
Variety Show
The Variety Show features talents, skills, and group presentations. An assistant
coordinator and two or three other staff members are assigned responsibility
for the Variety Show. Emphasize the “variety” aspect of the show to youth
who try out so that those who are not selected will understand the need for a
wide variety of talents and acts.
104
ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
During Check-In
• Advertise the Variety Show and encourage participants to sign up.
• Ask youth to bring props, costumes, music, and anything else they need
to try out.
During Orientation
• Encourage youth to try out for the Variety Show, and get them excited
about it. Emphasize the “variety” aspect of the show. Announce the
locations of tryout sign-up sheets and tryout locations.
• Remind youth as they sign up that they need to be on time and bring
whatever props or musical instruments they will need for their tryout.
Show Necessities
• Choose emcees from the youth who try out but whose acts are either
very short or aren’t selected. They can still perform their acts in the show
if they are short, but their primary responsibility is to announce the acts.
• Keep the show to 75 minutes (typically around 15 acts). Include the
emcees’ introductions in this time limit.
• Keep transition times as short as possible between acts.
105
• Post the list of acts selected by the evening of Day Three. Give a copy to
each assistant coordinator.
• Immediately text a picture of the final list to all counselors so they can
inform their youth who will be participating.
• Prepare the list of acts for the emcee by the assistant coordinator/
counselor meeting.
• Prepare the list for the audiovisual crew and prop crew.
• Make sure that the counselors follow their Day Three evening
announcements with directions to the youth performing in the
Variety Show.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
• Encourage the stage crew and performers to learn the performance order
for the show.
• Go through 30 seconds of each act to check audiovisual equipment
and props.
◦ Stage crew should write down all audiovisual equipment and props
needed. If more audiovisual equipment is needed, speak with your
coordinator to see if more can be provided.
◦ The staff member assigned to music should write down when to play
each song and make sure the sound levels are correct.
• The emcees should write down an introduction for each act to be
approved by the assistant coordinator in charge.
107
Provide opportunities for the youth to continue to feel the Spirit of the activ-
ity when moving to counselor groups. The tone you set for the activity will be
important in how the youth learn.
The assistant coordinators conducting and giving the introduction should
prepare their thoughts in advance. Share with the counselors the information
you plan to cover and the resources you will be using. Sharing this informa-
tion early in the session will help motivate them to begin preparing for the
activity. You may choose from the resources provided for this activity or use
other appropriate resources.
Responsibilities
An assistant coordinator will conduct, set the proper tone, and give guid-
ance and support to counselors as they help the youth complete the Young
Men and Young Women Activity as outlined in the participant handbook.
They will be responsible for introducing the theme, “The Book of Mormon:
Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”
Objectives
With the Book of Mormon as the focus of this activity, help the youth to:
• Increase their testimony of the Book of Mormon.
• Become familiar with the evidence and witnesses of the Book of Mormon
and understand their importance.
• Strengthen their testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet, seer, and
revelator.
• Commit to living the eternal truths found in the Book of Mormon to
become closer to Jesus Christ.
Preparation
Your preparation for this activity is crucial to its success.
• Know and understand the Young Men and Young Women Activity
objectives.
• Read the entire activity (pp. 56–59) and understand all topics so you can
be aware of what your counselors are teaching.
• Prayerfully read and study resource materials if possible.
Resources:
◦ Neil L. Andersen, “Joseph Smith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014
◦ Tad R. Callister, “God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon,”
Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Time Frame
Young women will participate in this activity during the first rotation while
the young men attend morning devotional. The young men will then rotate
with the young women and participate in the Young Men and Young Women
Activity while the young women attend morning devotional.
10:05 a.m.–10:15 a.m. Move to counselor breakout groups. 11:35 a.m.–11:45 a.m. 10 min.
109
Assistant Coordinator—
Day Zero
Sunday Dress
AGENDA
Time to Be Determined at Session Facility/Venue Tour
Time to Be Determined at Session Counselor Orientation
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Session Directing Couple Message
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Breakout
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Session Directing Couple/Coordinator Meeting
8:45 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Co-Counselor Interviews and Planning
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
Facility/Venue Tour
Become familiar with the facility or venue so you will know where to direct
participants during the session. All FSY conference staff serving at any loca-
tion for the first time should become familiar with the facility by touring the
areas where activities will take place. This should include reserved facilities,
housing, cafeteria, fields, and free-time areas.
Counselor Orientation
Coordinators will conduct this training, while assistant coordinators are en-
couraged to attend. FSY conference staff will be introduced to all counselors
during this orientation. In preparation of supporting your counselors in their
duties, you may find it helpful to take notes.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Suggested Agenda
Introductions (5 minutes)
Get to know each other. Give counselors your phone number. Tell them
where your morning meetings will be held. Write down counselors’ cell phone
numbers and give the list to the coordinators for emergency use. You should
save their numbers in your phone as well.
111
Counselor Interviews
On the evening of Day Zero or during co-counselor planning on the morn-
ing of Day One, you and your co-assistant coordinator will individually
interview your assigned counselors. These interviews should be no longer
than 10 minutes so co-counselors have optimal time to get to know each
other and discuss how they can best work together to provide a beneficial
experience for their youth.
• Begin and end the interview with prayer.
• Get to know each of your counselors individually.
• Discuss the importance of loving the youth and being a good example
for them.
• Discuss expectations, concerns, and goals for the week, and assure them
that you are there to help and support them as they work with the youth.
• Provide support and let them know you’ll be checking in with them
throughout the session.
After counselor interviews, help the coordinators with any needs, and address
any concerns you became aware of during assistant coordinator/counselor
breakout or counselor interviews.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Staff Meeting
• Be on time; you will be introduced to the staff.
• Make sure each counselor feels welcome and included.
• Be prepared to tell the counselors what they need to know about specific
duties.
• The assistant coordinators assigned to materials distribution and check-in
should remind counselors when and where to meet.
• Announce the location for singer auditions.
• Announce the location for dancer practice. (Check-in must be set up and
ready to go before counselors can attend dancer practice.)
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Participant Check-In
• Monitor check-in lines.
• Get to know the youth and get them excited for their FSY conference
experience.
• Look for ways to help ensure that check-in goes quickly and smoothly.
Damage Reports
All assistant coordinators should collect damage information from each of
their counselors before Meet Your Counselor.
• Follow up with counselors who have not reported damage information
by the time orientation begins.
• Notify the assistant coordinator on damage report duty of any damage
that will negatively affect a participant’s experience (such as a broken
toilet or shower, broken key, or broken window).
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Head Count
Ensure that all counselors have reported head count.
Orientation
This meeting is to excite the youth about their FSY conference, introduce
the session directing couple and staff, and share crucial information for the
upcoming activities. It is also a time to begin building unity as a session and
as companies.
• Be at orientation at least 30 minutes early to help as needed. Begin
seating youth 10–15 minutes before orientation begins.
• Assistant coordinators oversee the seating of youth at all large events.
Create a plan that allows companies to funnel in as many aisles as
possible so seating moves quickly. Have one assistant coordinator on
the outside of the meeting space “splitting” the companies and advising
which companies to go down which aisle or entrance. The rest of the
assistant coordinators will be in the aisles making sure the youth fill in
every seat and leave a place on the end for their counselors.
• After seating the youth, be attentive and available to help throughout
orientation. You will be introduced during this meeting. Those
assigned to the Variety Show, Musical Program, slide show, and
singers will be given time to make announcements later in the
program about their activities.
Note: Wellness coordinators should also be available to help. Wellness
coordinators will be given time to introduce themselves and make some general
health announcements during orientation.
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Home Evening Goal Setting
Observe counselors teaching.
Lights Out
Be kind when enforcing lights out. Patrol outside the sleeping quarters to
see which lights are still on, find the counselors of those youth, and invite the
counselors to take care of it. You should be in communication with your coun-
selors from 10:30 until lights are out. Text your coordinators when all your
counselors have their lights out. Nightly meetings should not begin until all
lights are out (except extreme circumstances at the coordinator’s discretion).
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Nightly Meeting
This meeting allows the team to come together for brief counsel, clarification,
and prayer.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Assistant Coordinator—
Day 2
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
8:45 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Session Directing Couple/Teacher Meeting
9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Classes
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Classes
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch | Musical Program Rehearsal
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
1:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
2:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Rehearsal | Variety Show Tryouts
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Banner and Cheer Prep
6:30 p.m.–6:45 p.m. FSY Dance Guidelines
6:45 p.m.–8:45 pm. Dance
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
Morning meetings are opportunities to strengthen your counselors. Use this
time wisely. Give them a positive start to their day by preparing messages that
are encouraging, inspiring, and relevant to their needs.
Suggested Agenda
• Opening song and prayer:
• Spiritual thought
• Discuss counselor needs and answer questions
• Session-specific announcements
◦ Observations
◦ Banner and cheer prep
◦ Dance: Leave participant belongings in the sleeping quarters unless
there’s a personal need
• Closing prayer:
Gospel Study
Observe counselors teaching. Study your scriptures with the youth.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Afternoon Meeting
Come ready to report on your duties for the week and to request the help of
other assistant coordinators for your assigned activities. Take notes and com-
municate session-specific items to counselors (and counselors to participants).
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor
Afternoon Meeting
This meeting should last no longer than 30 minutes; begin and end on time.
You will not present a formal lesson but facilitate a discussion.
Distribute the banner materials to the counselors, making sure that each com-
pany has received their banner materials.
Observation
A coordinator may observe your afternoon meeting and share positive feed-
back and constructive ideas for improvement.
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Session-specific announcements
• Discussion: Share and counsel together
◦ Share successes and challenges.
◦ Offer suggestions, encouragement, and support to each other.
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• Learn together: Choose a principle or topic and do a brief training (see
examples listed below)
• Practice and invite: Facilitate a discussion as to how the principle or
topic can apply to their youth, and discuss ways the counselors can
implement it.
• Closing prayer:
Note: Training should focus on the needs of your counselors. The following
topics are suggestions, not a comprehensive list. Choose other topics to meet
the needs of your counselors, or ask them for suggestions.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Assistant Coordinator—
Day 3
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch | Musical Program Rehearsal
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
1:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
2:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Rehearsal | Variety Show Tryouts
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Games Night Prep
6:45 p.m.–8:00 pm. Games Night and Cheer-Off
8:15 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
8:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Favorite Food Night
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
Suggested Agenda
• Opening song and prayer:
• Spiritual thought
• Discuss counselor needs and answer questions
• Session-specific announcements
◦ Games Night: participants bring water bottles
◦ Favorite Food Night: logistics, making it effective
• Closing prayer:
Gospel Study
Observe counselors teaching. Study your scriptures with the youth.
Assistant Coordinator/Counselor
Afternoon Meeting
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Session-specific announcements
• Discussion: Share and counsel together
◦ Share successes and challenges.
◦ Offer suggestions, encouragement, and support to each other.
• Learn together: Choose a principle or topic and do a brief training.
• Practice and invite: Facilitate a discussion as to how the principle or
topic can apply to their youth, and discuss ways the counselors can
implement it.
• Closing prayer:
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
125
Assistant Coordinator—
Day 4
Sunday Dress
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Young Men Morning Devotional | FSY Medley Practice
9:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Young Women Activity
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Young Men Activity
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Young Women Morning Devotional | FSY Medley Practice
12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch | Variety Show Dress Rehearsal
Musical Program Rehearsal
1:45 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Variety Show Guidelines
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Variety Show
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Dress Rehearsal
4:30 p.m.–5:50 p.m. Dinner
5:50 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
5:50 p.m.–6:05 p.m. Reverence and Testimony Discussion
6:20 p.m.–6:55 pm. Musical Program
6:55 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Session Directing Couple Evening Devotional
7:30 p.m.–7:40 p.m. Testimony Writing | FSY Medley
7:50 p.m.–8:50 p.m. Testimony Meetings
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Suggested Agenda
• Opening song and prayer:
• Spiritual thought
• Discuss counselor needs and answer questions
• Session-specific announcements
◦ Observations
◦ Young Men and Young Women Activity breakout locations
◦ Reverence and testimony discussion
◦ Variety Show instructions
◦ Musical Program instructions
• Closing prayer:
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Young Men Activity
• Know and understand the Young Men and Young Women Activity
objectives.
• Read the Young Men and Young Women Activity in the participant
handbook.
• Read the assistant coordinator and counselor instructions for this activity.
• Be available to answer questions and offer solutions to problems that
may arise.
• Join a breakout group and observe the activity.
Time Frame
Young women will participate in this activity during the first rotation while
the young men attend morning devotional. The young men will then rotate
with the young women and participate in the Young Men and Young Women
Activity while the young women attend morning devotional.
10:05 a.m.–10:15 a.m. Move to counselor breakout groups. 11:35 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Suggested Agenda
• Opening song and prayer:
• Spiritual thought
• Discuss counselor needs and answer questions
• Session-specific announcements
◦ Observations
◦ Company Taking It Home instructions
◦ Night watch instructions
• Closing prayer:
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While it is important for you to attend as much of the activity as possible, it is
especially important that you attend the individual activity portion (Part Two)
and assist youth who may be struggling to focus.
Dance
If the session is relocating for the Taking It Home message, a few assistant
coordinators should leave the dance early to get ready for seating.
Lights Out
• Remind counselors of key-collection procedures (if applicable).
• Do not collect participant keys on the evening of Day Five unless
directed by coordinators.
• Be especially vigilant after lights out.
Night Watch
The lights-out procedure is altered on Day Five to provide increased supervi-
sion and ensure a safe environment for all youth participants. Typically, youth
have a greater tendency to sneak out, stay up, or pull pranks toward the end
of FSY. For the safety of all youth and to promote a spiritually impactful con-
clusion to the session, FSY conference staff provide increased supervision on
Day Five. This increased supervision is called “night watch.”
Coordinators will work with other FSY staff to create and enact a night
watch plan. Night watch will involve staff being stationed at strategic points
to monitor youth sleeping quarters. The details of night watch will depend
on FSY location, sleeping quarters layout, youth behavior, and other factors.
Certain session locations may require significant adaptations to the structure
of night watch. Below are general guidelines to assist in making a night
watch plan.
• A counselor should be stationed at every exit, stairwell, and building
to maintain visual supervision of youth rooms. If there are more
counselors than required to supervise a particular floorplan, create
night watch shifts to allow counselors time to prepare for bed or
pack their belongings.
• In addition to the counselors assigned to night watch duty, if needed you
may ask additional counselors to assist based on facility layout and the
behavior of the youth throughout the session.
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ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
133
Assistant Coordinator—
Day 6
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
6:30 a.m.–7:00 a.m. Prepare to Leave
7:00 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Post-Session Room Checks/Participant Checkout
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Staff Wrap-Up Meeting
Prepare to Leave
All staff are expected to be on duty for participant checkout and the
wrap-up meeting.
Participant Checkout
Follow facility checkout procedures and check out of your sleeping quarters
on time.
Supervise and help counselors make sure checkout procedures are followed
and all damages and lost keys have been reported. Be sure all session damages
are reported and that counselor key baggies are turned in.
Assistant coordinators should not go to the wrap-up meeting until all their
counselors’ youth have been checked out.
134
ASSISTANT COORDINATORS
Focusing on Strengths
Everyone working with the youth at the FSY conference has unique talents
and attributes that make them a powerful asset to the program. Many may
not recognize their own strengths or may not have learned how to use them
to their full potential. You can boost their confidence and increase the impact
they have on others by recognizing and complimenting their strengths and by
helping them develop and learn to use those strengths.
136
COORDINATORS
137
Coordinator Presession
Preparation and Planning
Assistant Coordinator Training
As most assistant coordinator teams cannot get together in person for pre-
session training, you may choose to train your assistant coordinators via a
conference call, video conference, or other means. As part of this training, you
may want to invite assistant coordinators to come prepared with questions and
thoughts regarding their role and duties.
Where possible, you may also try to arrange for your assistant coordinator
team to arrive early to your session to hold additional in-person training.
138
COORDINATORS
distributed and returned (if applicable). Review rules and regulations estab-
lished by the facility. Obtain information about local grocery stores, hospitals,
chapels (if attending Sunday meetings locally), and so on. Plan a tour of the
facility and familiarize yourself with the surrounding area.
A logistical administrator should give you the materials you will need for the
week (such as keys). Materials will vary depending on your location.
Make sure your logistical administrators and your venue contact have your
contact information, and make sure you have theirs. Be organized when work-
ing with your contact. Write down any questions or concerns prior to the start
of your session. If your contact needs more information from you, provide it
promptly. Remember, organization is key to your success.
139
Session Setup
Use the checklist below to guide your preparations before the session.
140
COORDINATORS
Coordinator Folder
□ List of companies
□ Company spot map
□ Assistant coordinator group list
□ Duty assignment list
□ Detailed agenda listing scheduled rooms, audiovisual equipment, and so
on (this information is usually provided by the facility contact)
□ Outlines for conducting meetings and devotionals (optional)
□ Coordinator orientation outline
141
□ Games Night supplies
□ Musical Program scripts and sheet music
□ Service activity materials (if applicable)
FSY Staff Materials
□ FSY staff shirts
□ Name tags
□ Staff handbooks
Participant Check-In Materials
□ Name cards
□ Participant handbooks
□ FSY T-shirts
□ Other FSY materials such as wristbands, lanyards, water bottles (specifics
will vary for each session)
142
COORDINATORS
Games Night
Materials Distribution
Musical Program
Participant Check-In
Scribe
Seating (optional)
Variety Show
143
Coordinator—Day Zero
Sunday Dress
AGENDA
Time to Be Determined at Session Facility/Venue Tour
Time to Be Determined at Session Counselor Orientation
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Session Directing Couple Message
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Breakout
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Session Directing Couple/Coordinator Meeting
8:45 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Co-Counselor Interviews and Planning
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
Facility/Venue Tour
Coordinators will arrange for all FSY staff to receive a tour and become famil-
iar with the facility and the areas where activities will take place. This should
include reserved facilities, housing, cafeteria, fields, and free-time areas. Point
out the location of the bathrooms closest to the company spots.
Counselor Orientation
Coordinators will conduct this training, generally held the day before the FSY
conference begins. Prepare well for this meeting.
144
COORDINATORS
2. Introductions
◦ Introduce coordinators, assistant coordinators, wellness coordinators,
the session directing couple, and any other leaders or visitors in
attendance.
◦ Invite counselors to introduce themselves.
3. Program Introduction
◦ Introduce the purpose and objective of FSY conferences.
◦ Introduce the youth theme for the year.
4. Role and Responsibilities
◦ Teach counselors about their roles and assigned duties.
◦ Review the conference schedule.
◦ Train on how to be effective teachers. Review specific teaching
opportunities:
▪ Gospel study
▪ Meet Your Counselor
▪ Home evening games debriefing
▪ Reflect and Review
▪ For the Strength of Youth Guide Activity
▪ Living the Gospel Activity
5. Address Other Items
◦ How to enforce dress and appearance standards and principles using
the For the Strength of Youth guide.
◦ How to address other potential problems and concerns.
◦ Answer any remaining questions.
6. Closing Prayer:
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Session Directing Couple Message Agenda
1. Welcome
Opening hymn:
Opening prayer:
2. Introduce session directing couple
3. Turn the time over to the session directing couple
4. Closing
Closing hymn:
Closing prayer:
5. Announcements
◦ Location for breakfast
◦ Location for coordinator/assistant coordinator meetings
◦ Location for staff meetings
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COORDINATORS
Coordinator—Day 1
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:30 a.m.–8:20 a.m. Staff Breakfast
8:00 a.m.–8:25 a.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Staff Meeting
9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Co-Counselor Planning
9:15 a.m.–10:50 a.m. Materials Distribution | Singer Assignments Dancer
Practice (as time allows)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Check-In
1:15 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Participant Room Checks (if applicable)
1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m. Meet Your Counselor
2:30 p.m.–3:05 p.m. Meet Your Company
3:05 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Company Name and Chant
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Orientation
4:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Dinner
5:45 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Home Evening Lesson
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Home Evening Games
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Home Evening Goal Setting
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
147
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Begin and end this meeting with a prayer.
• Discuss with the assistant coordinators any final preparation for check-in
and orientation or assignments for the staff meeting.
• Ask assistant coordinators about concerns regarding their assignments
or preparations.
• Review materials distribution, singer assignments, dancer practice,
and check-in assignments. Make sure all coordinators and assistant
coordinators participate.
• Invite the session directing couple to attend this meeting (optional).
Staff Meeting
Conduct this meeting. Bring equipment and loudspeakers to play the theme
song for the staff to sing, if possible.
Suggested Agenda
1. Welcome staff and present an overview of the meeting’s purpose.
2. Express your excitement and anticipation for the conference.
3. Opening prayer:
4. Introductions
◦ Introduce logistics team or facility staff who are attending.
◦ Welcome the assistant coordinators and wellness coordinators,
and have them announce each of their duties and any necessary
instruction counselors may need (such as where Variety Show tryouts
and Musical Program rehearsals will be held, how to submit pictures
for the slide show, and so on).
5. Have the wellness coordinators discuss procedures and give their
contact information.
6. Invite counselor teams to quickly introduce themselves.
7. Announce schedule or duty assignment changes.
◦ Go over adjustments to the agenda.
◦ Explain session-specific changes to counselor duties and duty
assignments.
◦ Answer questions applicable to all staff members, as time permits.
◦ Announce that further questions can be addressed in the afternoon
assistant coordinator/counselor meeting.
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COORDINATORS
8. Other announcements
◦ Review session-specific emergency procedures, including alternate
emergency meeting locations.
◦ Explain any session- or facility-specific instructions.
9. Check-in briefing
◦ Remind assistant coordinators and counselors of responsibilities and
procedures for check-in. Be sure everyone fully understands check-in.
◦ Give training and suggestions on how to handle check-in issues
professionally.
◦ Review dress and appearance principles and procedures for
communicating and handling concerns.
10. Ask if the session directing couple would like to briefly address the
staff (optional).
11. Sing youth theme song.
12. Closing prayer:
Participant Check-In
Support the assistant coordinator responsible for participant check-in by offer-
ing suggestions and help.
Solutions Table
• At least one coordinator should be at the solutions table to help
participants and parents with questions or concerns. Preferably both
coordinators will sit at the solutions table to support each other in case
frustrated participants are problematic.
• To be prepared to offer help and have the information necessary to
solve problems, remember any resources needed for the solutions table
(housing list, laptop, and so on).
Consider having the following materials and supplies at the solutions table,
depending on the needs of the session:
• On-site registration forms
• Pens
• Sticky notes
• Counselor contact list
• Permanent markers
• Blank name cards
• Paper clips
149
Processing On-Site Registrations
(if desired by Area Presidency)
Before check-in begins, work with the session directing couple and logistical
administrators to determine whether on-site registrations should be allowed
and who will process them. If you are assigned to do so, please ensure you
know what actions need to be taken. Consider the following:
• Ensure registration forms (provided by the area or found on
fsy.churchofJesusChrist.org under your country and session) are signed
by the parent or guardian; if a parent or guardian is present, ask them
not to leave until their child’s on-site registration is fully processed. This
must include Terms and Conditions.
• Ensure the bishop or branch president has approved the youth’s
attendance.
• Verify payment information.
• Ensure the youth is assigned to a counselor group.
• Ensure housing is assigned to the youth; inform all necessary parties of
the housing assignment.
• If the youth has dietary restrictions, ensure staff over meals and Favorite
Food Night are aware; inform the youth that dietary restrictions may not
be honored due to the late registration, but staff will do their best.
• If the youth has accommodation needs, such as wheelchair access to the
venue, ensure all necessary staff members are informed; inform the youth
that their needs may not be met due to the late registration, but staff will
do their best.
• Ensure all necessary staff members are informed of the new youth,
including the counselor, assistant coordinator, and wellness coordinator
over that youth.
150
COORDINATORS
Orientation
Note: To avoid technical difficulties as much as possible, go early to orientation.
Run through the whole program with the session directing couple. Test the
audiovisual equipment during this run-through.
151
Orientation is one of your biggest opportunities to interact with and influence
the youth. Make sure all aspects of orientation run smoothly.
• As a coordinator, you are responsible for ensuring that the logistics are
in place. Communicate with the session directing couple to ensure that
they understand their role and know when they should be on stage.
Make sure the session directing couple arrives 30 minutes early for
orientation.
• Meet the audiovisual staff at least an hour before orientation. Run
through the agenda with them so they know what to expect. If you are
running the audiovisual on your own, give yourself enough time to set
up and make sure everything functions. Do a complete orientation run-
through as far in advance as possible. If something is not working, you
will want as much time as possible to fix it.
• Make sure assistant coordinators are prepared to begin seating 10–15
minutes early, if applicable.
• Orientation can be stressful, but remember to be flexible, have fun, and
help the youth get excited.
• Consider a back-up plan in case technology is not working. These
activities have been useful in the past:
◦ Relative finder: invite youth to open the Family Tree app and search
for relatives around them.
◦ Sound of a smile: Ask everyone to be completely silent and then all
smile at the exact same time.
◦ Scavenger hunt: a random item is named, and the first person to
bring it forward wins.
◦ Suggestions of questions they can ask their neighbors.
• Before you dismiss, make sure to give all instructions the youth need
to proceed to dinner and reunite with their group for home evening.
Dismiss for dinner by inviting companies to share their company
chant (optional).
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COORDINATORS
Orientation Agenda
FSY staff are invited to dance line dances as the participants arrive (about
10 minutes).
1. Introductions
◦ Coordinators
◦ Assistant Coordinators
◦ Wellness coordinators
◦ Counselors
◦ Session directing couple
2. Get to know the participants
◦ Who traveled the farthest to get to the FSY conference?
◦ Who traveled the shortest distance?
◦ Other questions (for example: Who has the largest family? Who has
the most siblings here at FSY?)
3. Show “Week in Preview” video if possible (found on FSY
conference website Resources page)
4. Introduce general FSY guidelines and standards
◦ Dress and appearance standards as taught in the For the Strength of
Youth guide
◦ Others
5. Session directing couple introduces “Conduct at Church Activities”
6. Show promotional videos for the following activities, and introduce
the FSY staff members in charge of them:
◦ Musical Program
◦ Variety Show
7. Invite the session directing couple to share some thoughts
8. Closing prayer
153
◦ Details for staff members who will be singing in devotionals.
◦ Classes: location where counselors will check in.
◦ Dance instruction and dance contest (if applicable).
• Address any comments or questions the assistant coordinators may have.
2. Opening
◦ Welcome
◦ Invite participants to get out their scriptures, handbooks, and pens to
take notes.
◦ Opening hymn:
◦ Opening prayer (name, hometown, company):
3. Turn the time over to the session directing couple for their message.
4. Closing prayer
5. Announcements
◦ Invite companies to go to their company spots for home evening
games
154
COORDINATORS
Lights Out
Encourage the assistant coordinators to enforce lights out by speaking with
the counselors instead of directly to the youth. Be available to help the assis-
tant coordinators or counselors as needed. Each night you should receive a
text from every assistant coordinator that all youth lights are out. (Assistant
coordinators should have in turn received texts from their counselors.)
Nightly meetings should not begin until all lights are out (except in extreme
circumstances at the coordinator’s discretion). Unless needed elsewhere, use
this time to meet with your co-coordinator to prepare for the nightly meeting.
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Nightly Meeting
This meeting, which should be no longer than 10 to 15 minutes, should be
held when coordinators and all assistant coordinators can attend. Hold this
meeting after lights out and keep it brief so all attending staff can get to sleep.
Ask wellness coordinators to attend whenever possible to give their input.
Discuss items relevant to all staff members in the first part of the meeting so
wellness coordinators may be dismissed early if they need to take care of other
responsibilities before going to bed.
155
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Team building
◦ Give compliments, spotlight someone, share successes from the day.
◦ Highlight assistant coordinators and wellness coordinators.
• Counselors’ performance
◦ Compliment counselors.
◦ Deal with general concerns.
• Coordinator announcements
◦ Address immediate concerns.
◦ Give session-specific information.
• Review of day’s activities
◦ Breakfast
◦ Morning devotional seating
◦ Classes
◦ Lunch duty
◦ Participant free time
• Preview tomorrow’s activities and assignments.
• Receive reports from each assistant coordinator on their duties,
highlighting needs and questions.
• Give final thoughts and counsel.
• Closing prayer:
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COORDINATORS
Coordinator—Day 2
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
8:45 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Session Directing Couple/Teacher Meeting
9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Classes
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Classes
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch | Musical Program Rehearsal
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
1:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
2:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Rehearsal | Variety Show Tryouts
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Banner and Cheer Prep
6:30 p.m.–6:45 p.m. FSY Dance Guidelines
6:45 p.m.–8:45 pm. Dance
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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Damage Reports
Follow up with the facility contact on any significant damage that needs im-
mediate attention.
Gospel Study
Attend gospel study with a company, if desired. Be sure to have effective per-
sonal gospel study daily.
Opening
◦ Welcome
◦ Invite participants to get out their scriptures, handbooks, and pens to
take notes.
◦ Announce check-in location for FSY staff on class duty.
◦ Opening hymn:
◦ Opening prayer (name, hometown, company):
2. Turn the time over to the session directing couple for their message.
3. Closing prayer (name, hometown, company):
4. Announcements
◦ Musical Program rehearsal
◦ Variety Show tryouts
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COORDINATORS
Classes
• Supervise the classes and make sure things are running smoothly.
• Communicate with the assistant coordinator assigned to class duty to be
sure the teachers have everything they need.
• Be available to answer questions or help find solutions as needed.
Remember that you are the only one who should communicate with
facility staff regarding classroom problems or audiovisual needs.
• If a teacher does not arrive or is late, the assistant coordinator in charge
will contact you. Call the session directing couple for instructions. Do
not cancel class unless instructed to do so.
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Announcements, including session-specific information.
• Review morning duties.
• Finalize evening activities:
◦ Hand out banner materials.
◦ Review dance duties.
◦ Check on dance DJ.
◦ Announce meeting time for setup.
• Closing prayer:
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Assistant Coordinator/Counselor
Afternoon Meeting
Observations
On Day Two or Day Three, observe one of your assistant coordinator’s meet-
ings and participate as if you were a counselor in the meeting, but do not
take over.
Meet with the assistant coordinator after the meeting and share positive feed-
back and constructive ideas for improvement. Ask them how they are doing
on their observations, and discuss any concerns they have with their counsel-
ors. Remind them that you can assist if a counselor needs to be observed more
than once.
Dance
Supervise all aspects of the dance, especially lighting level and music volume.
As a test for lighting, make sure you can see the face of a person across the
dance floor. Help the FSY staff member assigned as DJ and those over dance
duty with any questions; especially make sure the DJ has a playlist set before-
hand. Dance with the youth and have fun.
Ask counselors to set a meeting place for their company after they arrive at the
dance. This will allow companies to regroup after the dance and dismiss in an
orderly manner.
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COORDINATORS
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Nightly Meeting
This meeting, which should be no longer than 10 to 15 minutes, should be
held when coordinators and all assistant coordinators can attend. Hold this
meeting after lights out and keep it brief so all attending staff can get to sleep.
Ask wellness coordinators to attend whenever possible to give their input.
Discuss items relevant to all staff members in the first part of the meeting so
wellness coordinators may be dismissed early if they need to take care of other
responsibilities before going to bed.
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Team building
◦ Give compliments, spotlight someone, share successes from the day.
◦ Highlight assistant coordinators and wellness coordinators.
• Counselors’ performance
◦ Compliment counselors.
◦ Deal with general concerns.
• Coordinator announcements
◦ Address immediate concerns.
◦ Give session-specific information.
• Review of day’s activities
◦ Breakfast
◦ Morning devotional seating
◦ Classes
◦ Lunch duty
◦ Participant free time
• Preview tomorrow’s activities and assignments, including Favorite
Food Night.
• Receive reports from each assistant coordinator on their duties,
highlighting needs and questions.
• Give final thoughts and counsel.
• Closing prayer:
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Coordinator—Day 3
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:45 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
10:45 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch | Musical Program Rehearsal
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
1:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
2:45 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Classes or Session-Specific Activity
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Rehearsal | Variety Show Tryouts
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
4:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Games Night Prep
6:45 p.m.–8:00 pm. Games Night and Cheer-Off
8:15 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
8:15 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Favorite Food Night
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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COORDINATORS
Damage Reports
Address midweek damage as necessary.
2. Opening
◦ Welcome
◦ Invite participants to get out their scriptures, handbooks, and pens to
take notes.
◦ Announce check-in location for FSY staff on class duty (if applicable).
◦ Opening hymn:
◦ Opening prayer (name, hometown, company):
3. Turn the time over to the session directing couple for their message.
4. Closing prayer (name, hometown, company):
5. Announcements
◦ Musical Program rehearsal
◦ Variety Show tryouts
◦ Participants should wear their FSY participant T-shirt to Games
Night
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Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Afternoon Meeting
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Give announcements, including session-specific information.
• Lead discussion, including team building. Focus on needs. Give a
spiritual thought.
• Review morning duties.
• Finalize evening activities:
◦ Games Night setup time
◦ Games Night session-specific instructions
◦ Games Night assignments
◦ Favorite Food Night assignments
• Closing prayer:
Games Night
Supervise and assist the assistant coordinator responsible for Games Night.
Communicate often, and offer help as needed. Make sure everything is pre-
pared by the afternoon of Day Three. Check with the logistical administrators
to make sure water will be provided for the youth during this activity.
Be prepared with a backup plan in case of inclement weather. Know how to
get in touch with your facility contact if needed. If Games Night needs to be
moved, communicate with the facility contact and help the assistant coordina-
tor in charge to make any necessary adaptations. Support the assistant coordi-
nator in charge of Games Night to figure out what resources are available.
Cheer-Off
The coordinators and session directing couple rotate through all the game
stations, viewing and judging the cheers. Move quickly from one group to the
next to ensure Games Night ends on time. When you arrive at a station, in-
form the assistant coordinator in charge, who will finish the current round of
their game and turn the time over to you. When a group is performing their
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COORDINATORS
cheer, have the other groups sit on either side of you, forming a semicircle so
that all the companies can see the cheers.
The final Cheer-Off is optional, depending on timing, the tone of Games
Night, and the needs of the session. Hold the final Cheer-Off after watching
all of the company cheers, when there are about 20 minutes left of Games
Night. Then gather all the companies together. Have one youth from each
company come to the front with the company’s banner. Announce the win-
ners of the banner competition for both age groups and have them show their
banners.
Then announce the companies who won the cheer competition for both age
groups, and have those companies come up one at a time to perform their
cheers (you can have two companies from each age group if time permits).
If Games Night runs late, gather all the companies together and announce
the winners of banners and cheers, but inform them that the companies will
be doing their cheers on Day Five. Games Night should not run into Favorite
Food Night if possible.
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Nightly Meeting
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Team building
◦ Give compliments, spotlight someone, share successes from the day.
◦ Highlight assistant coordinators and wellness coordinators.
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• Counselors’ performance
◦ Compliment counselors.
◦ Deal with general concerns.
• Coordinator announcements
◦ Address immediate concerns.
◦ Give session-specific information.
• Review of day’s activities
◦ Breakfast
◦ Morning devotional seating
◦ Classes
◦ Lunch duty
◦ Participant free time
◦ Games Night
◦ Favorite Food Night
• Preview of tomorrow’s activities and assignments
◦ Young Men and Young Women Activity
◦ Variety Show
◦ Participant free time
◦ Testimony meeting rooms
▪ Make sure that testimony meeting area or room assignments are
finalized.
▪ If using rooms, make arrangements to check that all rooms are
accessible and ready to go. Ask additional assistant coordinators to
help the assistant coordinator in charge, if needed.
• Receive reports from each assistant coordinator on their duties,
highlighting needs and questions.
• Give final thoughts and counsel.
• Closing prayer:
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COORDINATORS
Coordinator—Day 4
Sunday Dress
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Young Men Morning Devotional | FSY Medley Practice
9:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Young Women Activity
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Young Men Activity
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Young Women Morning Devotional | FSY Medley Practice
12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch | Variety Show Dress Rehearsal
Musical Program Rehearsal
1:45 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Variety Show Guidelines
2:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Variety Show
3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Musical Program Dress Rehearsal
4:30 p.m.–5:50 p.m. Dinner
5:50 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
5:50 p.m.–6:05 p.m. Reverence and Testimony Discussion
6:20 p.m.–6:55 pm. Musical Program
6:55 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Session Directing Couple Evening Devotional
7:30 p.m.–7:40 p.m. Testimony Writing | FSY Medley
7:50 p.m.–8:50 p.m. Testimony Meetings
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
This devotional will be held twice—first for the young men and then for
the young women.
2. Opening
◦ Welcome
◦ Opening hymn:
◦ Opening prayer (name, hometown, company):
7. Announcements
◦ Variety Show dress rehearsal time and location
◦ Musical Program dress rehearsal time and location
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COORDINATORS
Variety Show
Attend the Variety Show unless there are extenuating circumstances. Be famil-
iar with the responsibilities of the staff member in charge, and be available to
help and answer questions as needed.
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Afternoon Meeting
One coordinator may decide to attend Musical Program dress rehearsal
instead of this meeting.
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Give announcements, including session-specific information.
• Lead discussion, including team building. Focus on needs. Give a
spiritual thought.
• Review of morning duties
• Finalize evening activities
◦ Testimony meeting rooms
◦ Musical Program and evening devotional setup
◦ Discuss any other session needs or concerns
• Closing prayer:
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• Review and discuss the following items with the session directing couple:
◦ The order of the agenda (Musical Program, evening devotional,
testimony writing, FSY medley).
◦ Time frame for the session directing couple’s message.
◦ Use of recorded or piano music during testimony writing and
dismissal to testimony meeting locations.
• Conduct this meeting. Sit on the stage with the session directing couple
during the evening devotional.
170
COORDINATORS
Testimony Meetings
If attending testimony meetings, find one testimony meeting to attend. Do not
wander from group to group.
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Nightly Meeting
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Team building
◦ Give compliments, spotlight someone, share successes from the day.
◦ Highlight assistant coordinators and wellness coordinators.
• Counselors’ performance
◦ Compliment counselors.
◦ Deal with general concerns.
• Coordinator announcements
◦ Address immediate concerns.
◦ Give session-specific information.
• Review of day’s activities
◦ Breakfast
◦ Morning devotional seating
◦ Young Men and Young Women Activity
◦ Variety Show
◦ Musical Program
◦ Testimony meetings
◦ Lunch duty
◦ Participant free time
• Preview of tomorrow’s activities and assignments
◦ For the Strength of Youth Guide Activity
◦ Living the Gospel Activity
◦ Slide show
◦ Taking It Home message and seating
◦ Night watch
171
• Receive reports from each assistant coordinator on their duties,
highlighting needs and questions.
• Give final thoughts and counsel.
• Closing prayer:
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COORDINATORS
Coordinator—Day 5
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Goal Setting Review
10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. For the Strength of Youth Guide Activity
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Living the Gospel Activity
3:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Slide Show
3:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Picture Taking
6:15 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Dance
8:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Taking It Home Message
9:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Company Taking It Home
9:45 p.m.–10:25 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed | Prayer
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
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Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
Arrive 45 minutes early to make sure the setup is complete. You will conduct,
or you can ask an assistant coordinator to conduct. Sit on the stage with the
session directing couple.
2. Opening
◦ Welcome
◦ Invite participants to get out their scriptures, handbooks, and pens to
take notes.
◦ Opening hymn:
◦ Opening prayer (name, hometown, company):
3. Turn the time over to the session directing couple for their message.
4. Closing prayer (name, hometown, company):
5. Announcements
◦ Give the location and instructions for the For the Strength of Youth
Guide Activity.
This activity is meant to help participants be excited about For the Strength of
Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (found at the back of both FSY conference
handbooks), help them understand its purpose and the inspiration behind it,
and give them an experience with the guide that can strengthen their faith in
Jesus Christ.
174
COORDINATORS
Slide Show
One coordinator should assist the assistant coordinator or staff member
assigned to the slide show as needed to ensure that it is ready to go before Day
Five at 2:00 p.m.
Dance
One coordinator should be at the dance to supervise. Your responsibilities
after the dance are to:
• Help keep the youth calm.
• Direct the youth to collect their belongings, find their counselor, and
stay together as a company.
• Have all counselors account for their youth.
175
When all youth are accounted for, either release them from the dance in an
orderly manner by companies (if changing venues) or ask them to sit together
during the Taking It Home message. A few assistant coordinators should be
assigned to seat the companies as they arrive for the Taking It Home message.
Lights Out
• Remind counselors of key collection procedures (if applicable).
• Do not collect participant keys on the evening of Day Five unless
otherwise directed.
• Be especially vigilant after lights out.
Night Watch
On Day Five, there is a different procedure for lights out: night watch. Youth
are more likely to sneak out, stay up, or pull pranks on Day Five because it is
the last night of the session. For the safety of the youth and to end the con-
ference on a good note with plenty of rest, it’s important to make sure the
youth stay in bed on the last night. To ensure this, coordinators should work
with other FSY staff to create and enact a night watch plan. Night watch
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COORDINATORS
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Nightly Meeting
Suggested Agenda
• Opening prayer:
• Team building
◦ Give compliments, spotlight someone, share successes from the day.
◦ Highlight assistant coordinators and wellness coordinators.
• Counselors’ performance
◦ Compliment counselors.
◦ Deal with general concerns.
• Coordinator announcements
◦ Address immediate concerns.
◦ Give session-specific information.
• Review of day’s activities
177
◦ Breakfast/lunch duty
◦ Morning devotional seating
◦ For the Strength of Youth Guide Activity
◦ Living the Gospel Activity
◦ Dance
◦ Taking It Home/Company Taking It Home
◦ Participant free time
• Preview of tomorrow’s activities and assignments
◦ Participant checkout
◦ Staff checkout
◦ Wrap-up meeting
◦ Staff breakfast
• Receive reports from each assistant coordinator on their duties,
highlighting needs and questions.
• Give final thoughts and counsel.
• Closing prayer:
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COORDINATORS
Coordinator—Day 6
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
6:30 a.m.–7:00 a.m. Prepare to Leave
7:00 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Post-Session Room Checks/Participant Checkout
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Staff Wrap-Up Meeting
Prepare to Leave
All staff are expected to be on duty for participant checkout and the
wrap-up meeting.
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◦ Invite assistant coordinators, wellness coordinators, and counselors to
share positive feedback.
3. Session directing couple observations
◦ Invite session directing couple to share closing remarks.
4. Logistical administrator observations
◦ Invite logistical administrators to share closing remarks.
5. Closing prayer:
Session History
It is your responsibility to compose a history of your session to provide import-
ant information for Church headquarters records. Communicate with your
co-coordinator and the session directing couple to decide how the history will
be completed.
Your session history should include information about the following:
• What did and did not work well at your session.
• Facilities, including sleeping quarters, food, main space, classrooms, and
so on.
• Suggestions or helpful hints for future session committees.
Please send your session history to the session directing couple to share with
the in-area advisory couple.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Session Directing
Couple Instructions
As a session directing couple, you will train, teach, and inspire the coordina-
tors, assistant coordinators, and counselors you oversee. You will also have
the chance to work with various venue staff and administrators to ensure your
FSY session’s logistical success. As you strive to humbly support and build up
those you serve and work with, they can in turn bless the lives of those they
work with.
Building Relationships
Creating meaningful relationships with staff and youth requires diligent effort
and is key to your effectiveness as a session directing couple. You will build
positive and trusting relationships as you teach session-wide activities and as
you participate in one-on-one interactions.
Focusing on Strengths
Everyone working with the youth at the FSY conference has unique talents
and attributes that make them a powerful asset to the program. Many may
not recognize their own strengths or may not have learned how to use them
to their full potential. You can boost their confidence and increase the impact
they have on others by recognizing and complimenting their strengths and by
helping them develop and learn to use those strengths.
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Session Directing Couple
Presession Preparation
and Planning
FSY Staff Training
As most FSY staff members cannot get together in person for presession train-
ing, you may choose to train your staff members via a conference call, video
conference, or other means. As part of this training, you may want to invite
staff members to come prepared with questions and thoughts regarding their
roles and duties.
Where possible, you may also try to arrange for your session staff team to
arrive early to your session to hold additional in-person training.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Contact Teachers
Tell teachers the dates, times, and locations of their classes. Learn about
their travel plans and when they will arrive at the session (if applicable).
Answer any questions and tell them of any special requests or circumstances
for the session.
General Suggestions
• Some session directing couples like to stay together as much as
possible during session activities. Other couples like to split up to
cover more activities.
• Sit on the stage together, and share speaking assignments equally as
a couple.
• Eat meals with the youth and counselors.
• Visit the housing areas and check on the youth.
• Participate in the activities. The more involved you are, the better. Take
these opportunities to get to know the youth and the counselors.
• Remember that whatever your talents are, you will never regret getting
out of your comfort zone.
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Session Directing Couple—
Day Zero
Sunday Dress
AGENDA
Time to Be Determined at Session Facility/Venue Tour
Time to Be Determined at Session Counselor Orientation
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Session Directing Couple Message
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Breakout
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Session Directing Couple/Coordinator Meeting
8:45 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Co-Counselor Interviews and Planning
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
Facility/Venue Tour
Coordinators will arrange for all FSY staff to receive a tour and become famil-
iar with the facility and the areas where activities will take place. This should
include reserved facilities, housing, cafeteria, fields, and free-time areas.
Counselor Orientation
Coordinators will conduct this training, generally held the day before the FSY
conference begins. All FSY staff will be introduced to the counselors. Please
attend to know how to best support the counselors of this session.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
185
Session Directing Couple—
Day 1
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:30 a.m.–8:20 a.m. Staff Breakfast
8:00 a.m.–8:25 a.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Staff Meeting
9:15 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Co-Counselor Planning
9:15 a.m.–10:50 a.m. Materials Distribution | Singer Assignments Dancer
Practice (as time allows)
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Check-In
1:15 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Participant Room Checks (if applicable)
1:30 p.m.–2:20 p.m. Meet Your Counselor
2:30 p.m.–3:05 p.m. Meet Your Company
3:05 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Company Name and Chant
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Orientation
4:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m. Dinner
5:45 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Home Evening Lesson
7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Home Evening Games
8:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Home Evening Goal Setting
9:00 p.m.–9:45 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed
Participant Devotional Prep
9:45 p.m.–10:15 p.m. Reflect and Review
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
186
SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Staff Meeting
Be prepared to share a five-minute message of encouragement for the staff.
Materials Distribution
Counselors will be setting up for check-in and practicing for orientation. You
may help if you wish.
Participant Check-In
Be at check-in to greet participants as they arrive. This is an opportunity to
meet participants informally. Help coordinators with more delicate situations,
specifically with dress and appearance questions.
Orientation
This meeting is to help the youth get excited about the conference as they
meet FSY staff members and begin building unity. Please arrive 30 minutes
early to go over orientation procedures with the coordinators. You will have
two opportunities to participate during orientation: (1) give a 30-second intro-
duction of yourself and your spouse and (2) introduce “Conduct at Church
Activities.” The challenge in introducing these topics is to avoid losing the
upbeat energy and enthusiasm of orientation, while still giving these topics
the seriousness they deserve. Generally the best way to find the balance is
187
to approach both topics from a standpoint of deep love. We need youth to
understand the “Conduct at Church Activities.” You can find this section on
pp. 2–3.
Note: “Conduct at Church Activities” now includes a warning that we may report
criminal activity or harassment that occurs at FSY conferences.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
189
Session Directing Couple/Teacher Meeting
This meeting’s purpose is to get to know the teachers and discuss the venue,
their classrooms, and where lunch will be served. Invite them to attend the
devotional if they would like. After discussing the above items, share a brief
spiritual thought and have a prayer.
Dance
You and your spouse should attend the dance with the youth and have fun.
The assistant coordinator over the dance contest may ask you to be a judge.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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Service Activity (If applicable)
If it is decided to hold a service activity, you will introduce this service activity
to the session. The Area Seventy, logistical administrators, and you will decide
on any service projects.
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Afternoon Meeting
The coordinators will conduct this meeting, but they may ask you to share a
thought or give some feedback. This meeting is to discuss Games Night and
Favorite Food Night.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the
program duties section for details.
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Young Men and Young Women
Morning Devotional
This devotional will be held twice—first for the young men and then for
the young women. A coordinator will conduct the meeting using the
following agenda.
2. Opening
◦ Welcome
◦ Opening hymn:
◦ Opening prayer (name, hometown, company):
3. Young women recite the “Young Women Theme,” and young men
recite the “Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme,” if desired.
4. Sing the FSY medley.
5. Turn the time over to the session directing couple for their message.
6. Closing hymn:
Closing prayer (name, hometown, company):
7. Announcements
◦ Give the Variety Show dress rehearsal time and location.
◦ Give the Musical Program dress rehearsal time and location.
Variety Show
Attend the Variety Show to support the youth.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator
Afternoon Meeting
The coordinators will conduct this meeting, but they may ask you to share a
thought or give some feedback. This meeting is to discuss testimony rooms,
Musical Program, and evening devotional setup.
Musical Program
A 30-minute Musical Program will be presented before the evening devo-
tional. It will be a powerful introduction to the evening. You may want to
carefully consider how much media you use in your evening devotional mes-
sage because the Musical Program includes considerable media. The coordina-
tors will then conduct the session directing couple evening devotional.
• Be at the auditorium one hour before the Musical Program and evening
devotional to review audiovisual needs.
• Review and discuss the following items with the coordinators:
◦ The order of the agenda (Musical Program, evening devotional,
testimony writing, FSY medley).
◦ Time frame for the session directing couple’s message.
◦ Use of recorded or piano music during testimony writing and
dismissal to testimony meeting areas.
Evening Devotional
Testimony Meetings
Attend a testimony meeting. Select a group and stay for the duration; do not
go from group to group.
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Session Directing Couple—
Day 5
FSY Staff Shirt
AGENDA
7:00 a.m.–7:10 a.m. Assistant Coordinator/Counselor Meeting
7:15 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Participant Morning Devotional
7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Gospel Study
9:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Goal Setting Review
10:15 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Session Directing Couple Morning Devotional
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. For the Strength of Youth Guide Activity
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. Head Count | Meet with Company
1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Living the Gospel Activity
3:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m. Slide Show
3:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Participant Free Time
4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Dinner
6:00 p.m. Meet with Company | Head Count
6:00 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Picture Taking
6:15 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Dance
8:15 p.m.–8:45 p.m. Taking It Home Message
9:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Company Taking It Home
9:45 p.m.–10:25 p.m. Head Count | Quiet Time and Get Ready for Bed | Prayer
10:30 p.m. Lights Out
10:30 p.m. Coordinator/Assistant Coordinator Meeting
Refer to the above schedule throughout the day. Instructions for repeated
activities will not be duplicated each day; refer to a previous day or the program
duties section for details.
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
This activity is meant to help participants be excited about For the Strength of
Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (found at the back of both FSY conference
handbooks), help them understand its purpose and the inspiration behind it,
and give them an experience with the guide that can strengthen their faith in
Jesus Christ.
Slide Show
The session slide show will be shown at the close of the Living the
Gospel Activity.
Dance
After the dance, the coordinators will help calm the youth and seat them in
companies in preparation for the Taking It Home message.
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Taking It Home Message Agenda
1. Opening song: FSY theme song—to be played with video, if possible
(5 mins.)
2. Session directing couple introduce General Authority Taking It
Home video (3–5 mins.)
3. Session directing couple Taking It Home message (10 mins.)
Review the morning devotional topics and help the youth connect
them to the youth theme.
a. Encourage the youth to act on the FSY theme. “Our invitation to
each of you is to [insert FSY theme].” For example, “Trust in the
Lord” or “Go and Do.”
b. Introduce the “Do and Become Invitation.” Help participants
understand that the cumulative goal of everything they have done
here is to help them create lasting change in their lives that will
stay with them well beyond FSY. Invite the youth to deepen their
commitment to “do and become” more like the Savior and to act on
President Nelson’s invitation to hear Him in the following ways:
▪ Daily scripture study and prayer.
▪ Temple recommend worthiness, including living the law of
tithing.
▪ Sabbath meetings and seminary participation.
▪ Commitment to love and serve others in meaningful ways.
4. Session directing couple personal testimony (5 mins.)
5. Session directing couple explain company Taking It Home (5 mins.)
◦ Companies will be dismissed to their company spots, where
counselors will lead a brief discussion to help the youth understand
that the gospel is the “it” they are taking home.
◦ Youth will have the following opportunities:
▪ Review their experience at FSY conference.
▪ Write down their personal goals, with encouragement to use the
Youth Guidebook: A Pattern for Growth.
▪ Share their personal goals.
▪ Reflect on how they can take home the principles they learned.
▪ Apply the “Do and Become Invitation” in accomplishing their
goals.
6. Closing song: FSY medley
7. Closing prayer:
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SESSION DIRECTING COUPLE
Prepare to Leave
All staff are expected to be on duty for participant checkout and the
wrap-up meeting.
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Session History
It is your responsibility, along with the coordinators, to compose a his-
tory of your session to provide important information for Church head-
quarters records. Communicate with your coordinators to decide how the
history will be completed.
Your session history should include information about the following:
• What did and did not work well at your session.
• Facilities, including sleeping quarters, food, main space, classrooms, and
so on.
• Suggestions or helpful hints for future session committees.
Please share your session history with the in-area advisory couple.
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Journal
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Journal 1
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Journal
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Journal 1
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Journal
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Journal 1
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Journal
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Journal 1
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Journal
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Journal 1
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Music
Redeemer of Israel
Hymns, no. 6
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Music
We thank thee, O God, for a prophet We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness.
To guide us in these latter days. We’ve proved him in days that are past.
We thank thee for sending the gospel The wicked who fight against Zion
To lighten our minds with its rays. Will surely be smitten at last.
We thank thee for every blessing
Bestowed by thy bounteous hand. We’ll sing of his goodness and mercy.
We feel it a pleasure to serve thee We’ll praise him by day and by night,
And love to obey thy command. Rejoice in his glorious gospel,
And bask in its life-giving light.
When dark clouds of trouble hang o’er us Thus on to eternal perfection
And threaten our peace to destroy, The honest and faithful will go,
There is hope smiling brightly before us, While they who reject this glad message
And we know that deliv’rance is nigh. Shall never such happiness know.
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Music
Come, come, ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear; We’ll find the place which God for us prepared,
But with joy wend your way. Far away in the West,
Though hard to you this journey may appear, Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
Grace shall be as your day. There the Saints will be blessed.
’Tis better far for us to strive We’ll make the air with music ring,
Our useless cares from us to drive; Shout praises to our God and King;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell— Above the rest these words we’ll tell—
All is well! All is well! All is well! All is well!
Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard? And should we die before our journey’s
’Tis not so; all is right. through,
Why should we think to earn a great reward Happy day! All is well!
If we now shun the fight? We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. With the just we shall dwell!
Our God will never us forsake; But if our lives are spared again
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell— To see the Saints their rest obtain,
All is well! All is well! Oh, how we’ll make this chorus swell—
All is well! All is well!
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Music
How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word! And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior, When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled? My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health, Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,
In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth, Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—
As thy days may demand, as thy days may E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove
demand, My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;
As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be. And then, when gray hair shall their temples
adorn,
Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. still,
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be
to stand, borne.
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my
righteous, The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to
When through the deep waters I call thee to go, shake,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow, I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!
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Music
Come, Follow Me
Hymns, no. 116
“Come, follow me,” the Savior said. Not only shall we emulate
Then let us in his footsteps tread, His course while in this earthly state,
For thus alone can we be one But when we’re freed from present cares,
With God’s own loved, begotten Son. If with our Lord we would be heirs.
“Come, follow me,” a simple phrase, We must the onward path pursue
Yet truth’s sublime, effulgent rays As wider fields expand to view,
Are in these simple words combined And follow him unceasingly,
To urge, inspire the human mind. Whate’er our lot or sphere may be.
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Music
Where can I turn for peace? Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Where is my solace Who, who can understand?
When other sources cease to make me whole? He, only One.
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart, He answers privately,
Searching my soul? Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Where, when my aching grows, Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Where, when I languish, Constant he is and kind,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run? Love without end.
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Music
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Music
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, That he should extend his great love unto such
Confused at the grace that so fully he as I,
proffers me. Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled CHORUS
and died.
I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to
CHORUS: pay the debt!
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me Such mercy, such love and devotion can I
Enough to die for me! forget?
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me! No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.
I marvel that he would descend from his
throne divine CHORUS
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
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Music
Do What Is Right
Hymns, no. 237
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Music
As Zion’s youth in latter days, The evils that would weaken us,
We stand with valiant heart, The sin that would destroy.
With promise shining in our eyes, With faith, we hold the iron rod
Resolved to do our part. And find in this our joy.
Upon a noble past we build;
The future fills our view. Thru test and trial we’ll have our fears,
We face the challenge of our day But we will not despair.
And pledge we will be true. We’re here to serve a righteous cause;
Truth gives us strength to dare.
The truths and values we embrace We’ll love, and learn, and overcome;
Are mocked on ev’ry hand. We’ll sing a joyful song,
Yet as we listen and obey As Zion’s youth in latter days,
We know we can withstand Triumphant, pure, and strong.
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Music
I have a fam’ly here on earth. And the Lord has shown me how I can.
They are so good to me. The Lord has shown me how I can.
I want to share my life with them through all
eternity. While I am in my early years,
I’ll prepare most carefully,
CHORUS: So I can marry in God’s temple for eternity.
Fam’lies can be together forever
Through Heav’nly Father’s plan. CHORUS
I always want to be with my own family,
I Am a Child of God
Hymns, no. 301
I am a child of God,
And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words
Before it grows too late.
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Music
I know my Father lives and loves me too. He sent me here to earth, by faith to live
The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it his plan.
is true, The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that
And tells me it is true. I can,
And tells me that I can.
Teach me to walk in the light of his love; Home to his presence, to live in his sight—
Teach me to pray to my Father above; Always, always to walk in the light.
Teach me to know of the things that are right;
Teach me, teach me to walk in the light. Father in Heaven, we thank thee this day
For loving guidance to show us the way.
Come, little child, and together we’ll learn Grateful, we praise thee with songs of delight!
Of his commandments, that we may return Gladly, gladly we’ll walk in the light.
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FSY Conference Medley
As Sisters in Zion
Hymns, no. 309
As sisters in Zion, we’ll all work together; To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek. To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.
We’ll build up his kingdom with earnest
endeavor; How vast is our purpose, how broad is our
We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the mission,
weak. If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but the Spirit’s divinest tuition
The errand of angels is given to women; Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
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Additional Games
Zap (Name Game)
Players stand in a circle with one participant in the middle. The participant in
the middle points to someone in the circle and says, “Zap!” The person they
pointed to ducks, and the players on either side of that person face each other
and say each other’s name as fast as possible. The last one to say the other’s
name is out.
Tap Around
Players form a circle lying on their stomachs with their heads inward. All
participants put their elbows and hands on the ground, crossing their right
arms over the left arm of the person to their right. This should create a circle
of hands in the middle. Choose someone to start, and this person will tap the
ground once with one of their hands. The next hand then taps the ground,
and play continues around the circle. One tap means play moves in the same
direction, but two taps reverses the direction. If someone forgets to tap or
they tap when it is not their turn, they remove a hand from the circle. When
a player loses both hands, they’re out. The last person with a hand in the
circle wins.
Copycat
Form a standing circle, choose someone to be the guesser, and have them
stand in the middle of the circle with their eyes closed. The rest of the group
silently choose someone to be the copycat. The copycat begins doing any
simple action ( jumping, waving, patting their head, and so on) and everyone
in the circle joins in, repeating the action. When everyone is following the
copycat, the guesser opens their eyes and tries to discover who the copycat is.
The copycat continuously changes the action, and everyone else immediately
follows. The guesser only has three guesses to discover who the copycat is.
Once the guesser finds the copycat or is out of guesses, start a new game by
picking different people to be the next guesser and copycat.
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catches the water bottle without clapping, they are out. The last person to get
out wins. Variation: the person tossing the water bottle says the name of the
person they intend to catch the water bottle.
Electricity
Players stand in two lines parallel to each other and choose one person to
stand at the end of the lines, officiating the game. When the officiator shouts
“Go,” the lines “pass electricity” down the line by squeezing the hand of
the person next to them, starting at the end opposite of the officiator. Once
the person at the of each line has their hand squeezed, they “high-five” the
officiator or grab a water bottle from the officiator. The line that high-fives the
officiator first wins.
Missionary Tag
Players form a large circle and choose someone to be the chaser and someone
to run. They both stand in the middle of the circle and everyone else part-
ners up and links arms, leaving some space in between each set of partners.
Whoever is getting chased runs to a partnership and links up on one side,
forming a new partnership and bumping the extra person off. The now
lone person becomes the new target of the chaser and must run around or
through the circle to link up with another partnership. If someone is in a
partnership, they are safe from being tagged. Once someone is tagged by the
chaser, they become the new chaser and must try to tag the old chaser, who
runs to link up with a partnership.
Signs
Players form a circle and choose someone to stand in the middle as the
guesser. Each person in the circle chooses a simple sign (such as an ear tug,
wink, raising arms above the head, and so on). The guesser closes their eyes,
and someone in the circle is designated to be the first Sender. The first Sender
does their own sign and then passes the sign to another person by doing their
sign. The recipient does their own sign to receive it and continues to send it to
someone else in the circle. When the sign has been passed a couple of times,
the guesser opens their eyes and tries to find and tag whoever has the sign
before they send it off and it is received. However, if the sign is sent but not
received, the Sender still has the sign. When the guesser tags the person with
the sign, they switch places and another round begins. This game can also be
played by saying names along with doing their signs.
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For the
Strength
of Youth
FOR THE
Strength
OF
Youth
A Guide for Making Choices
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Contents
Message from the First Presidency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
What about . . . ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
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Message from the
First Presidency
Our dear young brothers and sisters,
We love you and we have confidence in you. You are truly among
Heavenly Father’s choice spirits, sent to earth at this time to do
important things.
There may be times when you don’t feel strong or capable. That’s
normal. Especially in those moments, turn to the Savior. He is the
“strength of youth.”
This guide will help you build a solid foundation for making
choices to stay on the covenant path. It will help you prepare to
make sacred covenants in the temple, prepare to serve a mission,
and find joy in following Jesus Christ throughout your life. We
hope you feel that you belong in the Savior’s Church and have
power from Him to fulfill His purposes for you.
We know God lives. It is our prayer that you will stay firmly on the
covenant path that leads back to your Father in Heaven. As you
do, you will be an influence for good, sharing the gospel joyfully
and preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Savior.
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Make inspired choices
In For the Strength of Youth, you will find the teachings of
Jesus Christ and His prophets. With these truths as your guide,
you can make inspired choices that will bless you now and
throughout eternity.
Jesus Christ is the way to eternal joy. As you use your freedom
to choose to follow Jesus Christ, you are on the path that leads to
eternal happiness. Make Jesus Christ your standard, your rock-
solid foundation. Build your life on His teachings, and measure
your choices by them. The covenants you make at baptism,
during the sacrament, and in the temple are the building blocks
of your firm foundation in Christ. You’ll still face struggles and
temptations, but Heavenly Father and the Savior will help you
through them all.
You are a beloved spirit child of God. His great plan of happiness
makes it possible for you to grow spiritually and develop your
divine potential. This is why He sent Jesus Christ to be your Savior.
Your Father in Heaven trusts you. He has given you great
blessings, including the fulness of the gospel and sacred
ordinances and covenants that bind you to Him and bring
His power into your life. With those blessings comes added
responsibility. He knows you can make a difference in the world,
and that requires, in many cases, being different from the world.
Seek your Heavenly Father’s guidance as you make choices. He
will bless you with inspiration through the Holy Ghost.
The purpose of For the Strength of Youth is not to give you a “yes”
or “no” about every possible choice you might face. Instead, the
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Lord is inviting you to live in a higher and holier way—His way.
This guide will teach you about His way. It explains truths He has
revealed. Make these truths your guide for making choices—
big choices, like making covenants in the temple and serving a
mission, as well as daily choices, like how to treat people or how
to spend your time.
While others can help you, your spiritual growth is personal. It’s
between you and the Lord. He knows your heart, and only He
can be the ultimate Judge. Do your best to improve each day,
keep God’s commandments and honor your covenants, and help
others come closer to the Savior.
See Mosiah 4:29–30 (the ways to sin are numberless, so we must
watch ourselves); Helaman 5:12 (build your foundation on Christ);
Doctrine and Covenants 45:57 (take the Holy Spirit for your guide);
82:15 (bind yourself to the Lord through covenants).
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Jesus Christ
will help you
Psalm 147:3
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Jesus Christ is your strength. He has done
everything necessary for you to have joy in
this life and forever. By choosing Him and His
gospel, you are choosing eternal joy.
Even when you try to do your best to make good
choices, sometimes you will make mistakes. You’ll do
things you wish you hadn’t. Everyone does. When that happens,
it is easy to feel discouraged or wonder if you will ever be good
enough. But there is good news—wonderful, hopeful news!
Because God loves you, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who took
upon Himself your sins so you can repent and keep progressing.
ETERNAL TRUTHS
Jesus Christ can strengthen you. He can help you change your
desires, your thoughts, and your actions. When you are worried,
afraid, or struggling in any way, He will comfort you. He will help
you in all aspects of your life.
Repentance isn’t punishment for sin; it is the way the Savior
frees us from sin. To repent means to change—to turn away from
sin and toward God. It means to improve and receive forgiveness.
This kind of change is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process.
INVITATIONS
Repent. Turn to the Lord with the desire to improve. When you’ve
done something wrong, honestly admit it before God and, as
needed, to your bishop and anyone you may have harmed. Do
your best to make things right.
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Rejoice in the gift to do better and be better. Even when it is
not easy and takes longer than you’d like, never stop trying. Keep
working and trusting in the Lord. The Savior will help you every
step of the way.
PROMISED BLESSINGS
Jesus Christ will forgive and heal you as you repent. He will
replace your guilt with peace and joy. He will remember your sins
no more. In His strength, your desire to keep His commandments
will increase.
He will change your heart and your life. Little by little, you will
grow and become more like Him. Your covenant connection with
Him will bring you greater access to His power.
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I’m trying to repent, but I keep making the
same mistakes. What should I do now? It
takes time to develop good habits and break
bad ones, so don’t give up. Turn toward
Christ. His grace is sufficient. Try again. You
are never alone in your efforts to progress.
Jesus Christ is always with you.
See Enos 1:6 (guilt can be swept away); Mosiah 4:3 (through the
Holy Ghost, God lets you know you are forgiven); 26:30 (the Savior
forgives as often as we repent); Ether 12:27 (the Savior’s grace
can make weak things strong); Moroni 6:8 (those who repent are
forgiven); 10:32 (be perfected in Christ); Doctrine and Covenants
1:32 (the Lord forgives those who repent); 58:42–43 (repentance
includes confessing and forsaking sin).
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Love God, love
your neighbor
Matthew 22:37–40
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To help you make good
choices, God gives
commandments. He does
this because He loves you.
And the best reason to obey
God’s commandments is because
you love Him. Love is at the heart of
God’s commandments.
ETERNAL TRUTHS
God loves you. He is your Father. His perfect love can inspire
you to love Him. When your love for Heavenly Father is the most
important influence in your life, many decisions become easier.
The two greatest of all commandments, Jesus taught, are to love
God and love your neighbor. And who is your neighbor? Everyone!
Everything else taught in the scriptures and by the prophets is
connected to these two commandments.
All people are your brothers and sisters—including, of course,
people who are different from you or disagree with you. Heavenly
Father wants His children to love each other. When you serve His
children, you are serving Him.
INVITATIONS
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is more important to you than material things. When you use the
names of God and Christ with reverence, never in a vain or casual
way, you show you are grateful for all They have done for you.
Treat everyone as a child of God.
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, you can lead
out in treating people of all races, religions,
and any other groups with love, respect,
and inclusion—especially those who are
sometimes victims of hurtful words and
actions. Reach out to those who feel lonely,
isolated, or helpless. Help them feel Heavenly
Father’s love through you.
Make sure your language reflects love of God and others—
whether you’re communicating in person or virtually. Say things
that uplift—nothing that might be divisive, hurtful, or offensive,
even as a joke. Your words can be powerful. Let them be powerful
for good.
Loving all of God’s children starts at home. Do your part to make
your home a place where everyone can feel the Savior’s love.
PROMISED BLESSINGS
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How can I feel God’s love? Heavenly Father’s
love is always available. Talk to Him often through
prayer. Share your feelings with Him, and listen
for impressions from Him. Read His words in the
scriptures. Think about all that He has done for you. Spend time
in places and activities where His Spirit is present.
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family. Build relationships within your ward family. Prepare now to
build your own family founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
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Walk in
God’s light
Galatians 5:25
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You make better choices when you can see
things clearly. That’s why light is so important;
light makes it easier to see the right path.
Heavenly Father has given you access to
heavenly light—the gift of the Holy Ghost—to
help you see clearly what is good and bad, right and wrong.
ETERNAL TRUTHS
INVITATIONS
Make time for the Lord every day. Learn of Him. Always
remember Him. Pray to your Heavenly Father. Study the holy
scriptures and the words of living prophets. Then strive to live
by what you learn.
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Seek that which uplifts, inspires, and invites the Spirit.
As you make choices about what to watch, read, listen to, or
participate in, think about how it makes you feel. Does it invite
good thoughts? Stay away from anything that mocks sacred things
or that is immoral. Don’t participate in anything that dulls your
judgment or sensitivity to the Spirit, such as violence, alcohol, and
harmful drugs. Have the courage to turn off a video or game, walk
out of a movie or a dance, change your music, or turn away from
anything that is not consistent with the Spirit.
Use social media to uplift. Social media can be a
powerful communication tool. If you use it, focus
on light, faith, and truth. Don’t compare your life
to what other people seem to be experiencing.
Remember that your worth comes from being a
child of heavenly parents, not from social media.
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Seek wholesome experiences and real and lasting relationships.
Be careful that your use of technology and media does not replace
spending in-person time with family and friends. Social media and
other technology can take much of your time without giving a lot
of value in return. Take a break from the virtual world and connect
with people in real life.
PROMISED BLESSINGS
You can have the Spirit with you always. The Holy Ghost will
bear witness to you of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He will
comfort, guide, warn, and sanctify you. He will help you recognize
truth and see the good in the world.
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images sent between friends. Pornography treats things that are
sacred—our physical bodies and sexual feelings—with disrespect.
You may come across pornography without meaning to. Whether
you come across pornography intentionally or not, turn away
immediately. You may also want to talk with a parent or other
trusted adult. Intentionally viewing pornography is sinful and
harms your ability to feel the Spirit. It weakens your self-control
and distorts the way you see yourself and others. Jesus Christ
has the power to help you resist pornography and repent. Turn
toward Him; turn away from darkness. Your bishop can help you
receive strength and forgiveness through the Savior.
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What to do in the moment
When you find yourself tempted to
use media or technology in unhealthy
ways—whether it’s driving away the
Spirit or even just wasting your time—
try the following:
1. Call it what it is. Acknowledge what you
are tempted to do. You might even say it aloud—for example,
“This image is pornography,” “This doesn’t feel right,” or “This
could hurt someone’s feelings.”
2. Replace what you are doing with a better choice.
Get away; move to another room or go outside. Focus on
something good.
3. Connect with someone or something you love and respect—
maybe a family member, a supportive friend, or your favorite
scripture. Most of all, connect with your Heavenly Father, and
pray for strength.
For more help, see “Media Safety” in the Gospel Library.
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Your body
is sacred
1 Corinthians 6:18–20
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Your body is an amazing gift from your
Heavenly Father. He gave it to you to help
you become more like Him. Having a body
gives you increased power to exercise your
freedom to choose. The restored gospel of
Jesus Christ can help you see your body from
God’s perspective. And that makes a big difference in your choices
about what to do with your body and how to care for it.
ETERNAL TRUTHS
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INVITATIONS
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Do things that will strengthen
your body—nothing that will hurt
or damage it. Enjoy with gratitude
the many good things God has
provided. But remember that
alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea,
and other harmful drugs and
substances are not for your
body or your spirit. Even helpful
substances, like prescription drugs, can
be destructive if not used correctly.
Keep sex and sexual feelings sacred. They should not be the
subject of jokes or entertainment. Outside of marriage between
a man and a woman, it is wrong to touch the private, sacred
parts of another person’s body even if clothed. In your choices
about what you do, look at, read, listen to, think about, post, or
text, avoid anything that purposely arouses lustful emotions in
others or yourself. This includes pornography in any form. If you
find that situations or activities make temptations stronger, avoid
them. You know what those situations and activities are. And if
you aren’t sure, the Spirit, your parents, and your leaders can
help you know. Show your Father in Heaven that you honor and
respect the sacred power to create life.
PROMISED BLESSINGS
Your respect for yourself and others will increase as you honor
your body through your behavior, appearance, and dress.
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The Lord has promised great treasures of knowledge to those
who keep the Word of Wisdom. A healthy body, free from addiction,
also increases your ability to receive personal revelation, think
clearly, and serve the Lord.
Living the law of chastity brings God’s approval and personal
spiritual power. When you are married, this law will bring greater
love, trust, and unity to your marriage. Obeying this law will make it
possible for you to progress eternally and become more like your
Heavenly Father. Your confidence will grow as you live as a disciple
of Jesus Christ.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is the Lord’s standard on dress, grooming,
tattoos, and piercings? The Lord’s standard is for
you to honor the sacredness of your body, even
when that means being different from the world. Let
this truth and the Spirit be your guide as you make decisions—
especially decisions that have lasting effects on your body. Be wise
and faithful, and seek counsel from your parents and leaders.
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a beloved child of God and a disciple of Jesus Christ. Remember
that the Savior understands everything you experience. Through
your covenant connection with Him, you will find strength to obey
God’s commandments and receive the blessings He promises.
Trust Him and His gospel.
See Genesis 1:27 (we are created in God’s image); John 14:18 (the
Savior promises comfort); Philippians 4:7 (the peace of God passes
understanding); Doctrine and Covenants 88:15 (the spirit and
the body are the soul); 89 (the Word of Wisdom); 121:45 (virtuous
thoughts lead to increased confidence).
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Caring for your body includes caring for your
mental and emotional health
It’s normal to feel sad or anxious from time to
time. When you are unable to cope with those
feelings and recover from them, that may be
a sign of mental or emotional challenges that
require help from a parent, leader, doctor, or
professional counselor.
Such help can be a blessing
from your loving Father in Heaven. If
you ever have thoughts of harming
yourself or ending your own life,
seek help right away. Remember,
you are loved, valued, and
needed. Whatever your emotional
or mental struggles may be, seek
peace in Jesus Christ and His gospel.
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Truth will make
you free
John 8:32
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Your Heavenly Father is a God of truth. He is
all-knowing. All truth comes from Him and
leads to Him. You show that you value truth
as you seek learning, live with integrity, and
bravely stand for what you know is right—
even if you have to stand alone.
ETERNAL TRUTHS
INVITATIONS
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Love the truth so much that you would never want to steal, lie,
cheat, or deceive in any way—at school, at work, online, everywhere.
Be the same faithful follower of Jesus Christ in public and in private.
Be a light for others. Let your words and your actions reflect
your faith in Jesus Christ. Prepare now for future opportunities to
share His glorious gospel, as a missionary and throughout your
life. And be ready to tell anyone who asks you about the hope and
happiness you feel.
PROMISED BLESSINGS
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with faith. Seek answers in the scriptures,
in the words of God’s prophets, from your
leaders and faithful parents, and from
God Himself. If answers don’t come right
away, trust that you will learn line upon line.
Keep living by what you already know, and
keep seeking for truth.
See Matthew 5:14–16 (let your light shine); John 14:6 (Jesus is the
truth); 1 Peter 3:15 (be ready always to share your hope in Christ);
Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–80 (things the Lord wants us to
learn); 93:36 (the glory of God is intelligence); 124:15 (integrity means
loving what is right); 130:18 (our intelligence will rise with us when we
are resurrected).
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Find joy in Christ
Choices matter. Choices based on gospel teachings are steps that
lead you closer to your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Jesus
said, “These things have I spoken unto you, … that your joy might
be full” (John 15:11). With each step toward Him, you will feel
closer to the Spirit and your covenant relationship with God will
become stronger.
But that doesn’t mean the path will be problem-free. And since no
one walks a perfectly straight line, constantly check your direction
and honor God’s commandments. Keep your covenants with God
and prepare to make more. Covenants connect you to Heavenly
Father and the Savior. They increase God’s power in your life and
prepare you to receive eternal life.
Of all possible choices, the one that matters most is the choice to
follow Jesus Christ. He is the strength of youth. His gospel is the
joyful way back to your Heavenly Father.
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Appendix
One way to assess your progress on the covenant path is to
ponder the questions below. They are the questions you are
asked when you are interviewed to receive a temple recommend,
but don’t wait for an interview. Do your own spiritual checkup. The
Young Women Theme, the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme,
and the Ten Commandments can also be helpful tools in your
self-evaluation.
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moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior? Do you obey
the law of chastity?
Do you follow the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ in
your private and public behavior with members of your family
and others?
Do you support or promote any teachings, practices, or
doctrine contrary to those of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints?
Do you strive to keep the Sabbath day holy, both at home and at
church; attend your meetings; prepare for and worthily partake
of the sacrament; and live your life in harmony with the laws and
commandments of the gospel?
Do you strive to be honest in all that you do?
Are you a full-tithe payer?
Do you understand and obey the Word of Wisdom?
Are there serious sins in your life that need to be resolved with
priesthood authorities as part of your repentance?
Do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord’s house and
participate in temple ordinances?
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Young Women Theme
I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature
and eternal destiny.
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I strive to become like Him. I seek
and act upon personal revelation and minister to others in His
holy name.
I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in
all places.
As I strive to qualify for exaltation, I cherish the gift of repentance
and seek to improve each day. With faith, I will strengthen my
home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, and receive
the ordinances and blessings of the holy temple.
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The Ten Commandments
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
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2025