South Stake Rules!

On July 12-14th we headed to Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, for youth conference.  It was exhausting but such a blast.  We have such amazing righteous youth!!  They were such good sports and participated in all the events.  Besides all the crazy fun, we actually had a real purpose to youth conference.  Our theme was Arise and Shine Forth and since we were at a college, what else but have a school theme?  We renamed the college "A & S University" and the first morning we kicked off with a welcome letter to the youth:

 Dear Freshmen:

We want to extend a warm welcome to all our new students!  We hope you will have a rewarding and successful academic experience.  As professors and staff in your academic program, we are here to support your success as students of A & S University.  As you know, A & S stands for Arise & Shine.  Our University standards are high and our entrance requirements are very selective.  You have been chosen for your exceptional G.P.A. (Godly Potential and Attributes) and A.C.T. (Actions Centered on Temple Worthiness).  We congratulate you for the good choices that have brought you here.

We thank you for your interest in A & S University and trust that you will find the eternal truths that you seek, whether you are a student, faculty, staff, parent or friend. 

A & S University’s mission is to be “a student-centered university which focuses on teaching those standards which will lead you to the Lord’s temple, where you will make and keep sacred covenants.”  We do this through a world-class undergraduate and graduate education program, scriptural research and compassionate service.  A & S will produce graduates who are equipped with knowledge, attributes and spiritual skills for this important time on earth.

This semester you will have two required texts to study from: (1) the Holy Scriptures and (2) A&S University’s Course Catalog.  Also, to truly be successful, it is critical that you stay in contact with your Academic Advisor.  You know Him better as your loving Heavenly Father.  He will not only assist you this semester but guide you throughout your life.  He will help you chart your path and will also answer your questions and concerns.

Once again, we welcome you to A & S and look forward to learning and growing together!
Sincerely,
Professors and Staff


We then headed off to Ephraim in school buses and let the good times roll.  Our first day we had water games and the leaders got thoroughly soaked.  I'm getting so old, I swear I pulled a muscle (or two) trying to run away.

There were field games the next day, which got rained out and became gym games.  As you can see, the leaders still have some growing up to do.

We had a computer lab open for the youth to participate in family history/indexing.  Our goal was to get each youth there at least once and when they participated, we had them sign a banner for President Lefler that we presented at the end of the conference.  The youth were incredible and somehow indexed over 50,000 names during the conference.  Didn't I say they were amazing?!?

We had classes/workshops that were all based on the For Strength of Youth pamphlet.  We used each topic as a university course and gave it a unique name.  Our professors were our own highly talented stake leaders and they brought in the spirit in such a unique and entertaining way.  Everyone was engaged in what was going on and participated.  It was truly a sight to see.

Finally,  we can't forget one of our favorite events.  Heather Haynie, from the Stake YW Presidency, taught the youth and leaders a dance, which we then presented in "Flash Mob" style at the multi-stake dance.  It was so amusing and surprisingly uniting!  The youth were so excited to perform.

 We ended with an amazing 2 hour testimony meeting.  There was not a moment of silence, as the youth bore testimony one after another.  My testimony was strengthened in leaps and bounds.  These  youth give me such happiness and hope for our future.

Last but not least, these amazing women (and the YM's Presidency) deserve so much credit.  We spent some long hours preparing this event and their talent showed through and through!  I am humbled and blessed to work with them and they have become my dear friends.  Love you Ladies!

We had a fireside on August 12th to kick-off the new school year and review what we had learned at youth conference.  Bro. Doug Webb did a most excellent job of putting together a slide show/video of the fun we had.  Enjoy!