Children and Youth Program
[[Image:Children_Youth.jpg|300px|thumb|right]
The Children and Youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints program, sometimes simply called Children and Youth, is an initiative to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and help them and their families progress along the covenant path as they meet life’s challenges. It helps each child and youth follow the example of the Savior and grow in a balanced way spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually (see Luke 2:52). This effort replaces all existing activity and achievement programs, such as Scouting, Duty to God, Personal Progress, and Faith in God.
The program includes all children and youth ages 8 to 18. The effort includes three areas of focus:
- Gospel learning
- Service and activities
- Personal development
Two types of emblems are included in this effort: emblems of belonging, which every child and youth will receive the year he or she turns 8, 12, and 18; and emblems of achievement, which youth receive by striving to follow the Savior through meeting certain basic expectations.
This effort is centered in the home and supported at church. Families determine how best to apply these areas of focus at home.[1]
Both children and youth have available to them either the Children’s Guidebook[2] or Youth Guidebook[3] that will assist them discover, plan, act, and reflect on their plans. Parents have an Introductory Parents’ Guide.[4]
Youth can also participate in FSY, youth conference or trek, Young Women camp or Aaronic Priesthood quorum camps. FSY is part of the new Children and Youth program. “In addition to camps, treks and youth conferences, all our young men and all our young women will now enjoy multi-day For the Strength of Youth, also called FSY, conferences,” Elder Gong said at the November 2019 Face to Face event.
“In addition to camps, treks and youth conferences, all our young men and all our young women will now enjoy multi-day For the Strength of Youth, also called FSY, conferences,” Elder Gong said at the event.
“A five-day FSY conference brings you together in larger groups for classes, devotionals and gospel study, and for dances, variety shows and many other fun activities. You’ll love gathering, meeting other faithful youth and friends, including from beyond your ward and stake.”
