Life-Sized Game of Life - Complete Instructions

We played the Game of Life for our combined YM/YW activity last week.  It was a great success and the kids had a lot of fun.  It was, however, quite complicated to put together.  After viewing different versions on line, I put together our game and thought I would share with you how we did it.  We had a total of about 20 kids and needed all of our adult leaders to help keep track of the various aspects of Life. 

I had never played the Game of Life so I sat with my daughter one afternoon and played with her.  We then discussed how to simplify the game to make it conducive to playing on a large board in the cultural hall.  We eliminated some aspects of the game such as "Spin to Win" or divergent paths.  It took us about 40 minutes to play.  Here's how we did it:

Supplies-

1.  A game board made by 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of card stock.

2.  Dice - used in place of a spinner.  (I bought inflatable dice from Amazon.)

3.  A chalkboard to be the bank.

4.  A small tablet and pencil for each player or couple.

5.  An item to represent debt.  (I used red Mardi Gras bead necklaces.)

6.  An item to represent marriage.  (I used a flower lei.)

7.  An item to represent children.  (I used clothes pins.)

8.  Houses to buy printed on card stock.

9.  A clipboard with careers listed.

10.  A tablet for Life experiences.

11.  Badges identifying different leaders' positions in the game.  (I used sticky labels.)

12.  Ring Pops.

Leaders-

1.  Game supervisor (Me)

2.  Two Bankers

3.  Two people to roll the dice

4.  One person to give out houses - the Real Estate Agent

5.  One person to give out debt - the Loan Officer

6.  Two "Sealers" - one for children and one for marriages

7.  One person to give out jobs - the Career Counselor

8.  One person to tally Life points - the Life Counselor

The Rules-

1.  Enter at Mission

2.  On your turn, roll the dice and move the number of spaces indicated.

3.  If you land on an occupied space, go forward one space.

4.  Decide whether you want to start on CAREER or GO TO COLLEGE.

5.  If you decide on career, choose a career by selecting a number between 1 and 25.  The leader will give you your career choice and salary.  You may not choose a college career.

6.  If you choose college, borrow $100,000 from the bank for your tuition.

7.  Collect pay every time you pass a PAYDAY space.

8.  Spaces labeled LIFE are for community service, family activities, and good deeds.  A tally mark is given for each of these.

9.  Stop at all STOP signs regardless of the roll of the dice.

10.  If you land on a "Lose your job" space, choose another number between 1 and 25.  A leader will give you another career and salary. 

11.  As you move through the board, follow the directions.

12.  You will be given a spouse when you land on the "GET MARRIED" space.

13  Whenever you land on BABY or TWINS, you will be given a clothespin representing your "Family."

14.  Choose a starter home.  If you are short on cash, you must borrow from the bank.

15.  All loans to the bank must be paid back through the ATM.

16.  If you decide to buy a new house, sell your house back to the bank and buy a new one.  If you are short on cash, you must borrow from the bank.  You must sell the first house to buy a new one.

17.  When you reach RETIREMENT, you must STOP, even if you have moves left.   Pay off all loans.  Sell you house for the amount listed.  Collect $10,000 for each of your children as a retirement gift, and wait until all players have retired. 

18.  Add up all income and receive $10,000 for each LIFE experience.  The player with the most $ at the end of the game is the winner.  

The Game-

The "Board" papers were snaked across the cultural hall floor and taped down with painters' tape.  I paired up the youth into couples.  They were told they were "engaged" so each girl got a ring pop.  We had one or two that did not have a partner.  Each couple had a small tablet (purchased in a bulk package at a party store) that was their bank reconciliation sheet and a pencil.  Each pair started with $10,000 and one career was given per couple.  They kept track of all their paydays, raises, debits, and credits.  Two leaders kept track of their debt only and one of the pair had the job of "running to the bank" to pay off their debts.  When then went into debt, they were given red beads to wear and when the debt was paid, they returned them.  One leader kept track of their LIFE experiences on a tally sheet making a mark for each space they landed on.  One leader rolled the dice for the CAREER players and one leader rolled the dice for the COLLEGE players.  The Real Estate Agent kept track of the house cards and when a couple landed on "Buy a House," they picked one card from a stack of Starter Homes.  We made the Upgraded Homes and optional choice.  They had to STOP and pay tithing and STOP to be married at which time they were given the floral necklaces.  When the couple landed on "BABY" they were given a clothes pin to hang on their necklaces.  A "Sealer" gave the girls the flowers and the clothes pins. The winner received a small bag of candy coins a couple of Million Dollar candy bars I found at the Dollar Store. 

I went through the Game of Life game board and used most of the experiences such as babies, twins, buying homes, buying TVs, etc.  Because we played in a Church setting, in place of lawsuits and the like, I added LDS experiences such as "Called as Bishop or RS President" or "Missionary Reunion."  All the kids entered the game at the spot called MISSION as if they had just returned from their mission and all the kids got married in the Temple (hence the use of Sealers).  Extra careers and houses were added to accommodate the larger number of players. 

I had somehow assumed that we would play as we did the board game, one player taking turns at a time but I found out that in the beginning there was just a mass of kids lined up to play and it was just easier to keep going all at once.  The difficulty was making sure that each kid moved up.  They patiently awaited their turn at the dice and I had a couple of wonderful brethren who really stepped up and moved from place to place accommodating each couple.  They also had a great attitude and made it much more fun for the kids.  We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly the youth paid off their college and house debts. The girls told me they had "tons of fun" so I have saved all these items for another time in the future.  All-in-all, it was a success.  If you are planning on this type of an activity, I hope this will be of help to you and successful for you as well. 

Download the game board here.  

Game Night

One of our most successful activities was a game night.  This required quite a bit of advanced preparation but it was a huge success.  We played Jeopardy, Win, Lose, or Draw, and Family Feud.  This is a great way to spend an evening with the youth in lieu of a dance or other activity as well as for a combined YM/YW night. 

The cultural hall was divided into three sections.  Each youth was given a number of a team, two teams per game.  This number was drawn on their hand with a washable marker as they entered the cultural hall to avoid any changing, switching, or "forgetting."  The games were played round robin with rotation every 15 min.

Jeopardy:  The Jeopardy board was placed on both sides of a chalkboard with 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper containing the Jeopardy "answer" for both Jeopardy, Double Jeopardy, and Final Jeopardy.   A Jeopardy grid was set up including the headings for the topics containing general history, math, Church history, movie trivia, books, etc. and geared to their age level (Twilight and Harry Potter trivia for example).  Tape was used to attach the papers to the board that had been previously covered with butcher paper to prevent damage.  Another sheet of paper was placed over this, attached with Velcro, that represented value of the question.  Two leaders supervised this game.  The one that played the "MC" was familiar enough with the Jeopardy game to supervise and preside over the game.  Another leader acted as a time/score keeper.  Each team was given a set amount of time to answer the question and the team had to agree.  (They were allowed to confer on an answer.)  The team with the most "money" was the winner.  

Win, Lose or Draw:  A large news print tablet was placed on a easel and markers were used.  This allowed for quick elimination of one page of drawings without erasure.  Two leaders supervised the game.  One was the "MC" and the other a timekeeper.  The youth was given a category stack of papers such as "Things of Halloween" including candy, ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, etc.  Letters and numbers could not be used.  A youth was chosen by his team to draw and could rotate or not, depending on how they wanted to proceed.  The artist then began drawing the pictures as fast as he/she could with the teammates making the effort to guess was depicted.  A time limit was set.  As each picture was drawn and guessed, that piece of paper was cast quickly off to the floor.  Ones that were not guessed, remained in his/her hand.  The leader counted the papers left in the hand to determine the score (Ex. 2 out of 10).  The next team then proceeded with a new set of papers and a new topic.  The ones with the most answers was the winner.  In determining a overall winner in this game for the night, a running tally was kept.  With the discovery of a tie, a run off game was played to determine the Win, Lose or Draw champions of the evening.  

Family Feud:  Family Feud games were played on line previously to obtain "Survey" questions.  Chairs for each team were placed according to game designs.  Two leaders supervised this game, one to be the "MC" and one as time/scorekeeper.  A small table was placed between the teams, in front of the game board for the face off.  In this case, whoever slapped the table first, got to answer first.  The youth representing his/her team with the correct answer began.  Each team was asked their answers to survey questions, amassing points.  If they were stumped, the other team had the opportunity to try to answer the questions and steal the points.  The team with the most points at the end was the winner.

After all teams had a chance to play each game, winners were announced and rainbow sherbet floats were served.  This evening was such a large success because of the effort  put in by the leaders.  Also, each game required the help of almost all the adult leaders.  It was a large production.  The games needed to be fast and the questions interesting to hold their attention.  We all had a great time!

Cultural Hall Battleship

Cultural Hall Battleship is a fun YM/YW combined activity.  This is a great way to use scripture mastery, lesson reviews, or just fun Jeopardy-type questions. 

How to play:

   Set up a divider in the room by using rolling chalkboards or volleyball nets draped with sheets.  These need to be high enough that the youth cannot see over or under.  Divide into 2 teams.  Each team takes a side.  Have your questions/scriptures ready and explain the rules.

 Rules:

  1.  Each member of the team must pick a spot in their designated area.  Once the game starts there is no moving.  If a player moves, it is considered a "hit" and the player is out.

  2.  A team is asked a question.  The first team to answer the question correctly is handed a "bomb" (Nerf ball, volleyball, Wiffle ball, etc.) to throw over the  net/divider. 

  3.  Any player hit with the "bomb" is considered out and must leave the game.  Continue until only one player remains and that team wins.  If there is a large group, the first one with five players out loses.  

Last Minute Gifts

Christmas is coming fast.  If you are like me, there is always something to do or a gift to make up until the very last second!   I thought I'd share a couple of quick and easy homemade gifts. 

I just finished making a Lavender Sugar Scrub for my YW.  It was very quick and easy.  I got the ingredients and directions from Centsationalgirl  and it worked out just beautifully.  I had the lavender oil already and made the sugar scrub with the lavender flowers.  It smells heavenly!   Buy a pretty container, add a ribbon and a label.  There are some very pretty printable labels on line from Martha Stewart and others. (I will include a couple at the end of this post.)  My colour printer has gone the way of all the earth so I Modge-Podged my labels.  Adding the Modge Podge also makes it somewhat water-proof.  

 

 

Fill a glassine bag or tin with some pretty sugared nuts for a quick gift.  I have the best and easiest recipe I have ever found and these make up in about 15 min.: 

    4 C pecans or walnut halves (about 1 lb.)

    1 1/2 C sugar

    1/2 C water

    1 tsp cinnamon

In heavy 2 quart saucepan, bring to boil sugar and water.  Simmer uncovered to soft ball (240 deg).  Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon, then nuts to coat well.  Immediately turn onto wax paper, separate, and cool.

These work year round and make great birthday or Mother's day gifts.  They are not very involved so the YW can get together and complete these on a Mutual night.  I found my glassine bags at a party store in the wedding section.  (These are actually left over from my daughter's wedding.)  They can be decorated with scrap booking materials or stickers.  Because they decorate so beautifully, they can be filled with candy Kisses or M&Ms, truffles, cookies, etc.  

Wishing you a Merry Christmas....and may "God bless us, every one!"

http://soitwasweekend.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/handmade-body-scrub-free-printable-labels/

http://www.findingpinsandneedles.com/2012/05/body-scrub-wash-printable-labels.html

Archery

This mid week's activity was archery.  The girls really enjoyed themselves and shot until the light was gone.  We met earlier than usual in order to take advantage of the daylight.  The leaders, of course, all got a chance as well.  Our instructor had taught Boy Scouts in the past and had multiple bows which allowed for group participation so we did not have girls waiting for their turn.  Once they learned the safety rules and were outfitted with protective padding on their arms and for their hands, they were ready to go!  It was so much fun!  This would also make a great camp activity also!  If this is something you are interested in and do not know anyone whose hobby is archery, BSA has a list of Merit Badge Counselors for your area and you can find an instructor there. 

Easy Grad Gift

As a mom of three, I carried a diaper bag for many years with all the things my kids needed.  As they got older, the bag evolved and got smaller and I was able to carry it in my handbag...when I finally got to carry a handbag.  My grown kids still call it my diaper bag even though it is small and I am generally the only one who uses it now.  In it I carry a nail file, nail clippers, hand sanitizer, Band-aids, Advil, lotion, hair ties, personal items, etc. - you get the idea.  I decided to make one of these for each of my graduating Laurels.  Many of the items included were in the sample sections of local stores.  I was excited to find that Walgreens has the nail files and clippers in their bargain bins  

I bought an inexpensive bag and loaded it with these small items, added a few color coordinated beads and a blank with their initials on it.  The final touch was a ribbon and a list of what was in their bag. 

This would also make a great activity.  The girls can sew their own individual bags and then load them with things they might need.  They're small enough for their handbags, backpacks, or lockers.  I hope they'll find them as useful as I have.

You can find other variations on this theme: http://tidymom.net/2011/survival-kit/or http://inapikle.com.

Jewelry Hanger

My MIA Maids made this jewelry hanger on a class activity night.  There are tons of different takes on this idea on Pinterest.  The girls loved them and had a good time making them.  I had several old frames and got a couple more at the thrift store.  You can always have the girls bring one from home.  I purchased the screen door mesh and the cup hooks at the hardware store.  I was excited to find the mesh at about $5 for a small roll.  We got right to work painting the frames.  My YW are of the opinion that if a little paint is good, lots of paint must be better so we had to have time for them to dry before we could place the screening and embellishments.  I had the craft paint and the flowers at home.  The mesh is attached to the back with staples and we added some wire for hanging.  It was about a 1 1/2 - 2 hr project (counting drying time).  If I had been wise, I would have spray painted the frames prior to their painting their individual designs because some of the paint on my "demo" peeled off.  Next time.  It was a kick to see their personalities come out in their designs and choice of colors.  We talked and had cookies.  It was a fun night.

Plain and Simple

I am a convert to the Church and I love the Gospel.  It has always amazed me how a testimony or song can speak right to your soul and testify of the Divinity of God, of his Son, Jesus Christ, and the truthfulness of the doctrine.  I remember, as a young adult, the first time I heard "The Spirit of God."  I walked into a room filled with other young adults who were in the midst of singing just prior to a fireside.  I cannot describe the overwhelming feeling of the Spirit that I felt and now, many years later, I still remember that evening. 

Nephi stated "For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men.  For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding." (3 Ne 31:3)  

Sometimes I think, as leaders, we want so much for our YW to "get it" that we can go a little overboard.  It's not hard to do.  We want them to feel the Spirit, to be touched, to leave us with a testimony that will take them to the Temple and throughout their lives.  However, I am of the belief that simplicity is elegance.  Although I like to have an attention-getting idea, handout or object lesson, I do not believe in doing too much.  Sometimes, in our zeal to have a super activity or lesson, we can lose site of the principle we teach.  We want to magnify our calling, to go the extra mile but we should ask ourselves:  Can our youth hear the Still Small Voice or is it lost in the cacophony of extras?  Helaman stated:   "It was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper.” (Helaman 5:30)

I enjoyed Elder Uchtdorf's counsel in General Conference when he stated,  "Dedicating some of our time...preparing to teach a lesson is a good sacrifice.  Spending many hours stitching the title of the lesson into homemade potholders for each member of your class may not be."  (Don't you love how the Brethren are so in tune?)

Whereas, I believe it is appropriate to have a few special activities, we are called to invite the girls to come unto Christ, to help them find their way to the Temple, and to give them a safe place to be with friends.  We are not there to entertain them or spoil them.  We are there to love them.  We are there to bear witness of Jesus Christ.  That is often all we need to do.

YW and Safety

Once every couple of years, I  like to invite a local police office, a woman if possible, to come and talk to the girls.  So many are naive about the dangers in the world and need to know how to be aware of their surroundings and not take unnecessary risks.  Often, YW think that because they live in a gated community, a small town, or on a BYU campus, they are protected from danger.  I do not believe that a Mutual night is the place for a self-defense class but I think it is a good idea to warn them about jogging alone, keeping their car doors locked, not helping strangers in secluded places, etc.  We have, at times, had police officers in our ward that we have invited.  I ask them to come in full uniform and sometimes invite the YW from other local wards to join us.  While they are exposed to much, often young people feel they are invincible.  Texting, talking on the cell phone, and listening to iPods can put them at particular risk because their attention is focused elsewhere.  It is important for them to know that there is a safe time and a safe place to do these things. 

Sun Catcher Craft

This quick and easy sun catcher can be made on a Mutual night or as a camp craft.  They are fun to hang in the window or door and would be great hanging as a cluster from a tent or cabin.  

A list of supplies include mono-filament line (fishing line), mirror tiles, a key ring, some faceted beads, and a glue gun. 

Because this line is so hard to tie, I doubled the line and just wrapped everything through twice.  I topped off the ends with a dab of glue to keep the beads from moving.  They can be made with an alternation of beads or just all mirror tiles.  Combinations of beads and mirrors are endless and you can, of course, make them in the Value Colors.

I hung some on the back of one of my doors so you could get an idea of the finished product.  Not a great pallet for it and I am a horrible photographer but you can get a visualization. They're quite pretty in the sun and fun to do!

Denim Bracelets

For a combined YW activity night, we made these denim bracelets I found on Pinterest.  A couple of girls brought old jeans to cut up so we could use the seams. I brought tons of beads and some chain.  We needed thread for attaching chains and we used hooks and eyes for closures.  I even found some beads in the bargain bin at Michaels that said "Shine" and had a sun on the other side! We sat at a couple of long tables and just visited while we worked.  It was fun to have the social time and to see the different personalities come out in each bracelet.  I even saw a YW wear one as an anklet on Sunday.  It was a fun night!

Conference Sleepover

We are having a slumber party on Friday night before General Conference and I am excited about it.  We're planning on an "Iron Chef" dinner, providing the YW with the ingredients to make dinner (Bravery!), an activity, and a movie night.  The girls will provide all the snacks they want to eat with enough to share. 

For our activity, we are making Conference Packets.  I got the General Conference packet from Sugardoodle and adapted it to fit our needs.  The girls will each get a file folder to make a lap book out of, folding it into thirds to make a back and two flap cover.  We covered the spine of the folder with card stock for added stability.  On the inside left of the cover, we placed their instructions:  What to do before, during, and after conference.  The right flap had a column to place scriptures they want to remember, announcements they want to note, and any questions that arise as they listen.  The center of the folder has full-sized sheets of paper with headings for the Speaker, One Word that Summarized the Talk, and Notes.  Behind that I placed a page for doodling, and lastly, I placed a page for their Conference Goals.  We will put these together that evening after dinner, collaging, decorating, and generally individualizing each packet.  Each girl also gets a pencil. 

After the movie and before it is too late (we want them bright-eyed), we will dismiss the girls for personal prayer and meditation time.  It is hoped that at this time, they can ponder what answers they seek from Conference and a write the goal they want to accomplish as a result of hearing the prophets speak. We will waken them early enough to eat, pray, and be ready to listen.  Before they go home, we will discuss what they  have written in their notes and how they felt about what they heard.

It is my testimony that we receive answers to prayers when we listen to Conference.  It is my hope that the YW in our ward will feel the Spirit, hear answers to their concerns and questions, strengthen their testimonies, and have a desire to "Shine!"

A Quote a Day for a Month

We had a fun, low key activity that allowed the girls to spend time talking to each other and to us.  We played music and had snacks with it.  Gather quotes from Famous Quote sites to cut and paste to your document.  I didn't spend long doing this and enjoyed the time reading them.  Have the other sisters in YW do the same to minimize the time spent if you like.  We printed them and took them to our activity night with colored index cards, glue sticks, stickers, and fun scissors.  They can spend the time choosing the quotes and pasting them onto the index cards.  We then bound them.  A ring can be used or you can give them an envelope or carrier.

Great Ideas

I found a couple of blog sites that have some terrific  ideas that are very adaptable to YW.  Check out these creative ladies:  Room Mom 101 and  My {Creative} Place . 

Happy Holy Days

Artist:  Simon Dewey

One of the most wonderful things about the Holiday Season is that our thoughts tend to turn outward.  We begin to look for ways to do for others by giving gifts both tangible and those not so tangible.  Most of our gift giving comes from the heart in one way or another, our desire to make another happy and know of the love we have for them.  In YW, we begin to think of Service Projects to help our girls understand the blessings they enjoy and the blessing of giving of self.

1.  Check with the local homeless shelter.  Many serve Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners and often more than one.  Often, a youth can serve dinner and not miss their own family tradition.  Many of my YW who have participated in this over the years, found it very rewarding.

2.  The Salvation Army often has holiday dinners and needs volunteers for serving and decorating.

3.  The United Way and local food banks ALWAYS needs their stocks replenished and never more than at the holidays.

4.  Invite a couple of military men, far from home, to your home.   Check with the Armed Services YMCA to have a sailor, Marine, or soldier with you for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.


5.  The local Parks and Recreation Department in your area may have some holiday crafting and get-togethers for children during the holidays and can use extra hands.

6.  Adopt-a-Family through your Ward or city Volunteer Agency.

7.  Help collect for the local Toy Drive.

8.  The local Ronald McDonald House will have something special for pediatric patients at Christmas and will need volunteers.

9.  The American Red Cross is gathering cards for their "Holiday Mail for Heroes" project to distribute cards to servicemen and veterans.  (Must be postmarked no later than Dec. 10.  Check out redcross.org for more info.

10.  There are many ways to volunteer during the holiday.  Your Bishop certainly knows of families in need at Christmas.  For community opportunities, just Google "volunteer opportunities" and the name of your city or larger local community.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."  Matt 25:40

So long, farewell...

When a season for serving in Young Women's is over, it's a time of mixed feelings.  All those long months or years of worrying about the girls and attending ALL the meetings and activities come to a close.  It is always nice to have the girls give a little memento of thanks.  As our most recent Young Women's President moved on, I purchased a plain white bag from Jo Ann's but was unsure what to do with it.  I decided to trim it with three rows of ribbon across the top and across the handles and embellished it with a few buttons for a little extra touch.  Each girl was given a fabric marker to add a short message.  Each leader leaves her mark and she will be missed.  We hope our little gift helps her remember how she touched our lives.   

College Prep

BYU Bell Tower

Second year Laurels are looking forward to college.  A great class activity is a College Prep night.  We prepared a packet with several lists for survival away from home in an apartment or dorm:  What to have in your medicine chest, pantry, fridge, and cupboards.  Include a list of basic cleansers.  A page can be attached on "Doing Your Laundry," "How to Budget," "Quick and Easy Recipes."  I like to attach some basic safety rules like not admitting strangers, asking for ID, not leaving your house keys at an auto shop, always tell a friend where you will be, etc.  Another helpful item is what to do for sickness - what to take for cold, cough, upset stomach and a list of things you might like to have like a screwdriver, hammer, first aid kit, and flashlight.  There is a lot of room for discussion and fun story sharing.  We occasionally like to throw a "College Shower" for the graduating Laurels in our Young Women's group to help them acquire some of these things.  It can be an exciting and a little unnerving time for them.  It's great to help them become prepared to leave home.

deb

CALENDAR

Okay.  I admit it.  I am somewhat compulsive.  I got tired of always trying to figure out some activity to do next week.  After being in the program for a few years, I decided it was time to get my act together and calendar a years' worth of activities.  I takes a little doing but is such a relief in the long run.  Of course, with Young Women, it is highly flexible and nothing is set in stone.  Everything is subject to change. 

My first step is to get all the Young Women together for a brainstorming session.  We use old calendars, idea books, and previous activities as a guide.  It is just a relaxed evening usually held at my home.  Naturally, there is alway something to eat.  I tell the girls and the leaders to write down every activity they can think of that they liked or think they would like to try.   Ideas are put out and discussed and I try to gauge the enthusiasm level.  I collect all the lists and get ready to plan.

I like to do this in August or September when the school calendars come out here.  I had teenagers in the house and had to keep track of a lot of these activities already.  First, I pre-print a calendar with the dates that apply to Young Women activities and armed with those, my Stake Calendar, and a monthly calendar, I begin.  Some things are a given...Bishop's Fireside on the a preset Sunday, Dances, Conferences, Stake Activities, Temple trips, and Camp. Dates for New Beginnings and YW in Excellence are calendared. I add in all dates of finals, proms, school breaks, and holidays.  It is surprising how little there is really left to plan.  One week a month is left for class activities and one week is left for Young Men/Young Women activities.  Then I start plugging in activities from the list--one's wanted by all, one's wanted by a class, and one's we as leaders think are important . Voila!  A year calendar.  I keep a copy, give copies to my leaders, one to the Bishop, and one to the YM President. 

It takes me about an afternoon to do and saves me so much headache and last minute scrambling.  No more searching for something on Sunday to do on Tuesday.  Of course, life happens and things change.   At times a new Stake calendar can throw a wrench in the best laid plans.  Often all that needs to be done is to switch dates.  Like I said, maybe I'm a bit compulsive but this works well for me and is a relief to have it done, ready to go.

deb

Get to Know You Night

We had a lot of fun playing "Inside the YW Studio"(patterned after "Inside the Actors' Studio").  The panel was made up of all Young Women leaders.  Questions were placed on strips of paper in a basket to be drawn by each Young Women in turn.  Questions included such things as:  "Where did you and your husband go on your first date?", "Do you paint your toenails?", "What is your favorite word?", "If you were stranded on a deserted island, what two items would you want to have with you?", etc., and anything else we thought they might want to know about someone.  It was all in fun and one of the most successful activities we have ever had.  We allowed them to embellish some of the questions (What color toenail polish?) and we were as honest as possible.  It was fun to see the difference in personalities of the leaders, especially since there was a range in ages from 60 to 22, and get to know use.  We had great fun!

deb

Summer Time Fun

Now that the summer has arrived, the days are longer, fun always seems to be the order of the day for teenagers and adults.  BBQs come out and families head to the beach.  It's always fun to have a water game night for a Young Men/Young Women activity.  It is fun to have a night where the youth just enjoy themselves and learn how to interact in a safe place, with good games, and yummy treats.  Water relays are a great way to beat the heat and have a good time.  Challenge another ward's youth to a dodge ball tournament.  Find the ugliest thing you can to use as a booby prize to have the Bishop "display" in his office if his ward's youth loses!  Play Wiffle ball or have a scavenger hunt.  Have a swim party.  Top the night off with a Banana Split Rip.   Have the youth bring odd items to eat with.  Ever eat a banana split on a Frisbee with a toy shovel for a spoon?  I saw a group make one gigantic split on a big table without bowls just by putting the ingredients on some trash bags and letting the kids fix them the way they liked, all eating in one big area.  For a mixer, divide the group into pairs and have them fill out the following:

The Banana Split Exchange:
1. What is your favorite ice cream?
2. What is your favorite texture to eat?  Gooey.  Crunchy.  Soft/Fluffy.  Smooth.  Airy/Light. Other.
3. What is your favorite color to taste?  Pink. Brown.  White.  Green.  Other. 
4. Do you like your foods fancy or simple?  Fancy.  Simple.  Simply fancy.  Other.
5. Do you like nuts or cherries best?  Nuts.  Cherries.  Both.  None.
6. Do you like "splits" that taste all alike or each bite with a different taste?  Same.  Different.
7. What is your "pet peeve" about ice cream desserts?  Never enough.  Don't like certain flavors and which.  Don't like too much.  Other.

.......NOW - Make your friend his/her banana split!

Happy summer.

deb