Youth Conference!

Oh, boy I was looking forward to Youth Conference this year! For one, Jon would be coming which always just makes things easy and great. (He says I pay no attention to him anyway and I'm with the girls the whole time. Which is probably true. I'm usually so busy, running around. Nonetheless, I love that he is coming!) And two, Adren will be with us! Hooray for being 14!
This was scheduled that very first weekend after school was out. It was perfect because no one had scattered yet, off to vacations and family things which meant almost a full turnout. We had all the youth bring their overnight bags and bedding to the church late morning/ early afternoon. (they loved the late start)

Our youth presidencies planned this with the Bishop in our youth meetings and they did a great job. Each class (Laurels, Priests, Mia Maids, Teachers) take a topic from the scripture theme this year  and can do whatever they want with it. A game, object lesson, food- whatever!  

D&C 19:23 Learn of me, and listen to my words. Walk in the meekness of my spirit and ye shall have peace in me.

So each class will focus on one of the following: LEARN, LISTEN, WALK, PEACE.

We met in Kimberlee's backyard (my second counselor) and the Mia Maids shared testimony of the importance of learning from our Savior, going to Him in times of uncertainty etc. and did a great job. Afterwards we played a game of Human Battleship with water balloons.

 Then a pizza and root beer lunch to send us on our way!

We piled in cars and headed up to beautiful Heber Valley Camp!

Everyone got settled in the three different cabins and then our Bishop gave a little thought to kick things off. He's so great- he gets the youth engaged and laughing and having a great time!

There was a lot of down time, hanging out, playing games with eachother etc. Then it was the Laurel's turn to teach "Listen". They had everyone wear blindfolds and listen for a sound to follow. One Laurel quietly hit a chime every now and then while the others whispered, talked and made noises around them. They needed to sort out the sounds and figure out the chime on their own. It was really good! Eventually most realized what they needed to do and the discussion after was so great. Our youth really are so insightful!

That evening we had Hawaiian haystacks. (The youth planned everything, each meal down to the snacks they wanted.) The YW took care of food on day one, the YM on day two. Me and my counselors of course had rice for DAYS.

That evening they youth enjoyed sitting around the fire, telling stories, playing Mafia, and roasting pineapple and s'mores!
The next morning we got up bright and early for a delicious hot breakfast~ and celebrated Zion, who is coming into Laurels!

The leaders and I hung her banner at 1am.

She got her own cinnamon roll and birthday plate and cup to use all day!

I ran out and grabbed a T-shirt for the kids to sign for Josh to wish him farewell before he moves back home. Sweet kid.

Then we were off for the zip lines and faith walk. The youth LOVED this part! Many had not been on a zipline before and they all did so great.

Awaiting their turn! Can you spot Adren?

Go Adren!

Jon.

 After this we headed down to the lake for some canoeing and paddle boats.

Hi, Adren!

Jon and I were in our own canoe. (see, I did spend time with him!) It was such a gorgeous day!

 We had a little time to kill before our Walk hike from the Priests and the missionaries asked if there was anyone who wanted to entertain us. Two of our gals sang to us. So sweet.

We ended with the Teachers guiding us to a quiet place, had us put our blind folds back on and do some pondering about our Savior. There is something about being blindfolded in a quiet forest that is really neat! The testimony of the boys after, then some of youth really helped end this Youth Conference on a special note. I was so neat to hand this over to them, and see them really make it extra special. These kids are the best! I've loved not only bonding with the Young Women, but the Young Men as well. Truly, such neat people!
This helped bond this group so well. It is surprising, because it was only one night. But before this, Adren didn't even know most of the kids names, for some reason. He thought of them as older, and has just never known them. But because of Youth Conference, they have created a "squad" and have gathered together all summer long for fires and movies and games~ all because of this youth conference! It has been so fun to see them all enjoy each other so much.
That is how a ward should be!

Adren!

Josi and I. Always so many surprises in my phone.