Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
YOUTH CONFERENCE 2011
Theme:
1 Nephi 19:23
1
*Starred items have explanation after the schedule.
○Circle indicates the large group will be divided into smaller groups
Likening Scriptures to us/now
Goal:
We will provide activities in a context in which the spirit can teach to individual souls that which they
need in order to build testimonies.
Objectives:
Youth at the end of Youth Conference will be able to:
 be a participant in a healthy relationship.
 connect scripture studies to their contemporary lives.
 articulate how their decisions today are the same as those who came before them.
 articulate a moment in which the Spirit personally taught them.
Principles:
(r=relationships, t=testimony)
r confidence
r self worth (what I have to offer world, I'm worth listening to)
r reaching out to others (how to be in a relationship)
t crude language (road blocks, poor language limits/dampers communication, doesn't move comm.
along or uplift it, classic concepts)
t respect for sacred things
t consistent discipleship--more than just Sunday worship
Each youth bring:
Bandana
Sack lunch for the first day
Set of scriptures
SCHEDULE
7:30
7:30
Arrive at stake center
Activities on stake center grounds (be involved as soon as arrive, get comfortable playing games
which is a big part of our conference, FUN, paralleling life/knowledge)
Facilitators, with the help of Youth Leaders, run these games
1. *Copy Cat
2. *Fill the Space & Freeze Frame
3. *Just Like Me Tag
4. *Elevator Air
5. *Mass Jump rope
8:15
Move to gym inside—youth pick up lanyards and card for Ites Game and write name on both.
Intro leaders, intro theme & explain campfire as symbol of testimony. Explain tent doors toward
temple. Give info regarding travel. Give promise with a blessing, divide masses with Clusters
game, & get Duct Tape Game started. Cards for “Ites” Game are passed out secretly.
○*Duct Tape Game
Young Adult Facilitators run this.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
2
Travel to camp in ward arranged vehicles.
□Until 3:00
Showers are available to females
10:00 Arrive at Camp – Have a temple already in place (canvas tent with spire)
10-11:00
Pitch tents toward temple
Set up camp by wards, doors facing the temple. (We will gather at the Campfire to talk,
debrief, converse, and rest. Testimonies will die if they are not nourished, like a fire.
Testimonies are generally found and increased in quiet places where reflection and
quiet conversation can take place. Bring a piece of wood to feed the fire each time you
come to it, symbolic of feeding your testimony and making it stronger. Symbolism used
throughout the scriptures.) Facilitators camp near the ward they will be with for
activities grouped as wards.
Tower construction: While setting up camp, towards the beginning, a couple of
Facilitators will go through camp to get help to build the tower near the temple
“because King Benjamin is coming to speak to the people and there already are so many
that his voice won’t be heard unless there is a tower for him to stand on.”
11:00
Read scriptures for Running Proverb Letters at camps, as individuals
12:00-1:00
Sack lunch
□ Mosiah 4:19 King Benjamin said all beggars, depend on God for all food & raiment
□ List of food and their scripture reference and/or symbolic info
Set up in the dining area a smorgasbord of foods mentioned specifically in the
scriptures.
1:30
2:30
Meet at tower
Open with song How Great Thou Art, prayer, and scripture(s):
Moses 6:63 All things are created and made to bear record of me, both things
which are temporal, and things which are spiritual
Alma 30:44 All things denote there is a God, YOU are part of “all things”
Nature testifies of God. We’re in nature. Don’t miss the testimony.
Job 37:14 O Job, stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God
King Benjamin/stake president speaks to youth from tower
Speak about King Benjamin’s words, life, etc. relating it to our day, our stake, our youth
Include Jesus and his teachings – specifically tell the story of the fish & loaves of bread.
□Matt. 14:15-22 Five loaves & two fishes
□Mark 6:34-44 Feed 5000
John 6:5-11 (verse 11—Christ gives thanks) Feeds 5000
John 6:35 Christ bread of life, come to me never hunger & never thirst
3 Nephi 18:6-7 bread to always remember Jesus
President give a prayer of thanks on bread and pray for youth.
At end of talk Youth Leaders (dressed with shawl/turban) serve bread out of baskets.
Round loaves in basket and as serve break a chunk off and give to each participant.
○Meet at tower (Candy Bars to divide group)
*Running Proverb Letters (Facilitators are with youth at beginning of game as youth learn how
the game is to be played. Then youth come together as one mass to start the game—this is
when Facilitators take their place at their assigned place.)
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
3:30
4:30
5:30
Snacks in bucket at Base
Showers available for males until bedtime
Down time
Dinner – Before blessing on the food share scriptures below & why we sing songs; to unify, to
glorify, to worship God, to participate, & to create an environment for the spirit. Sing with gusto
at the fireside.
Nehemiah 7:67 Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem walls despite opposition and among his people
were 245 “singing men and singing women.”
Ezra 3:11 The people “sang together…in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord…because the
foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”
D&C 136:28 Praise the Lord with singing
2 Nephi 17:22 Abundance of milk & honey shall everyone eat
Mosiah 9:9 Seeds of corn, wheat, barley, fruits, olives, herbs, oats, rye
6:30
*Fireside at Ward Campfire—Self Worth & Confidence
7:30
Meet at tower
Freeze Frame game as large group/Notice others (short, maybe 15 minutes)
Presentation of Minerva Teichert mural
Service Project – King Benjamin’s wise cousel:
Mosiah 4:15 Teach children to love one another, and to serve one another
Mosiah 4:26 Give substance to poor, temporally & spiritually, administer to wants
9:00
Meet at tower
*Sardines
*Storytelling & snack
11:00 Back to Campfire
Friday
A.M. Showers available to females until 3:00
7:00 *Cook breakfast in Ward Campfire (Just before breakfast preparations Facilitator hands out
scriptures to go with meal and reads them with youth and then hands out the torn cloth
(leather-like paper) with questions. While preparing breakfast youth write on a piece of torn
cloth and stick it in their pocket for later use.)
8:00
*Title of Liberty, debrief as wards at Ward Campfire
Bring to rotations: water bottle & scriptures
8:40
○Meet at tower, intro day, explain rotations & “likening” (Scripture Puzzle Pieces to divide
youth)
1 Nephi 2:8-10 Laman like a river, running into fountain of righteousness, Lemuel like a
valley firm and steadfast, parables, symbols, etc.
Begin rotation of following activities
A trumpet will sound when it is time to rotate to the next activity.
9:00
3
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
Numbers 10:2-3 Lord speaks to Moses, sound trumpets for alarm, to assemble, and to move
camps.
1 hr.
1 hr.
*Mount Antipas Story Hike
*Messaging Game
2 hr.
*Armor of God/Make chainmail
Ephesians 6:11-18, D&C 27:15-18
Discuss when finished. Use handout.
1:00
Sack lunches eaten at the 1:00 activity location
Print a scripture on the sacks: Alma 5:34 Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of
the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely.
1 hr.
1 hr.
*One Body/Bull Ring
*Web of Faith
1 hr.
1 hr.
*Scripture Study Workshop
*Friendship Over the Meuse
□3:30 Showers available to males until bedtime
5:30
End rotations
Down time – write in journals, informal time at Ward Campfire
6:30
Dinner
D&C 89:11 herb & fruit in season, used with prudence and thanksgiving
D&C 59:18-20 all things made for benefit of man to gladden heart, for food & raiment, to
strengthen body & enliven soul, unto this end were they made to be used
7:30
Meet at Ward Campfire
Blind Scavenger Hunt (grouped as wards, Facilitators run it) □Bring a bandana
9:00
○Meet at tower (Dividing youth is in the game plan)
*Capture the Flag
10:30 Debrief, while eating sweet bread, Ward Campfire as wards, Facilitators run the debrief
Go to bed
Saturday
□A.M. Showers available to females until YC ends
7:30 *Cook breakfast in Ward Campfire as ward
9:00
*Morningside as wards at Ward Campfire
10:15 Gather at King Benjamin tower (Take scriptures, journal, and writing utensil)
*What stand for?
Pass out solo booklet
4
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
5
*Solo Experience – when trump sounds come back, drop evaluation in basket
Adult leaders break camp and clean up.
11:00 Lunch & pack up, clean Ward Campfire and return home
Rolls to be handed out with scripture a ways down the road
EXPLANATION OF ACTIVITIES BELOW
PROMISE WITH A BLESSING – to be explained at beginning of Youth Conference
Colosians 3:23 Whatever you do do it heartily, as to the Lord not unto man. Ye shall receive the
reward…for ye serve God
If you will give 100% you will receive:
●knowledge and love of scriptures increase
●testimony of God’s word grow
●enjoy time at Youth Conference
●confidence in God and self improve
●improved relationships
COPY CAT
Source: Quicksilver by Karl Rohnke and Steve Butler, pg. 111
Circle up group. Ask each person to choose someone in the group to be their leader. Do not tell anyone
who their leader is. As soon as the game starts the person you chose as a leader moves or changes
position in any way, you must do exactly as she does. Whenever she moves, you mirror her. Ask that
people try to watch their leaders without staring directly at them so that leaders won’t know who (if
anyone) is following them. After explaining and answering questions, check to be certain that everyone
has a leader chosen. Before beginning, have people close their eyes and get in a comfortable pose. As
soon as everyone opens their eyes on your command, they should change their pose to duplicate that of
their leader.
Once people open their eyes, patterns of movement begin to ripple around the circle. Sometimes this
activity will last for several minutes, sometimes it will seem frenzied—at other times quiet. The end
result is usually everyone in the same pose, thought sometimes you get two or three groups of people
doing different poses.
Do NOT debrief this activity at our Youth Conference.
Debrief ideas: significance of conformity versus independence, the challenge of selecting a qualified
leader and consequences of one or more people deciding to act on their own and what impact that has
on the rest of the group.
FILL THE SPACE
Resource: No Props by Mark Collard pg. 71
Invite group to spread themselves randomly but evenly inside an area that you have designated. (If need
set markers for boundaries.) Ask each person to slowly mingle about the area and attempt to “fill the
(empty) spaces” as they are created here and there. Suggest that there is no need for talking or
touching, simply move and observe all that is around you.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
6
As group has started to mill about (notice, how funny your group will think this is already!), ask each
person to secretly identify someone on the other side of the space. That other person doesn’t know
that you have picked them. Then, keeping that person in mind, follow as closely behind that secret
person as possible so that each time he or she moves away from you, you must follow.
Obviously (and you don’t need to say this), this is a set up, because everyone is following a different
person. They frantically move about to catch up with their ever moving target. Maintaining a walking
pace is important though – there’s always one or two who insist on mingling “briskly,” otherwise known
as running.
After a few moments, ask the group to resume their mingling, and repeat the process with a new secret
admirer. Or, move on to one of the following variations.
Variations:
-As you mingle, secretly identify a person close to you, and then keep as far away as possible (within the
boundaries) from this person.
-Select a person on the other side again, and then try to keep an equal distance in front of them at all
times. As a further twist, make sure this other person notices you!
Use a rope to mark boundaries, 75-100 feet is sufficient.
FREEZE FRAME
Source: No Props by Mark Collard pg. 69
Have group spread evenly throughout an open space. Ask them to wander aimlessly within the
boundaries of the space, simply observing other people as they move about them. No need to talk or
touch anyone. Just wander.
Explain that at any point, any one or more people can choose to “freeze” their movement, remaining
absolutely dead-still mid-wander. This will trigger everyone who observes this immobilization to
immediately freeze their movements too, and so on the ripples extend.
The object for the group is to see how long it takes every individual to freeze. Hold the “group freeze”
for a second or two to ensure that there are no belated moves, then…. relax.
There is no point in physically timing the attempts, because the initial freeze will be triggered at random
moments every time. Repeat the task a dozen or so times, perhaps with a few variations thrown in for
good measure.
In the beginning, people are focused on little else than themselves. This exercise forces people to look
beyond themselves. It’s amazing what is achieved in such a short space of time, when a group of
individuals constitute themselves as “community,” focus on other people and agree to achieve a
common goal (i.e., everybody frozen as quickly as possible).
This exercise is clearly a good physical warm-up. However, leading a brief discussion about what else is
happening and how it relates to the “day-to-day” of the group may also open up some useful insights
that relate to the “connectedness” of the group.
Variations:
-Ask people to speed their mingling up a little, and then in a later round, add sharp, random turns in
direction.
-Permit very brisk walking (shy of a jog or run) if you feel the group can keep it safe, especially with the
sharp corners.
Do NOT debrief this game at our Youth Conference.
JUST LIKE ME TAG
Resource: No Props by Mark Collard
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
7
Instruct group to spread out evenly throughout the playing space. Explain that on “Go,” everyone is
required to place their two hands onto one appropriate part of their anatomy, such as their heads, ears,
shoulders, tummy, etc. This position identifies each person with his or her team. As everyone is “it” at
the same time, the object is for every person to tag anyone who is not on their “team,” i.e., anyone who
has not placed their hands on the same part of the body. In most cases, this is pretty much the majority.
As soon as a tag is made, the tagee is obliged to transform and place their hands onto that part of the
body their tagger proudly displays. So, if I am tagged by a woman who has her hands on her nose, I do
the same with my hands (on my nose, not hers!). This means that the next person I tag will place their
hands on their nose too. One more for my team…yay!
The action continues until everyone ends up on the same team. It will take some minutes, but if there is
sufficient patience and energy, it’s worth waiting for the anatomical winner! Otherwise, cut it and take
a vote.
Variation:
Limit the anatomical possibilities, such as “only on your head” or “above your waist.”
ELEVATOR AIR
Resource: No Props by Mark Collard pg. 37
Everyone knows what it means to be in an elevator. You step in. No one looks at you. You press the
button for your floor. Doors close, and you instinctively glance up at the numbers blinking above the
doors as if you’ve forgotten how to count. Moments pass, you glance up again and can’t believe that
you still have ten floors to go. You can’t wait to get out… you know how it goes.
Share a little of this with your group, to get them ready for what’s next. It will often spark a chortle or
two, perhaps even a few comments about how dumb this all seems. If this happens, it is just perfect,
and I recommend you allow it to occur.
Starting in a large circle, invite every person to simply walk to the other side of the circle from where
they are standing as if they had just entered an elevator. No talking, barely any eye contact and
certainly no interaction. Take note of what happens, how it feels, etc.
Ask everyone to return to their original spots in the circle, this time as if they were entering a room full
of people they knew and were comfortable with. Again, observe what happens. Without ever saying it,
I can guarantee they will instinctively go out of their way to interact with one another.
Now, ask the group: Which atmosphere felt the most comfortable? Which atmosphere do you believe
would be the most productive? You can probably see where this is heading, right? Take just a few
moments to establish what caused the difference, and to connect this to your program. Typically,
comments such as “It was safer,” “I felt trusted,” “I knew everyone better,” will be offered. Fantastic!
Suggest that this is exactly what you hope to achieve with your program. Invite every member of your
group to take responsibility for creating this atmosphere right here, right now. You’re ready to move on.
MASS JUMPROPE
Keeping the rope turning, have each youth go through one at a time without missing a beat.
All the group jumps as rope turns. How many turns until a miss?
How many youth can we get to jump at once for how many turns?
Do same as above but with a partner or triplets.
Set a world record!
Note: Don’t let frustration stop the attempt to succeed. Provide time for many attempts.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
8
Set up:
75’ rope
DUCT TAPE GAME
Resource: 101 of the best Corporate Team Building Activities #20
20-30 minutes
10-30 people
Set up:
One 60’ roll of the best duct tape available per group
Permanent marker for writing on the tape
One step stool (or the like) per group
Shims to support doors
Each group is to duct tape a youth to a door. The selected youth stands on a chair and leans as needed
while being taped. To succeed the selected youth must stay attached to the wall for one full minute.
Each person must take turns putting a piece of tape on door/person. Each piece of tape must have
something written on it by the person who is attaching it. The words are to answer the question: What
can I do to support and/or strengthen my friends? Words on each piece of tape must be different from
all others. The Facilitator will watch and facilitate the game. Each group has 5 minutes to plan and 10
minutes to offer support (apply tape).
Note: Facilitator watch how youth select a fellow youth to be taped up. Make sure the volunteer is
comfortable with this.
Task: Secure the leader to the wall so he/she will stay suspended for 1 full minute once the chair is
removed.
Rules: Tape must be applied flat to the wall and may not go around corners or over the top. You have
15 minutes to discuss and actually tape the leader in place. After this total 15 minutes, the chair will be
removed. No taping hair or skin.
Read scriptures before debrief:
Luke 22:32 When though art converted strengthen thy brethren
D&C 20:53-54 Teachers duty to be with and strengthen church
D&C 108:77 strengthen brethren in all your doings
Debriefing Question Suggestions (focus on the process of support):
What were your favorite words which were taped up?
How difficult was your task?
What would have been a better way to succeed at the task given?
Who could the taped up youth represent in our lives?
How do we support peers?
How do we support peers differently than leaders?
How does this activity relate to the scriptures we read?
What does this activity have to do with relationships?
How are decisions made in the scriptures same as the ones we make now?
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
9
End debrief with an invitation to strengthen each other and leaders at Youth Conference and when they
return home. Thank youth for their comments. Change topic by sharing :
□1 Nephi 2:1-7 Lehi’s family departs into the wilderness, pitched his tent in a valley
(This is to prepare them for travel to the camp.)
Ask: What is the significance of travel?
Rhetorical question: People in the Book of Mormon were often traveling to a new place for various
reasons. What’s yours?
THURSDAY LUNCH/TASTER’S TABLE
Youth will have brought a sack lunch to eat. We will provide a taster’s table of food mentioned in the
scriptures. Include information on the food items in lanyards.
Passover Foods
Pascal Lamb=similitude of Jesus Christ
Unleavened Bread=represents Israel’s abrupt and swift escape from Egypt—a flight so sudden that the
Israelites could not wait for their bread dough to rise but had to bake it unleavened.
Wine=represents joy and celebration
Bitter Herbs=symbolizes Israelites’ suffering under the hands of their Egyptian taskmasters. Not clear
which particular bitter herb Jesus would have eaten. Horseradish is usually the herb of choice. Before
that it was romaine lettuce.
Foods mentioned in the scriptures
Honeycomb/honey
Milk
Pulse
Goat’s milk
Wheat
Fruit of the vine
Meat
Herbs
Bread
Raisins
Corn
Barley
Olives
Oats
Rye
Fish
Cucumber
Melon
Leeks
Parched corn
Onions
Garlic
Pomegranates
Nuts, almonds
Figs
Grapes
Berries
Apples
Clean fowls
Cake of figs
RUNNING PROVERB LETTERS – we will NOT formally debrief this game
Resource: Outdoor and Experiential Learning by Andy Martin, Dan Franc and Daniela Zounkova’
□1 Nephi 5:21 After obtaining plates from Laban, Nephi and Lehi found they were of great worth to
preserve commandments of Lord unto our children
□1 Nephi 6 Nephi is not writing geneology, it’s on other plates. He writes things of God. Intent is to
persuade men to come unto God.
□1 Kings 4:29-32 God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding. He was wiser than all men. He spake
3000 proverbs.
Object of Game: To acquire letters by completing several scripture based challenges and then using all
letters at the conclusion of the game to write group’s original proverb.
Instructions for play:
Each team is given written instructions and rules of the game and given time to study them and ask
questions. Instructions include Mosiah 4:27: “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and
order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
10
that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in
order.” Then the game starts. Youth run in groups of three or larger to various stations to get a letter.
One letter is obtained at each station and must be returned each time to Base. The roles of the youth
are not strictly set. They can run for letters or be the scribe. It is up to the team how they organize
themselves. A scribe may not be needed until a few letters have been obtained. The scribes stay at the
base guarding the team’s letters and trying to figure out an original proverb made up by the group. The
number of letters is limited and only specific letters can be obtained at certain stations. At each station
there may be a line so the group to arrive first goes first. The others must wait or try somewhere else.
Facilitator determines if the group gets a letter or not if there is a question. When the team has the
letters it needs to write its original proverb it is glued on poster board and recited in unison by the
group.
When the horn blows the game starts. When the horn blows again a proverb has been written.
When a group has finished their proverb and the horn has blow for their accomplishment the base
Facilitator will give them a paper with the following scriptures written on it. (This is to be handed out
only if the group is quite a ways ahead of other groups. We hope the group who has finished will then
come up with the idea to help other groups who are not finished as yet.)
“O Lord, will thou…give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me…wilt though
grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them…their souls are precious, and many of them
are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these our
brethren,….” Alma 31:32-35
“I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that you may learn that when ye are in the service of
your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 2:17
“I would that ye should impart of your substance…every man according to that which he hath…to their
relief…according to their wants. And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not
requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be
diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.” Mosiah 4:26-7
When all teams have completed their proverb at Base punctuate the end of the game with a couple of
debrief type questions. Allow a few seconds for thought. Invite youth to write in their journals a couple
of things they learned.
How familiar are you with scripture stories?
Which are your favorite stories and why?
Congratulate them on their efforts and success. Encourage all to read each other’s proverbs.
Post the proverbs on pavilion walls.
Good Samaritan Blank:
In the midst of the game an actor will portray a Jew who has fallen, sprained an ankle or the like. If a
group stops to help and takes care of him they are awarded a Good Samaritan letter, which is a blank, to
be used as any letter they like IF they tell no one how they obtained it. The letter has printed on the
back, “Good Samaritan blank, to be used for any letter.” The group must do something besides simply
asking, “Are you okay?” Actor can help by asking if they’ll take him to a nearby stump or tree etc. Actor
moves to new place once a letter has been given. Actor keeps blanks in pocket, unseen.
Also, a stake leader will roam around watching and when an extraordinary act of selflessness occurs a
Good Samaritan blank will be given. It is to be given in secret as much as possible. The person giving it
may need to follow the subgroup a ways before giving it. Person explains to the youth why they get it.
Stake leader keeps blanks in pocket, unseen.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
11
General Set up:
One Facilitator and one Ward Leader at each challenge site
Horn for start and accomplishing a proverb
Instructions for play written up for Youth to read just prior to game, below between lines:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Running Proverb Letters (given at the beginning of the game)
Object of game: To acquire letters by completing several scripture based challenges and then using all
letters collected to write your group’s original proverb.
How Game is played: Youth run in groups of three or larger to various stations. At each station is a
challenge that must be completed to obtain a letter; it may be an individual challenge or a group
challenge. Only one letter at a time is obtained at each station and must be returned to Base by the
three youth who obtained it. Roles of youth are not strictly set. They can run for letters or be the
scribe. It is up to the team how they organize themselves. The scribe stays at the Base guarding the
team’s letters and trying to figure out an original proverb to be made up by the group. The number of
letters is limited and only specific letters can be obtained at certain stations. At each station there may
be a line so the group to arrive first goes first. The others must wait or try somewhere else. Facilitator
determines if the group gets a letter or not if there is a question. When the team has the letters it needs
to write its original proverb it is glued on poster board and recited in unison by the group. When the
horn blows the game starts. When the horn blows again a proverb has been written successfully and
has been recited in unison.
Mosiah 4:27 “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a
man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that
thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”
Rules
-Youth cannot go into ward or stake camps. The only exception is Samuel the Lamanite which will be
explained before the game begins.
-Have to stay in subgroups of 3 or more at all times. Lose a letter if you don’t. Only exception is the
scribe. One scribe can be left at Base.
-Scribe must be switched out after at least every two letters arrive at base.
-Youth must take turns at each station if it is a single person challenge. Example: Subgroup consists of
Suzy, Ben and Annie. Suzy does the challenge the first time, the next time Ben does it, the next time
Annie, the next time some other member of the team must come with their subgroup to do the
challenge. If the station presents a group challenge the group can return as many times as they like and
work on the challenge together.
-Only one letter can be obtained after each challenge. Then the letter is run back to the group’s scribe
at Base before doing another challenge.
-Have to use at least 55 letters in the group’s original proverb.
The Game is over when each group has written an original proverb.
Each station will have the name/title of challenge posted.
Each station is facilitated by one Ward Leader and one Facilitator. At base we need one adult (maybe a
stake leader).
Copies of letters as follows:
Blanks 16
a 160 b 30 c 30 d 60 e 120 f 20 g 30 h 90 I 120 j 10
k 10
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
l 120
y 30
m 120 n 150 o 80
z 10
p 20
q 10
r 60
s 100
Three letters at each station as described below
Goliath #1
10 Virgins #2
Brain Busters #3
i 60
o 40
e 60
c 30
q 10
f 20
p 20
r 60
g 30
t 70
u 50
Sing Psalms #4
u 50
z 10
I 60
v 10
w 60
12
x 10
Faith Crawl #5
h 90
w 60
o 40
Sheep #6
Locust #7
Samuel #8
Samson #9
Mites #10
a 80
d 60
s 100
m 120
l 60
b 30
k 10
t 70
n 150
j 10
v 10
a 80
x 10
y 30
e 60
16 Good Samaritan blanks
Note: If we run out of a certain letter that’s okay. It adds an interesting element to the game.
Facilitators and/or Ward Leaders keep letters concealed in pocket until awarded.
Samuel and Samson have the most used consonants.
Rules
-Cannot go into ward or stake camps. The only exception is Samuel the Lamanite which will be
explained before the game begins.
-Have to stay in subgroups of 3 or more at all times. Lose a letter if you don’t. Only exception is the
scribe. One scribe can be left at Base.
-Scribe must be switched out after at least every two letters arrive at base.
--Youth must take turns at each station if it is a single person challenge. Example: Subgroup consists of
Suzy, Ben and Annie. Suzy does the challenge the first time, the next time Ben does it, the next time
Annie, the next time some other member of the team must come with their subgroup to do the
challenge. If the station presents a group challenge the group can return as many times as they like and
work on the challenge together.
-Only one letter can be obtained after each challenge. Then the letter is run back to the group’s scribe
at Base before doing another challenge.
-Have to use at least 55 letters in the group’s original proverb.
Set up for each station will be listed below by station’s name.
#1 Goliath
Individual Challenge: To sling shot a rock and hit Goliath’s forehead or any part of his head
Letter awarded when: head is hit with a rock from designated spot
Set up:
Giant Goliath is set up a few yards from throwing spot, stuffed or painted onto a big board or a stick
man with a nice big forehead
A big pile of small rocks
Four sling shots – so multiple youth can shoot one right after the other
#2 10 Virgins
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
13
Group Challenge: To move water in a holey PVC pipe (about 6”WX8”T) from stream to lamp, a few
yards away, as quickly as possible and fill the lamp with the water. If the lamp is not filled the first time
they may return for more water. Having to run with water twice is what we’re going for.
Letter awarded when: the lamp is full of water
Set up: Near the stream
Three short fat PVC pipes with 8 holes drilled in each
Three large “lamps” to fill with water
#3 Scripture Brain Busters
Group Challenge: To answer a scripture question or answer to a scripture riddle or puzzle.
Letter awarded when: the right answer is given to the facilitator with the question, riddle, or puzzle.
Each group to arrive is given a challenge that has not been previously answered.
Set up:
Three blankets on the ground each with a scripture related question, riddle, or puzzle to do.
Have 120 questions, riddles, or puzzles ready on separate papers
#4 Let Him Sing Psalms!- James 5:13
Group or Individual Challenge: Sing Scripture, which was written as a song or scripture about song.
Make up your own tune. Must use a timbrel/tambourine for accompaniment like they did in bible
times.
Letter awarded when: The scripture is fully SUNG.
Set up:
Three hymn books marked with Hymn # 108, Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd…
David’s psalm
Have three bibles marked with the following songs on a table or blankets on ground.
Exodus 15:2 Lord is my strength and song…
Moses’ song
2 Samuel 22:2 -4 The Lord is my rock…
David’s song
1 Chronicles 16:8-11 Give thanks unto the Lord…
David’s song
Psalm 18:2-3
David’s psalm
Also mark in triple combination scriptures the following verses which apply and can also be sung:
D&C 136:28 If thou art merry, praise the Lord…
from Lord to Brigham Young
Alma 26:8 Blessed be the name of our God…
Ammon glories in the Lord
Three timbrels, one on each table, ready for use
#5 Faith Crawl/Kitten Crawl
Resource: Cowtails and Cobras by Karl Rohnke page 34
Individual Challenge: Youth is to make his/her way from one end of the parallel ropes to the other and
recited an Article of Faith.
There are two ways to accomplish this task. The easiest and most practical technique is to begin in a
face down position with the parallel ropes running across the shoulders, continuing by the hips, across
the inside of the knees and ending with the rope running over the instep of both feet. Progress is made
by pulling along with the arms. This method is hard to protect by spotting. In the second method, the
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
14
participant places the arch part of his/her feet on one side of the parallel ropes and hands on the other
so that the body is bridging the gap between ropes. The youth moves hands and feet along the ropes in
much the same way as progress is made on the Two Line Bridge. Getting into position is a challenge in
itself. Allow the youth to work this out themselves. Once at the other end youth recites one the 13th
Article of Faith (It’s the 2011 general APYW theme).
Letter awarded when: Youth has crawled across the parallel ropes successfully and recited an Article of
Faith correctly.
Set up:
Webbing attached to trees and/or truck(s) and pulled taut, about 2’ off ground, over water if possible
#6 King Lamoni’s sheep
Group Challenge: To gather the sheep/rocks by tying a rope around a large bag with heavy rocks in it.
And then pull them from point A to B. The next group to do the challenge will pull from B to A (to
preserve the Facilitator’s energy). When arrive at the designated point push a lever down (chop off the
arm of enemy who scattered the flock in the first place).
Letter awarded when: Rocks have been successfully pulled from A to B (or B to A) and the arm has been
pulled down with a sword.
Set up:
Two bags with rocks
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
15
Two ropes long enough to tie the bag and use to pull
Make two of these: Two simple levers made of two 2X4’s or the like nailed into anything standing. It
would look like a “T”. Put a shirt on it so it looks like arms. One would be at point A and one at point B.
(Both groups use the same dummy to push arms down.)
Four swords
#7 Locusts and Wild Honey
Mark 1:6 John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat
locusts and wild honey.
Individual Challenge: Adorn body in camel’s hair and leather skirt, then eat a locust and some wild
honey.
Letter awarded when: locust and honey are properly swallowed while youth is wearing camel’s hair and
leather wrapped around loins
Set up:
Two tables or the like containing camel’s hair, leather wrap, locusts, and honey
40+ grasshoppers (locusts) (Kids can catch loads of grasshoppers. Cook them and freeze them till YC.)
#8 Samuel the Lamanite
Individual Challenge: With a bow and arrow try to make your arrow go over the wall but NOT hit Samuel
who is standing on the wall.
Letter awarded when: Youth’s arrow goes over the wall without hitting Samuel
Set up:
A few yards from launch point a wall is placed
Wall can be any old wood which is tall, maybe 12+ feet
A dummy Samuel attached to the top of the wall, out of wood
Four bows
As many arrows as we can get
#9 Samson/Abigail/Tabitha
Group Challenge: Put a life size puzzle of Samson or Abigail or Tabitha together.
Letter awarded when: The puzzle is successfully completed and each piece has been read.
Set up:
Three life size puzzles. Don’t cut out the body. Leave each piece in 8.5X11 size. On each puzzle piece
write information about the person and/or their story. Dress a person up in period clothing and take a
picture of each. Have a puzzle of 8.5 X 11 sheets made at a copy shop.
Three boards or flat area to put each puzzle together
Samson’s story – Judges 13-16
Known for greatness of strength
Weak in intellectual character
Weak in moral character
When he told the secret of his strength he lost it
The secret of his strength was his long hair,
His hair was chopped off while he slept because he revealed his secret to the woman he loved
He was put in prison
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
16
His eyes were made blind by his enemies
He suffered severe consequences due to one slip of the tongue
He died in a building he made to crumble by his own strength; it was an act of mercy from his God.
Samson’s story is found in Judges 13 to 16
Samson means “of the sun”
Abigail’s story – 1 Samuel 25-42 (use a picture of a younger woman)
Abigail’s story is found in 1st Samuel chapter 25.
Abigail was first married to an evil man, Nabal. Abigail lived with Nabal in Maon.
Abigail was a woman of “good understanding.”
Abigail was a woman “of a beautiful countenance.”
Abigail learned from a young man who worked for Nabal that David had come in peace, protected the
sheep shearers while they worked in Nabal’s lands, and then was rejected by Nabal. Listener.
When Abigail learned of Nabal’s refusal to help to help David, she “made haste” and prepared food for
David’s men. The food Abigail prepared quickly for David’s men was: 200 loaves of bread, 2 bottles of
wine, five sheep, parched corn, 100 clusters of raisins, 200 cakes of figs. Knew food preparation.
Abigail followed behind the offering of food and when she saw David “she hasted and lighted off the
ass,” fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, falling at his feet. Humble
shrewdness.
Abigail was a courageous and shrewd woman. She not only offered to take the blame for her husband’s
rejection of David but she also boldly told David he wouldn’t want to carry the burden of needless
bloodshed. Courage & foresight.
She saved her husband’s life and all in his household as well as saving David from sin.
David told Abigail, “Blessed be thy advice.” Wisdom.
After Abigail’s encounter with David she returned to a drunken husband. She told him in the morning all
that had taken place with David, thus demonstrating her integrity.
Nabal died 10 days after Abigail explained about David wanting to kill all in his household and about her
food offering to David’s men. After Nabal’s death David asked to marry Abigail. She received this
message humbly and “hasted” to David to be his wife.
Abigail was quick to think and act.
Abigail knew what to do when. Knowledge.
Abigail means her Father’s joy or fountain of joy.
Abigail was captured by Amalekites and then rescued by her husband, David.
Abigail is the daughter of Nahash and sister to Zeruiah.
Tabitha’s story -- Acts 9:36-42 (Use a picture of an older woman)
Tabitha was a disciple of Christ. Faith in Christ.
Interpretation of Tabitha’s name is Dorcas.
Tabitha was “full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Endeared others to her by her service.
Tabitha lived in Joppa.
Tabitha died after having been sick and was laid in an “upper chamber.” Loved and respected in the
community.
When Peter arrived in the upper chamber, where Tabitha lay, the widows there were weeping and
showed him coats and clothing which Tabitha had made while she was with them. Worker & friend.
Peter said, “Tabitha arise.” She opened her eyes and when she saw Peter she sat up. He gave Tabitha
his hand and lifted her up.
Peter presented her alive to her friends. Faith in priesthood power.
Many heard of the Tabitha miracle and believed in the Lord because of it. Missionary work.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
17
Tabitha’s story is found in Acts 9:36-42
#10 Widow’s Two Mites
Group and/or Individual challenge: To get two mites/rocks into the treasury by throwing them in as
youth swing from a rope past the treasury box. If youth are unsuccessful in getting the mites in a group
member may retrieve the rocks and give them to the youth on the rope to try again. Youth can swing
themselves to the treasury or a group member can push them.
Challenge awarded when: Two objects have successfully been dropped/thrown into the box while
youth is on the rope.
Set up:
Two single rope swings. Bottom of the rope should have a good size loop for those who may not have
arm strength to simply hold the rope
One box labeled “TREASURY” placed between two swings far enough away from swings to be a
challenge to get the rocks in.
Four mites
Base
Group Challenge after letters are gathered: To write a meaningful proverb using 55 letters or more and
to glue it to a poster board.
Group recites their proverb in unison very loudly so all know they have completed the Running Proverb
Letters challenge.
Set up:
Visibly post the definition of a proverb: A short verse or statement of truth or moral lesson.
Each group gets one poster board, pencil, glue stick, and all the paper they need for planning.
10 (one for each group) Bibles available for Proverb ideas
Paper and pencils for sketching out proverbs
10 sticks glue
10 pieces of poster board
Visual of a finished made-up proverb as an example. Make sure it has one blank in it.
Example of made-up proverb: As the earth revolves around the sun so does a child to her
pleasant mother.
Person to facilitate Base, be there the entire game, hand out the scripture toward the end, answer
questions etc.
Printed scriptures to give to groups when proverb is complete
THURSDAY WARD FIRESIDE AT WARD CAMPFIRE
Sing Hymn #277 As I Search the Holy Scriptures
Self Worth/ Confidence/Valuing others
Include practical how-to live these principles & Christ
Moses 1: 9-18 Moses knows who he is
“similitude of God,” what does that mean?
Trust in God produces confidence
How come to knowledge of personal worth?
D&C 18:10 worth of souls is great in sight of God
Psalms 8:5 man—a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory & honor
Jacob 2:13 some think they’re better than others due to costly apparel, all are alike to Him
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
18
D&C 121:45 confidence in God’s presence—virtuous thoughts
Proverbs 3:26 Lord is confidence
Confidence is based on trust in Lord and the Holy Spirit
Did David know who he was? Did he have confidence? Did he get confidence?
SARDINES
Luke 15:3-7, 10 Leave the ninety and nine and after that which is lost, joy over one sinner, rejoicing
Game instruction
Eight youth (sheep) hide in various places. All others go find one sheep and hide with her/him. When
all have found and been found a horn will blow and all will return. Each group must return their sheep
rejoicing.
To begin the Game Facilitator introduces the scripture and points out verse 5 and then verse 6.
Verse 5 says, “And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.”
Verse 6 says, “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
Play game and when all return game facilitator leads group in yelling verse 6. Ham it up, make it fun.
Maybe do a little dance.
Then play the game again with new sheep.
We are not debriefing this game.
To decipher who the sheep (youth who will hide) will be, each will be given a sheet of paper:
(Can play five times with this set up)
Each paper
8 sheep
8 sheep
8 sheep
Luke 15:3-7
Luke 15:3-7,10
Luke 15:3-7
Luke 15:3-7
100-1=one lost soul
100-1=one lost soul
100-1=one lost soul
100-1=one lost soul
100-1≠99
100-1≠99
100-1≠99
100-1≠99=sorrow
Lost one found=joy
Lost one found=joy
Lost one found=joy & Lost one found=joy
Rejoicing
8 sheep
Luke 15:3-7
100-1=one lost soul
100-1≠99
Lost one found=joy
8 sheep
Luke 15:3-7
100-1=one lost soul
100-1≠99
Lost one found=JOY
Game facilitator will say, “All youth who have the scripture listed with a “10” will be our first sheep to go
hide. The second time we play it will be those youth who possess the paper with “& rejoicing”. And so
forth. Facilitator have the youth close eyes while the 8 go hide. Tell a joke or story while the youth have
eyes closed. A horn is to be blown when all are to return to starting point.
Note: When printing these papers for the youth do NOT use bold letters.
STORYTELLING
Story teller tells Prodigal Son & Lost Coins modern day version
Luke 15:8-10 woman loses pieces of silver, sweeps house, finds coins, rejoices with friends
Luke 15:11-32 prodigal son returns
Note: Have to have a GREAT storyteller, one who will ham it up, be creative with the story, props or
costume if needed, get into the audience’s face, etc. Storyteller possibly include: negligence, how to
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
19
find someone/something, not pay attention, wandering, doesn’t matter how got lost—matters how get
found
FRIDAY BREAKFAST
□Numbers 11 gathered foods, ground it, beat it to mortar, baked and made cakes
Mentions fish, cucumber, melon, leeks, onions, garlic
□D&C 89 Principle with a promise/commandment with a blessing
□Ecclesiastes 3:13 Every man should eat & drink, & enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God
Right before meal is prepared hand out the scriptures for this activity and read them together. Then
prepare meal.
Gather some food together to make:
Pancakes
Syrup
Eggs
Milk
Berries
FRIDAY TITLE OF LIBERTY
□Alma 46
Facilitators ask youth to answer questions displayed on camp table
Each youth needs a piece of torn cloth (leather-like paper). On the cloth youth write the
answer to:
1. What are the liberties you’re willing to fight for & stand up for?
2. If someone attempted to take away your liberty to what extent are you willing to act
or fight to keep it?
Display these questions on camp table for all youth to refer to. Tell youth to write
answers to these questions on their piece of torn cloth and stick it in their pocket before
they eat breakfast.
Moroni runs through breakfast with piece of rent clothing on the end of a pole :12 (written on it
is: In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our
children), inviting others to join him, saying “come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter
into a covenant to maintain our rights, and our religion, that the Lord God may bless us.” He
leads followers to nearby hill and posts Title of Liberty somewhere where it can be seen close
by. Call followers (youth and leaders) “Christians” and say, “Amalikiah, a Nephite, knowing
instructions of Lord (Alma 47:36) seeks to be a king & persuades some Nephites to follow him.
Helaman & brethren counter this by preaching truth.
:21 Moroni, chief commander of armies response is to rent his coat, write on it and gather
those willing to covenant to defend liberty. People come running with armor on loins & they
covenant by rending their garments and throwing the torn piece of cloth at the foot of the title
of liberty
:16 Moroni prays that freedom of the land might be favored.
Explain symbolism of “rent garments” Alma 46:23-24
What are you willing to commit to do to maintain liberty?
At this point Moroni throws his torn piece of cloth at the base of the Title of Liberty and asks the
“Christians” to do the same.
Read Alma 46:12-13. Ask a question or two on hill to get youth thinking and dismiss.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
Return to Ward Campfires. Debrief. Facilitator runs debrief.
Facilitators and Ward Leaders remember to debrief individually when can.
Debriefing Question Suggestions:
When we make a covenant we don’t tear clothing. What do we do?
Say, “Amalikiah was a brother to liberty but then turned enemy.”
What are the Amalikiahs in our day? How so?
Why did Moroni and followers covenant publicly?
What covenants do we make publicly? Why?
How do we keep covenants we’ve made?
What attributes of character did Moroni manifest? How?
Who is a Moroni in our day?
Set up:
Piece of cloth for each youth to write on, made with paper
Instructions for making leather-like paper
Use grocery size brown paper sacks. Rip into the pieces the size you desire. Crumple up the
paper, then open it up, spray with water and iron. Repeat the process until it looks and feels
leather-like.
Megaphone
Armor for Moroni if can get it; he was dressed in armor when he gathered people
Title of Liberty to be posted
Printed questions or each ward to display on table for reference
MOUNT ANTIPAS STORY HIKE
Hike straight up, go around top of hill where can see temple and camp, and go down the other side.
Alma 46-47
Bottom of mountain:
Recall memories to Moroni’s title of Liberty. Story overview: Amalikiah was the opposition to captain
Moroni and Helaman and his brethren. Amalikiah was a brother Nephite turned bad. Now trying to
become king of Lamanites by his cunning, he seeks to take down Lahonti’s men who are on Mount
Antipas.
Tell the story, at all places and parts, with PASSION. Know the story well!!
Hike a few minutes and stop at certain points to tell a portion of the story and ask questions.
The Story begins:
46:29 Amalikiah, a traitor to his own Nephite people, takes those who follow him to Lamanite lands.
47:1 Amalikiah stirs up Lamanites to go to battle against Nephites.
:2 Some people feared to displease king but also feared death by Nephites.
:3 King got mad at his people and gave command of obedient army to Amalikiah
:5-7 Lamanites who did not want to fight Nephites fled to Mt. Antipas in preparation to fight
Amalikiah’s army.
Hike straight up two minutes.
Up Stop #1 (3-5 minutes)
Look around. Is the perspective different here from where we started? (If it is: How so?)
Why did Lahonti take his men to the top of a mountain?
Hike two minutes.
20
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
21
Up Stop #2 (1-2 minutes)
Look around. Is the perspective different here from where we started? How so?
Hike almost to the top.
Up Stop #3 (5-10 minutes)
What fortifications and preparations would have had to be made on the hill for battle?
Each division of the army would need to do different preparations and fortifications based on
their responsibilities, strengths, weaknesses, and what they know of their enemy
-chainmail armor is on person; it is their protection
-trees are a protection for vulnerable archers
-barricade structures built for divisions to hide behind
-wide open spaces left for enemy to come closer
-use of terrain/environment; ravens, valleys, caves, rocks, crevices, bushes, trees,
weather, etc.
How is your personal fortification different from someone else’s? Is this okay? Do differences
strengthen or weaken a group? How?
How do we use our terrain & environment as fortifications in our lives?
When is the time to fortify & prepare?
What is the preparation we do in our lives to be ready when our enemy approaches?
What do we do to fortify?
Hike one or two minutes.
Top of mountain/wherever end up (10 minutes)
Lahonti’s men are in a predicament; trying to do what’s right but going against their brothers, fellow
Lamanites. Amalikiah & followers went against all they were taught. Lahonti & followers did also. How
do you know if it’s right to do that?
Have you/do you ever go against own people/parents/family/country because it is the right thing to do?
How do you know it’s right?
When we don’t agree with something, or we find it morally wrong, how can we disagree in a kind and
Christ-like way?
Who is your true source of all that is right?
D&C 9:7-9 study in own mind, ask God if right, “feel that it is right”
Ether 4:11-12 Spirit persuades men to do good
Moroni 10:5 by power of Holy Ghost know truth of all things
Look around, look down. Temple view. Notice streams and where they meet, valleys, terrain, etc.
What can you see from this perspective that you couldn’t see from below or even halfway up?
What are the benefits to being on top of the mountain? View? Strategy? Safety? From what?
Amalikiah was Lahonti’s enemy. What/who is your enemy?
What is your Mt. Antipas/top of the hill? ( Answer privately to self)
The story continues:
:4,8 Amalikiah wants to dethrone king. His plan is to gain favor with armies of Lamanites first.
:10 So he sets up camp at the base of Mt. Antipas and sends a secret embassy to the mount to persuade
the leader, Lahonti, to come down to speak with Amalikiah.
:11 Theree times this happens. Lahonti won’t come down.
:12 So Amalikiah goes up almost to Lahonti’s camp and sends message a fourth time for Lahonti to bring
guards with him and come down.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
22
Hike down the mountain a two minutes.
Down Stop #1
The story continues:
:13 Lahonti came down. Amalikiah weaves his plan telling Lahonti to bring his men down in the night
and surround Amalikiah’s army. Then Amalikiah would deliver up the army to Lahonti. Lahonti was to
make Amalikiah second in command.
:14 Lahonti’s men did the plan.
What is your perspective from here? Can you see as well as on top?
What would get you to compromise your view/aim/safety?
What could be so strong in your life to bring you to enemy lines?
Hike to bottom of mountain.
Bottom of mountain (use remaining time allotted for activity)
The story continues:
:15-16 Amalikiah’s (king’s) men join Lahonti’s men. This is evil design of Amalikiah.
:17 If chief leader is killed it was custom to appoint second leader to be chief.
:18 Amalikiah’s servant poisons Lahonti “by degrees” till he dies.
:19 Amalikiah is now leader.
What were Lahonti’s consequences for coming down?
Why does Satan poison by degrees?
What are you being poisoned with slowly, by degrees, that is keeping you from liberty?
How is this happening in our land? U.S.? Our city? Our homes?
What must we/you do about it?
What will you commit to do to fortify yourself, your home, your community, your country?
What can you do here at Youth Conference and as soon as you arrive home to prepare against the fiery
darts of the adversary? (1 Nephi 15:24 hold fast to the word of God, D&C 3:8 extended his arm and
supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every
time of trouble)
Why did Lahonti come down? Would you be so foolish? Decide now.
End of Mount Antipas story:
:20-24 Amalikiah’s army returns to king & kills him.
:36 Nephite dissenters (Amalikiah and his men) are more hardened and impenitent, more wild,
ferocious than Lamanites, giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness, and entirely
forgetting the Lord their God.
Hand out the scripture reference and say, “Remember your God and don’t let yourself be poisoned.”
MESSAGING GAME
Resource:
101 of the best Corporate Team-building Activities we know! By Simon
Priest & Karl Rohnke, Activity#2
□3 Nephi 12:33-37 Christ teaches don’t swear
□1 Corinthians 15:33 evil communication corrupt good manners
□Ephesians 4:29 let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth
□D&C 20:54 see there is no hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking
□1 Timothy 4:12 be an example of the believers in word, in conversation
□Proverbs 15:1 soft answer turneth away wrath; grievous words stir up anger
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
23
Task: To see how many objects the group can maintain in play for a set number of throws without
dropping any.
Facilitator sits in a circle with youth and all read the scriptures together. Then play game. Facilitator is
part of the game and stands in the circle with the youth. Facilitator tells youth to remember who they
threw to. Facilitator then says, “I have one message (throwable object) that everyone needs to share in
the established sequence. I’d like everyone to assume the ‘catching’ position (facilitator demonstrates.)
This will signify that you are ready to receive the message. Once you have this message, and have
passed it on to someone you just stand normally. This will tell us who have been contacted and who has
yet to be reached. Make eye contact with the person you are throwing to. I’ll start the message on its
way around the group and, after it has touched everyone, it should come back to finish with me for the
very last communication. If we drop the message simply retrieve it and continue.” Throwing continues
until each has had a turn and a sequence is established. While the ball is still in motion the facilitator
says, “Let’s see how many messages our system can handle” and begins adding objects into the
sequence in an almost metronome fashion until the maximum limit is reached. (One object per person
in the circle is a good limit.)
Note: If the game needs a little more challenge expand the diameter of the circle.
During the chaos facilitator asks some questions:
Is this feeling like work?
What gets juggled in our lives as we try to communicate with family and friends?
Has there been a time when more objects were on the ground than in the air?
Variations: Substitute objects of consequence with water balloons. We will use some water balloons.
Set up:
8 soft throwable objects
One harder object to throw
160 water balloons filled with water (20 per group)
Buckets or other container to hold full water balloons
Hide extra water balloons so they won’t be used if a water fight breaks out.
Debrief
Debriefing Question Suggestions:
How did we do at our task of keeping the message going?
What is a good example of passing the message well?
What is an example of passing the message badly?
How does this apply to communication?
How easy was it to communicate?
Were you distracted?
What were the distractions?
What are the distractions that keep us from communicating day to day?
What is the “corrupt communication” spoken of in Ephesians 4:29?
In what way does this experience help us understand communication with swear words?
How difficult was it to keep the objects off the ground?
What made one of the objects more difficult to receive and throw? Why?
How does the type of message affect your ability to receive it?
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
24
Do some messages need to be given with more care? What kind?
How interested are you in receiving all types of messages?
What messages are you not interesting in receiving? Why?
What types of messages would you like to receive?
Why is gossip a message that absolutely should not be sent?
How can we be examples of the believers in communication?
How is gossip damaging to people and relationships?
What demonstrates Proverbs 15:1 to be true?
Would someone sum up what you have learned from all this discussion so far.
How will this information affect your life?
After talking about this what is something you’ll change about your communication?
Why did you pick who you picked to receive your message?
Who do we choose to receive messages in our daily lives? Who and for what message?
What messages do you give your parents?
What messages do you give your friends?
How did we do at keeping eye contact?
How did you feel when you dropped a message?
What was the effect on the group when the message was dropped?
What is the communication lesson in this?
How can this knowledge help you?
In what way will you change your messaging system to be more effective in communicating?
Challenge: We invite you to practice it while you are here?
ARMOR OF GOD/CHAINMAIL
Chainmail demonstration by youth leader and his father
Resource and set up: Brothers Kirkham
□Ephesians 6:12-18
Ephesians
6:12 We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers of darkness of this world
:13 whole armor of God, that may withstand in the evil day, to stand
:14 stand having loins girt about with truth, breastplate of righteousness
:15 feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace
:16 above all shield of faith, to quench all fiery darts of wicked
:17 helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit which is word of God
:18 praying always, watching with perseverance and supplication for all saints (friends)
Brother Kirkham will give a presentation on medieval armor. He will then teach youth how to make a
key chain out of chainmail. For our purposes he should stick to one time period and explain each piece
of armor italicized above. Try on the armor if they like, touch it, feel weight of it, recognize how it takes
a lot of time to make it, it’s tedious, but the protection is worth it. Have a discussion after the activity
about the armor and what it means according to scripture. And also what it means in our day. Use
Harold B. Lee’s talk and diagram of armored man. Possible topics/questions:
Why are scriptures filled with symbolism?
When is the time to prepare for war?
When do we build the armor against evil?
What is tedious about obtaining protection?
How/Why would the mundane tedious and difficult be worth the protection?
How do we girt our loins with truth?
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
What is a breastplate of righteousness?
How is the gospel of peace a preparation? And what is the significance of feet shod with it?
Why is “shield of faith” above all? How does faith quench fiery darts?
What is the “helmet of salvation?” How is it a preparation against rulers of darkness?
Why sword of the Spirit?
Who are “all the Saints”?
How do we pray always?
How do we watch with “perseverance and supplication” for our friends?
Can armor/protection be made right before war? How do we build the armor against evil?
Set up:
Facilitator and Ward Leader should be familiar with not only the scriptures above but also:
Talk by Harold B. Lee, “Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace”, (Speeches of the Year,
1954, pp. 2-4, 6-7) clearly explains each of the pieces of armor and what they symbolize.
Note: In the discussion Facilitator & Ward Leader can periodically give input/instruction. The input
specifically should be giving truth from scripture or from Harold B. Lee’s talk.
25
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
ONE BODY/BULL RING
26
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
27
Resource: 101 of the Best Corporate Team-Building Activities #58
1 Corinthians 12:7-27 the body is not one member, but many; no schism in the body, members should
have the same care one for another; one suffers we all suffer; ye are the body of Christ and members in
particular
Note: Schism defined is disunion; discord; a separation or division of cohesive person or persons
4 Nephi 1:17 nor any manner of –ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ
D&C 38:24-28 esteem his brother as himself, be one, if not one not mine, enemy seeks your lives
Psalms 133:1 how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity
Object of game: To complete a journey together by carrying a ball on a ring held by multiple strings.
Rules:
If you drop the ball, start over.
Hold only the strings at the end furthest from the ring.
Don’t touch the ball or the ring, otherwise start over.
Note: Facilitator is to sit in circle and read scriptures with youth. Then play game. Then sit in circle to
debrief.
Set up:
Fifteen 10’ string lengths, with loop on the end to easily attach to the ring
One 2” diameter ring
Tennis ball
1” diameter 4’ long PVC pipe, stuck in the ground
Stand the PVC pipe vertically with about 1’ anchored in the ground. Tie the ten pieces of string to the
ring and then slip the ring over the pipe. Let the ring rest on the ground, with the strings spread out
widely. Place the ball atop that standing pipe.
Plan the route for youth to take, including up an incline and/or down a gulch and between some narrow
place (between posts) and maybe through water or over a bridge, etc.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
28
Variations: Provide blindfolds for all but one. Add obstacles, uneven ground, narrow spaces, ankles tied
together, etc. Substitute large ice cubes for tennis balls.
Debrief
What thoughts did you have while you worked on this activity which related to the scriptures we read
before we started?
In what way was this game challenging?
Ask youth to answer to themselves the following questions. Be sure to give a few seconds for youth to
get something in mind.
What gifts have been given to YOU to serve others?
With all the gifts you personally have, and as unique as you are; remembering no one else in all
the world is YOU, how valuable are you in doing God’s work?
How important was your responsibility to hold your end of the rope?
Was one person’s responsibility more important than another’s?
How does this relate to church, home, and life generally?
What does this have to do with our baptismal covenant to bear one another’s burdens?
Did each hold their rope the same?
Why were each of us made different than all other individuals?
How do we compliment each other through differences?
If one of you ceased to participate in the activity could the others have succeeded?
Would the one who pulled out have succeeded?
Why do you have to be in the game to succeed?
How does this relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 12:27 What did you learn through this activity about verse 27?
D&C 38 Can you return to Father in heaven alone, isolated, without relationships?
D&C 38:24-25 Why is “let every man esteem his brother as himself” written twice, one right after the
other?
WEB OF FAITH/SPIDER’S WEB
Resource: 101 of the best Corporate Team-Building Activities we know! By Simon Priest & Karl Rohnke
#77 and Cowtails and Cobras II by Karl Rohnke pg 106
3 Nephi 17:5-10 Jesus was about to leave but the people wanted him to tarry a little longer so he asked
them to bring infirmities, i.e., lame, blind, halt, maimed, leprous, withered, deaf, afflicted in any manner,
faith is sufficient that I should heal you
Note: Matthew 8:16 Christ healed ALL who were sick; not just some of the sick.
Object of game: To get everyone through the web without touching the strands or using any opening
twice. Youth get passed by the group through the openings of a giant web.
To facilitate game: After read scripture together, gather youth on one side of the web. Give some
disabilities to youth, i.e., blind (blindfolded), dumb (cannot speak), lame (crutch and tie up one leg), no
arm (tie arm to body), halt (no use of legs). Then stand on the other side of the Web so that the web is
in between youth and yourself. Tell youth the scenario. Ask if there are any questions. Observe what
happens closely for debriefing.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
29
Scenario: Christ is here. You heard him say to bring any who are afflicted in any manner. You
desperately want your loved ones and those less fortunate to be healed because you have seen their
suffering through the years. Now is your chance to perform and their chance to be made whole. To get
to the healer you must all successfully pass through the Web of Faith. It is a simple task but it requires
effort. Your task is to get everyone through the web without touching the strands or using any opening
twice.
Rules:
1. Youth cannot go over, under or around the web; youth must go through it.
2. Once a youth successfully (no one touches the web) gets through the hole, that hole is closed
and cannot be reopened.
3. Once a hole is chosen by an individual, it cannot be used by anyone else.
4. Using the same opening twice returns two people to the start.
5. Contacting the web during passage through the web by anyone (even the supporters) returns
only the person being passed to the start. A bell rings when contact is made with the web.
Note to Facilitator: This activity has the potential for being an extremely powerful Initiative. Watch for
the capable and strong ones in the group; make these your maimed & lame etc. This gives them an
opportunity to be helped which is different from what they experience 24/7. The more reserved youth
will then have an opportunity to do something different than what they normally do also. Thus youth
will have to stretch themselves to accomplish the task before them.
The initial framing of the experience is critical. Make sure the youth understand the story. Based on the
presentation of the rules, the Web becomes either a fairly simple activity or an exasperatingly difficult
one. But it depends on the facilitating and the observing of behaviors which exemplify the scriptural
themes this activity develops.
Safety: make sure the head and neck of youth being lifted are well supported. Encourage people to lift
with their legs and not their backs. No diving through.
Variations:
Allow a few free touches or some openings to be used more than once.
Have the group pass objects through extra openings.
Ask the group to create their own web design beforehand.
Try a three dimensional web.
Set up:
Two fence posts or trees
Large amount of bungee cord or parachute cord or baling twine
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
30
Bell on string to hang on web
Blindfold
Crutch & long rag to tie leg up
Large long rag to tie arm to body
Weave the web with at least one opening (various shapes and sizes) large enough for each youth in the
group. Be creative with the design. Make sure the weaving leaves spaces large enough for bodies to fit
through and that there are plenty of them (20). It should be 6 to 8 feet high.
Web Construction
Resource: http://www.varsityscouter.org/games.pdf
1. The stretch that is characteristic of nylon cord allows the web to remain
taut, even under tension. Parachute cord seems to work best—it’s strong,
elastic, and has a “web-like diameter. Or, try using waxed nylon cord for the
actual web strands. It’s thinner than the parachute cord and has a more weblike look.
The waxed cord also holds a knot well.
2. Place six anchor points in the two vertical posts or trees. These anchors
can be tied with a clove hitch around a tree. The anchor points are placed at
about 7 feet, 4 feet, and 1 foot from the ground.
3. Tie one end of the nylon cord to any one of the anchor points and begin
stringing the free end though the other anchors in sequence, to make a
rectangular outline with the cord. While doing this, take a turn around each
anchor and pull the cord tight (play-a-tune-on-it tight). Read step 4 before
beginning this step.
4. If you didn’t read this and have been enthusiastically cutting and stringing
cord, STOP! There are backup instructions. The loops (figure 8 or butterfly
knots) must be tied while stringing the cord to ensure proper placement of the
loops (symmetry). The loops serve as anchor points for the “web” strands,
and allow practically an unlimited variety of web patterns.
5. Using the loops and anchors, tie a unique web arrangement, remembering
that people of all sizes must be able to fit through the web gaps. If you
haven’t tried this initiative game before, you will be surprised at how small an
opening a person can get through (with help).
Debrief
3 Nephi 17
How difficult was it?
How difficult would it be to help someone come to Christ?
How will you bring them to be healed? or What can you do to bring the infirmed to Christ?
What emotions are involved in bringing someone to Christ? Why is that okay or not okay?
Can you take someone to be healed by yourself?
What happens to you as you take someone else to be healed?
Are some people too heavy? In what way?
How difficult is it to take someone to the healer?
:5 Why tears? If tears were observed in the process ask: Why did we have tears?
:6 Christ had compassion toward the people. At what point did you experience compassion as you
worked on this activity?
:7 Christ asks are there any sick among you or afflicted in any manner. Think of a person you know who
needs healing. Think to yourself, What is their infirmity? Is it spiritual or physical?
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
31
What are you willing to do to bring that person to Christ?
What was it like being the infirmed one? How could this relate to your current circumstances at home?
Rhetorical: Do you know the healer?
If you know where to take the infirmed person, please share where/what that is?
Who would you bring to be healed?
How did you get fellow youth through the web?
What did it feel like while you were getting passed through?
What did it feel like while someone else was getting passed through the web?
In what way did it look different than it felt? What are the times this occurs in real life?
:8 What does faith have to do with all this?
How does this relate to life back home?
When was the group focused on one individual?
When are times we would focus on one individual in our every day lives?
When were you focused on the task? Why? How was it beneficial?
If items or people are left behind during the process ask: What was left behind? Was it worth it? What
do we leave behind when we go to the healer?
SCRIPTURE STUDY WORKSHOP
Speaking of the Book of Mormon, President Ezra Taft Benson said, “There is a power in the
book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.
You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception.
You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path… When you begin to hunger and
thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.”
Youth bring scriptures
Workshop instructor should:
Teach a variety of ways youth can study scriptures
Give examples of practical how-to ways of studying
Practice the practical how-to while in the workshop
Topics for instruction: symbolism, parables, putting scripture messages into practice, recording
epiphanies & living accordingly, maps, dictionary, topical guide, character profiling, etc.
How to make the scriptures come to life in personal way
How liken the scriptures to me, my life, now?
Think of experience, how like scriptures?
Think of scripture, how like my family?
Moral of story, how apply it?
FRIENDSHIP OVER THE MEUSE
Resource: The Bottomless Bag by Karl Rohnke pg. 111
1 Samuel 18 & 19 David & Jonathan (Tell story in your own words using key scriptures to show their
bond of friendship)
Proverbs 17:17 a friend loveth at all times
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
32
Proverbs 18:24 friend sticketh closer than a brother
Proverbs 27:9 rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel
Proverbs 27:17 so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend
John 15:13 greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend
D&C 121:9 Lord comforts Joseph Smith, thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with
warm hearts and friendly hands
D&C 134:11 we believe… in defending… friends
JS-H 1:28 persecuted by those who ought to have been friends, fell into error, left to all kinds of
temptations, displayed weakness of youth, and foibles of human nature,(friends could
have helped but didn’t)
Genesis 39:12 He left his garment…and fled, and got him out
Scenario story for the initiative:
In search for meaning and who you really are, your expedition team of friends must safely make your
way through mortal life. You all have been targeted by Satan due to your valiant spirits. Knowing what
you were in for before you came to earth, but forgetting, you now have discovered how difficult it is to
have Satan and his minions lurking all about. Your destruction is directly dependent on your heed to
evil. You are all trying to do as Joseph did, when Potipher’s wife was trying to temp him, he “got him
out” (Genesis 39:12). You want to make the right choices, get out of this evil infested place, and take
your friends with you. If you or your friends linger too long you may be caught in the chains of hell,
which means you “are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction” (Alma 12:11).
You have only ____minutes to safely get out.
Group is then given four boards and rope.
Rules:
Group must start from the same departure point only using 4 boards and rope available. Passage can
only be made by staying on high ground and avoiding all contact with the ground. Should team
members or props come in any contact with the ground they are eliminated (or return to the departure
point and start over.)
Variation: Subtract one board to make the eventual solution more difficult.
One person is blindfolded & thus dependent on friends.
To shorten the time necessary to finish the problem, count each ground touch as a penalty and
allow the group to continue.
Set Up:
Placement of the cinder blocks is key to making this initiative problem work. Spend some time before
the youth show up, making sure that the “islands” are in a functional position.
Four planks:
Use 4”X4”X8” boards for the planks
2”X4”X8” boards nailed together will also serve this function
Eight cinder blocks for the “islands”
12’+ section of 9mm rope
Note: The Meuse is a river in Europe which flows into the North Sea. If the group does not finish in the
allotted time they are not necessarily unsuccessful. This adds a whole new element to the debrief. Ask
questions about trying your best but not achieving what you had in mind; relationships and life are like
this.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
33
Debrief when successful or when time runs out, whichever comes first.
Debriefing Question Suggestions:
What was difficult about this activity?
In what ways are the difficulties you face in relationships similar to what you experienced in the game?
What were the difficulties David & Jonathan encountered as friends?
What are some difficulties you face with friendship?
How did you go about working through the difficulties in this activity?
How does that relate to relationships you have?
What would you do different next time?
How did David & Jonathan work through their difficulties?
How were they still respectful of Jonathan’s father, the king?
What can we learn from this to use in our relationships?
What role did communication play in your actions?
How does that relate to your friendships?
How did your teammates help you? When are there times that friends make a difference in our success
or failure? How so?
In what ways do we exclude friends?
How do we team up with friends in everyday life?
What is it like to be shunned by your friends?
How can you avoid shunning others?
Do you think it was right of Jonathan to help David without his father’s knowledge?
Explain. Are there such situations today?
What would you do if you were placed in a situation where you felt a strong desire to help your friend
and you knew it would be against your parents’ wishes?
When might it be wrong to stand up or support a friend?
In what ways is it difficult to stand up for a friend?
How do friends work together like you did on this game? Why would that be beneficial?
What role do your friends have in your life?
What value do you place on your current friendships?
Why? Is this healthy? Why?
Do you communicate differently with your friends than you do with your non friends?
How? Why? How did Jonathan?
What is the moral of this story or the moral of Friendship Over the Meuse?
Who was “between” Johnathan & David “forever?” 1 Samuel 20:23
BLIND SCAVENGER HUNT
No scriptures read at the beginning of this activity.
Remind youth of their commitment to give 100%. To remain unseeing is part of giving 100%.
Object of Game is to obtain five items while blindfolded.
Facilitator instructs youth to put on their blindfolds (bandanas) making sure they cover their eyes and
nose (this helps them not peek). When all are standing blindfolded Facilitator says: We ask that you all
accomplish this task in silence. There will be no questions and no talking or making a sound of any kind
until you are told you may speak. (When all are silent, continue.) We will keep an eye on you while you
do this activity. If you are going to get hurt we will direct you elsewhere. And we will not laugh at you.
Your task is to obtain five items; something smooth, something wet, something rough, something sharp,
and something yellow. (Items requested vary based on Facilitator’s best judgment of what is available in
the area. Always include an item with color.) When you are finished come back. You may now proceed
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
34
to accomplish your task. (Then the Facilitator and Ward Leader watch for problems and help when
necessary. When the first youth finishes the task Facilitator and Ward Leader sing reverently so youth
know where to come back to. When all have arrived singing stops and Facilitator begins debrief while
blindfolds are still on.) Please keep your blindfolds on a little longer. (Some groups will return and
stand. You can invite them to sit if they like.) We would like to talk a little about what you did.
Set up:
Each youth brings a bandana for a blindfold
Facilitator takes the group to a setting away from Ward Campfire and separate from other groups.
Blindfolded debrief suggestions:
What was easy? What was hard? Why? How?
How difficult was it to obtain your five items?
Did you like being blindfolded? Was/is it uncomfortable?
What difficulties did you encounter? Why?
What was not so difficult? Why?
What was it like for you having to be silent?
Did anyone run into you? What was it like?
Do you mind being silent? Why? Why not?
Were you able to obtain all five items? Are you sure each is correct? How do you know when you can
not see? How is this like gospel principles?
After a few questions tell the story, reading significant excerpts, from the scripture:
John 9:13-38 Christ helps us to see (story of blind man healed by Christ)
End this blindfolded portion of the experience by reading verses 36-38 and a portion of 39: I am come
into this world, that they which see not might see. Take off blindfolds.
NOT blindfolded debrief suggestions:
What scripture or scripture stories does this experience relate to?
Blind, dumb, unknown, darkness, alone, infirmities, healing, walking blindly, etc.
Follow up each above question’s response with one of the following:
How can we liken these scriptures to our life?
In what way does this relate to your life right now?
What are the problems of today which are similar?
What do we experience like this in our community/church?
Be sure to thank the youth for their responses and for what they shared with everyone.
“ITES” Game/CAPTURE THE FLAG
Cards are all blank except 3 which have a different symbol each. Printed on the back of each card is,
“Keep this card with you at all times. Only one symbol can be on the flip side of this card to be valid.”
When hand out the cards each youth must write their name on it with a permanent ink.
The three cards have a separate symbol each written on them. Three youth have one of three symbols
on their card. Each of the three youth is to get as many other youth as possible to let them write their
particular symbol on the flip side of their card. Only one symbol can be written on each card. The three
youth are to work at this all through the first and second day. At the end of the second day we will play
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
35
the “Ites” Game. The cards will be used to divide the youth into two groups, Lamanites and Nephites.
(Right before the game begins divide the masses by the symbols on their cards, including blanks. Then
determine which group is to be Nephites and which is to be Lamanites. It is not necessary to have the
same number of players on both teams—war is like that. Suggestion: Let youth with blanks (if there
are any) choose which team to be on. If a youth has more than one symbol, have them watch a while.
Plug them into the game after they have had a chance to observe.) Then they will play Capture the Flag
in the dark. Each youth will be given a glow-in-the-dark necklace to be placed around their neck. Each
team will have a glowing flag.
Three leaders of the Ites:
On the first day of YC give three youth a marker and a copy of these instructions:
You are to get as many youth as possible to let you write your particular symbol on their card. Only one
symbol can be written on each card. Draw the same symbol on others’ cards as is on your own, nothing
else. Draw the symbol as large as possible on the card. You may not publicly gather or publicly
announce anything to accomplish this; one at a time or a small number of youth at once is acceptable. If
you are traveling, and get all in your vehicle to let you draw your symbol on their card, that is
acceptable. You may be talking to a youth to convince them to let you put your symbol on their card
and another youth overhears, you recruit them as well, that is acceptable. If you are communicating in a
small group it is acceptable to explain and write your symbol on their cards as well.
Capture the Flag game:
Start with two teams. Split the playing area between the two teams with a long rope. The teams are
given 5 minutes to hide their flag in their part of the terrain. When the flag is hidden, a team member
calls out that you are finished. Then you simply try to get the other team’s flag. If you get caught and
tagged by the opponent on their territory, you are their prisoner. You can only be freed by a teammate
who tags you when your opponent isn’t looking. The first person to capture the flag and get back to
their side with it wins.
Rules:
Regular team play for Capture the Flag apply as stated above.
Glow-in-the-dark necklaces can not be hidden in any way.
The prison and flag must be set up in one specific place and not moved.
Must stay within the boundaries of the fence and river. Absolutely no going into ward and stake camp
areas.
Set up:
Three small cards with three separate symbols, one on each card
Three markers to be handed to the three youth who will be gathering their team
Written instructions to give to the three youth who will be gathering their team, above
Small cards for each youth, all cards have printed on them, “Keep this card with you at all times. Only
one symbol can be on the flip side of this card to be valid.”
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
36
2 flags, with a pocket sewn in for placing a glow necklace
Write “Nephites” on one flag and “Lamanites” on the other
Long rope to divide sides
Glow-in-the-dark necklaces for each youth, use two colors only so youth know who is on their team
A third glow in the dark necklace color for leaders to be stationed on center dividing line and perimeters
Symbols:
Debrief
There are no scriptures which will be read right before this activity. Facilitator, as begin debrief, will
read the relating scriptures. Sweet bread as a snack will be passed out so start with first scripture.
John 6:51 I am living bread, eat & live forever
1 Nephi 2:12-19 Laman & Lemuel murmur & don’t believe truth, Nephi prays for them
2 Nephi 5 Laman & Lemuel seek to kill Nephi so he and all who will follow leave into the wilderness and
call themselves the people of Nephi, erect a temple, work and prosper, and are blessed
2 Nephi 5:5-7 Nephi, Laman, Sam, Jacob, Joseph, & sisters are now Nephites
Debriefing Question Suggestions:
When did this game begin? When did moving into a team begin? How did you get on teams?
How easily were you persuaded?
How were your actions Nephi-like or Laman & Lemuel-like as you became a member of your team?
If you would like to change your actions to be as righteous Nephites how would you go about it?
How can you do better next time? Where is “next time?” Could you practice while you’re here?
What lead to Laman & Lemuel and their followers deciding to be a group separate from Nephi?
How did Nephites decide to follow Nephi?
How are your decisions similar to theirs?
What could be the consequences of such decisions for you and your posterity?
How is this like the scripture story? In what way are humans like this today? (Think of youth groups,
school, family, country.)
How did you feel when you realized groups were forming in an underhanded manner?
Why does this happen?
What can you do to prevent it?
What can you do to ensure your spiritual safety & that of your family, posterity, and country?
Rhetorical Questions:
Did you murmur early on in Youth Conference like Laman & Lemuel? 1 Nephi 2:12
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
37
Are you a Sam? 1 Nephi 2:17 believe in Nephi’s words
Did you do as Nephi & find out for yourself? 1 Nephi 2:16,19
How did you feel when you realized what team you were on? Why? Have you ever made a choice and
realized what the consequences of your choices were only after the fact?
Did you name your team? How is this significant? What does it say about you/about humans?
What did you learn about the Nephite and Lamanite wars?
What are your views on war? Anyone disagree? Why?
Are the sacrifices in war worth it? How sure are you?
When is taking a life worth whatever you’re fighting for? How does a person know for sure?
What are we fighting today? What is the biggest war we fight?
What sacrifices do we make in the war we are fighting?
Is war necessary? How? Why? Why not? What war?
What was your position/part you played in the Ites Game?
What is your personal part in war?
How can you please God while being a part of killing his children? Are you sure?
In the war we are fighting (against evil) how are we killing souls? How can we each change that and give
life to each other?
How can you be sure about decisions made in a real war setting? How can you be sure about decisions
made in the war against evil? Are you sure? How can you be sure?
Why would understanding your enemy be helpful in war?
What is the most difficult thing about war? Why? What can you do about it?
How will you use this information & knowledge to better your life?
Invitation: Write in your journal what you learned & how you will be a force for saving souls that belong
to your circle of friends, family, city, church, or country.
SATURDAY BREAKFAST
□Daniel 1:8-20 Daniel and friends eat pulse, refuse king’s wine and meat, healthier for it
□Numbers 11 (specifically read verse 1 & 13) people complained that they didn’t get the food they
had in Egypt, God was angry with the Israelite’s complaining
□John 6:51
Christ is living bread, eat and live forever
Instructions for facilitating:
Each group prepares pulse/cracked wheat for breakfast and eats it. (There will not be enough to feed
everyone and get full.)
At this point Facilitator reads scriptures & hands out card to each youth with above scriptures on it.
While Facilitator is reading scriptures with youth a Ward Leader goes to get, and returns with, additional
foods:
bagels
cream cheese
fruit
juice
ham
While eating talk about the scriptures and the response to the initial breakfast of pulse/cracked wheat
Were we grateful or complaining (like the Israelites complained to Moses), or content with what was
provided? How do these scriptures help us with our food issues of today? How in the world were
Daniel and his buddies healthy with only pulse?
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
38
MORNINGSIDE
“OUR MOTHERS KNEW IT”/”THOU ART COME TO THE KINGDOM FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”
Alma 56:39-56
Esther 2-8, also Bible Dictionary “Esther”
Song: We’ll Bring the World His Truth – chorus says “we are as the armies of Helaman”
Object of this experience is for the Holy Ghost to bear witness of truth and to give the youth and
opportunity to verbally express their knowledge of gospel truth and belief. Hopefully
some of which they will have obtained at this Youth Conference.
1. Prayerfully choose a mature son to speak about the relationship between the scripture and his
mother. Then have the mother speak about the scripture in relation to her son. Repeat with another
pair. Sons share how they obtained their testimony or a portion of it as part of talk. After all it was the
sons who told Helaman “our mothers knew it,” not the mothers.
Significant note: Young women need to see/feel/experience faith in young men of their own day and of
their own peer group.
2. Prayerfully choose a mature daughter to speak about the relationship between the scripture and her
father. Then have the father speak about the relationship between the scripture and his daughter.
Mordecai adopted Esther to be his own daughter. He taught and directed her. She was
courageous and righteous. Mordecai was also. He taught her (Esther 4:14) Who knoweth
whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Even after her marriage, Esther
listened to her father. They remained close and kept contact. We often refer to Mordecai as the
uncle but he took her as his own, adopted. This has significance in our day. Our young ladies
have come to the kingdom for just such a time as this, 2011.
Turn this into a testimony meeting which is NOT called a “testimony meeting.” Just don’t ever
call it a “testimony meeting.” Call it what it is, a Morningside. Ask the right questions to help
youth figure out truth they know (their testimony). Lord set this pattern for us with Job when
he asked him questions over and over to teach him. See Job 37:14 through chapter 39. Then in
Job 42:1, Job bears testimony, “I know….”
Possible questions: What has your mother/father taught you that you believe or know are true? What
do you know for sure without doubt? What do you believe with all your heart that you wish to know?
Who do you have faith in? Do you have faith in Jesus Christ? How does one go about exercising faith in
Christ? How do you exercise that faith? How are you like the sons of Helaman or the Mothers? How
are our decisions the same as those the Stripling Soldiers faced? What is the significance of your
testimony in your daily life? In what specific way has your knowledge of scripture helped you in your
life? Do you consider any of the answers you gave verbally or silently to be your testimony? Why?
Why not? What experience did you have during this Youth Conference in which the Holy Ghost took
part?
Ask questions directly related to the Stripling Soldiers story or a specific verse that you’re inspired to
bring up in the discussion.
These topics could even be assigned ahead of time in private then shared at this meeting if it fits your
ward.
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
39
Resource: 101 of the best Corporate Team-Building Activities by Simon Priest & Karl Rohnke
D&C 87:8 Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come.
Mosiah 18:9 “… stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be
in, even until death… that ye may have eternal life—“
Action: Groups get in lines according to degrees of frequency, agreement, opinion or value
Task: To get in a line/distribution from lowest to highest, from shortest to longest, from closest to
farthest, from least to most, from true to false, from never to always, from agree to disagree, or from
important to unimportant. Note: Whether the group makes a line or clumps it is fine. The point is to
get them to think where they should stand. Once the youth are comfortable with the process, have
them do a distribution on more controversial topics. Don’t worry about the absence of a line to stand
on, since the group will create one. Invite leaders to participate.
The way we will run this activity at YC: This game was made to do nonverbally. For our purposes we will
do it verbally. This will help for time (we want this to be a short activity.) Two questions will be asked
and the youth will line themselves up according to their answers. The third question will be given to get
youth to think of their answer. We will then sing True to the Faith, verses 3 and 4, Hymn #254. Sing it
with gusto, like you mean it! (Last word is “stand.”) When singing is finished stake leaders pass out a
card and the evaluation to each youth. Person facilitating the activity will explain the cards as they are
being passed out and ask youth to fill out the evaluation at the end of their solo experience.
Questions
1. How tall are you in relation to your peers? (where stand regarding others)
Shortest → tallest
2. Would you like to live in the day of when your favorite scripture? (where stand according to
own opinion)
Like to → not like to
3. Rhetorical question: Knowing all you know about the gospel and truth where do you stand?
(based on where stand with God)
Live the gospel → not live the gospel
Cards are for youth to place a sticker on the continuum where they are and where they’d like to be
regarding the questions which are written on the card.
Do I stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Weak -----------------------------------------------Firm
Do I stand for truth and for righteousness?
Never-----------------------------------------------Always
At baptism I took upon me Jesus Christ’s name.
How well do I represent him?
Not at all-------------------------------------------Very well
Set up
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
40
Prepare cards to be handed out
Stickers to be put on the continuum on each card
Prepare evaluation to be handed out
SOLO EXPERIENCE
Booklet with scriptures, suggestions, & questions to take on solo
Moroni 1:3 Moroni wanders & writes (a strange ending for a book and a strange ending for a Youth
Conference)
2 Nephi 25:26 Talk of Christ, preach of Christ, so children know who to look to
1 Nephi 1:3 I know what I write is true
1 Nephi 3:19-20 get record to preserve language and words of prophets from being of world
1 Nephi 5:21 record of great worth, preserve the commandments unto our children
Enos 1-8 Enos goes alone to hunt and prays, receives remission of sins
Matthew 4:1 & Luke 4:1 & Mark 1:12 After his baptism, Jesus in wilderness to be with God (JST)
1 Nephi 6: 4-6 write to persuade men to come to God, write what’s pleasing to God, don’t waste space
on things of no worth
3 Nephi 9-13 Nephi to write specifically about Samuel the Lamanite. What are YOU to write?
Set up:
Youth bring their scriptures, journal, and a writing utensil.
*Evaluation to be filled out. Deposit it in a basket on their way to vehicles.
We invite you to write your own scripture for posterity and for yourself.
What would you write that is of the utmost importance to those you love most?
What will you share with your family about Youth Conference when you get home?
Some day you will be fertilizing daffodils but the written word lives on, like the scriptures do. Write!
PUNCTUATE THE END OF YOUTH CONFERENCE
As youth go home stop the vehicle at a turn a ways down the road. Give each youth a bag with
a roll in it and a scripture, Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Have a couple of stake leaders hand them out.
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
Before Youth Conference:
CAN BE SHARED
CAN NOT BE SHARED
Thursday outside games at stake center
Duct Tape game
Challenges for Running Proverb Letters
Whole process of Running Proverb Letters
Building a tower for King Benjamin
Chainmail making
Scripture foods tasting table
Friday initiative games
Fireside & Morningside
Saturday-Where Do You Stand?
Service project
Saturday breakfast
Minerva Tiechert painting
Saturday solo experience
All scriptures/stories we’re using
Debriefing info
Scripture study workshop
Comprehensive Youth Conference plan
Sardines in the night
Details of Sardines
Capture the Flag
Details of Capture the Flag
Chainmail making
Plan for grouping youth
Storytelling
Blind Scavenger Hunt
41
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
42
SCRIPTURE LIST FOR YOUTH CONFERENCE
1 Nephi 19:23 Likening Scriptures to us/now
Colosians 3:23 Whatever you do do it heartily, as to the Lord not unto man. Ye shall receive the
reward…for ye serve God
Mosiah 4:19 All beggars, depend on God for all food & raiment
Moses 6:63 All things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and
things which are spiritual
Alma 30:44 All things denote there is a God
Job 37:14 O Job, stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God
Matt. 14:15-22 Five loaves & two fishes
Mark 6:34-44 Feed 5000
John 6:5-11 (verse 11—Christ gives thanks) Feeds 5000
John 6:35 Christ bread of life, come to me never hunger & never thirst
3 Nephi 18:6-7 bread to always remember Jesus
Nehemiah 7:67 Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem walls despite opposition and among his people were 245
“singing men and singing women.”
Ezra 3:11 The people “sang together…in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord…because the
foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.”
D&C 136:28 Praise the Lord with singing
2 Nephi 17:22 Abundance of milk & honey shall everyone eat
Mosiah 9:9 Seeds of corn, wheat, barley, fruits, olives, herbs, oats, rye
Mosiah 4:15 Teach children to love one another, and to serve one another
Mosiah 4:26 Give substance to poor, temporally & spiritually, administer to wants
1 Nephi 2:8-10 Laman like a river, running into fountain of righteousness, Lemuel like a valley firm and
steadfast, parables, symbols, etc.
Numbers 10:2-3 Lord speaks to Moses, sound trumpets for alarm, to assemble, and to move camps.
Ephesians 6:11-18, D&C 27:15-18 Armor of God
D&C 89:11 herb & fruit in season, used with prudence and thanksgiving
D&C 59:18-20 all things made for benefit of man to gladden heart, for food & raiment, to strengthen
body & enliven soul, unto this end were they made to be used
Luke 22:32 When though art converted strengthen thy brethren
D&C 20:53-54 Teachers duty to be with and strengthen church
D&C 108:7 strengthen brethren in all your doings
1 Nephi 2:1-7 Lehi’s family departs into the wilderness, pitched his tent in a valley
1 Nephi 5:21 After obtaining plates from Laban, Nephi and Lehi found they were of great worth to
preserve commandments of Lord unto our children
1 Nephi 6 Nephi is not writing geneology, it’s on other plates. He writes things of God. Intent is to
persuade men to come unto God.
1 Kings 4:29-32 God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding. He was wiser than all men. He spake
3000 proverbs.
Mosiah 4:26-27 All things done in wisdom and order
Know the stories of:
Goliath 1 Samuel 17
10 Virgins Matthew 25
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
43
Lamoni’s sheep Alma 17
Samson Judges 13-16
Widow’s mites Mark 12 & Luke 21
Samuel the Lamanite Helaman 14-16
Abigail 1 Samuel 25-42
Tabitha Acts 9:36-42, also Bible Dictionary “Tabitha”
Blind man healed John 9:13-38
Esther Esther 2-8, also Bible Dictionary “Esther”
James 5:13 Let Him Sing Psalms!
Mark 1:6 John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat
locusts and wild honey.
Moses 1: 9-18 Moses knows who he is
D&C 18:10 worth of souls is great in sight of God
Psalms 8:5 man—a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory & honor
Jacob 2:13 some think they’re better than others due to costly apparel, all are alike
D&C 121:45 confidence in God’s presence—virtuous thoughts
Proverbs 3:26 Lord is confidence
Luke 15:3-7, 10 Leave the ninety and nine and after that which is lost, joy over one sinner, rejoicing
D&C 89 Principle with a promise/commandment with a blessing
Ecclesiastes 3:13 Every man should eat & drink, & enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God
Alma 46&47 Title of Liberty & Mount Antipas
D&C 9:7-9 Study in own mind, ask God if right, “feel that it is right”
Ether 4:11-12 Spirit persuades men to do good
Moroni 10:5 By power of Holy Ghost know truth of all things
3 Nephi 12:33-37 Christ teaches don’t swear
1 Corinthians 15:33 Evil communication corrupt good manners
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth
D&C 20:54 See there is no hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking
1 Timothy 4:12 Be an example of the believers in word, in conversation
Proverbs 15:1 Soft answer turneth away wrath; grievous words stir up anger
1 Corinthians 12:7-27 The body is not one member, but many; no schism in the body, members should
have the same care one for another; one suffers we all suffer; ye are the body of Christ and members in
particular
4 Nephi 1:17 Nor any manner of –ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ
D&C 38:24-28 Esteem his brother as himself, be one, if not one not mine, enemy seeks your lives
Psalms 133:1 How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity
3 Nephi 17:5-10 Jesus was about to leave but the people wanted him to tarry a little longer so he asked
them to bring infirm, i.e., lame, blind, halt, maimed, leprous, withered, deaf, afflicted in any manner,
faith is sufficient that I should heal you
1 Samuel 18 & 19 David & Jonathan
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times
Proverbs 18:24 Friend sticketh closer than a brother
Proverbs 27:9 Rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel
Proverbs 27:17 So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend
D&C 121:9 Lord comforts JS, thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm
hearts and friendly hands
Rexburg Stake Youth Conference 2011
44
D&C 134:11 We believe… in defending… friends
JS-H 1:28 Persecuted by those who ought to have been friends, fell into error, left to all kinds of
temptations, displayed weakness of youth, and foibles of human nature,(friends could
have helped but didn’t)
Genesis 39:12 He left his garment…and fled, and got him out
John 6:51 I am living bread, eat & live forever
1 Nephi 2:12-19 Laman & Lemuel murmur & don’t believe truth, Nephi prays for them
2 Nephi 5 Laman & Lemuel seek to kill Nephi so he and all who will follow leave into the
wilderness and call themselves the people of Nephi, erect a temple, work and prosper, and are
blessed
2 Nephi 5:5-7 Nephi, Laman, Sam, Jacob, Joseph, & sisters are now Nephites
John 6:51 Christ is living bread, eat and live forever
D&C 87:8 Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come.
Mosiah 18:9 “… stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye
may be in, even until death… that ye may have eternal life—“
Moroni 1:3 Moroni wanders & writes
1 Nephi 1:3 I know what I write is true
Matthew 4:1 & Luke 4:1 & Mark 1:12 After his baptism, Jesus in wilderness to be with God (JST)
Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth
of God.”