Sunday, September 7, 2008
Input Needed
On September 21, I am in charge of a fireside for the parents of the Young Men and Young Women at church. We are trying to do a few things with this fireside: (1) explain what is involved in the programs, (2) help the parents see the value in the programs, and, (3) get parent participation in the programs. So, I'm looking for input from those of you have have been in the Young Men's and Young Women's programs and/or have supported your children in those programs. What were your hopes and dreams when you were a teenager/for your teenage children? How, if at all, did the Young Men's/Young Women's program help with the realization of those dreams? What were the best parts of the Young Men's/Young Women's programs? Memories? Relationships with Leaders? Etc.? Tell me about the positive and influencial parts of these programs in your life...
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3 comments:
the best part was finally being able to relate to someone in young women's i.e. you! you were a young, succesful woman that got an amazing education and was/is helping others with it. You also didn't get married at 18 (even though it is something that is important and you definitely want it now). Basically you were more than a teacher; you were a friend that understood me for the first time. Good luck with your efforts. Overall having a good time at mutual was what I looked forward to most as far as activities goes (=
I am not usre how big a help my answer will be in preparing a fireside, but here goes...1)Boys and Girls need to learn the same basic things from the program, but the methods used need to be totally different. (I know this may be obvious to you, but isn't to all parents/leader). When I was first in the program I loved the structure. The weekly activities, campouts on the weekend, always something to stay busy (and out of trouble). However, as I got older I had way too many things to do and way too many leaders who failed to realize that. Most of my leaders made me feel bad because I was playing sports, invlolved in speech, and had homework that didn't always allow me to get to every activity. Until finally, they called a leader (Bro. Croft) who wanted to be our friend more than someone who told us what to do with our lives. He was willing to have activities when we had time, took countless Saturday's top go boating with us and taught us that Church could be fun again. Because of that we gained great respect for him and I actually listened more to the advice he gave especially on Sundays. To this day I still have fond memories of those times and still love to attend his Sunday school class whenever I am in town. In a nutshell, I think leaders and parents need to understand that everyones needs are different and they need to tailor their program to meet those needs. Does this take more time and energy? Yes. But, when you consider that what teens experience in the Church will largely shape their adult views and activity I guess you have to pay the price as a parent and leader. Anyway, that is my two cents....and then some. Good Luck....you'll do awesome!
I know I am way late for the meeting you were requesting input for a few weeks ago. Your meeting is past, but still, are some of my thoughts.
The purpose of YM and YW is to provide spiritual experiences for the youth. Provide and have them identify that they have felt the Spirit and/or hopefully learned something from the Spirit. That is the BIG picture.
For so many years, I got focused on the activity without really asking why we were there, except to provide social and lesson experiences.
The youth program is soooo much more than that.
We are assisting parents in their responsibility to provide spiritual experiences for their children and helping their children identify them as just that... Oh! I like that feeling... or I have an idea that I "thought' of.... hmmmm.. THE SPIRIT!
Sometimes parents already know how to do that, sometimes they don't. The Lord provides so many "programs" to fill in the gaps.
Just my best shiny two cents worth.
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