A twenty-stake youth conference was held for youth of the LDS church ages 14-18 on the campus of BYU-Idaho this weekend. Much planning and preparation went into the event. I helped with the registration of the youth from the Iona Stake. We had almost 200 youth and leaders attend.
The conference began on Friday night with a message from Sister Elaine Dalton, General YW President. She is so and has a love of youth. Her message to the youth has been for a “Return to Virtue”. This time was no different as she encouraged them to not follow the crowd. Following Sister Dalton’s address, a box lunch dinner was enjoyed and then there was a dance. There was a wonderful group of youth who laughed and enjoyed the evening.
Saturday began with a fireside from Dale Murphy, former Atlanta Braves baseball great and missionary president. Of course most of the leaders remember who he is, but the youth were too young to know. He kept there interest however, and he spoke of the joy the Gospel brings.
Then we were treated to several mini sessions to choose to attend. From a impromptu choir to a 4 star general and theater. The ones that I attended were wonderful. Then everyone took a short trek to the Rexburg Temple on the hill. The youth surrounded the Temple and a helicopter flew overhead and took some pictures. (We used one of these pictures to give our youth with the 2013 Theme of “Stand Ye In Holy Places”)
Lunch was served and then the concluding fireside was with Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve. He did something different and had a question and answer session. As leaders we were uncertain how this would go, but amazingly the youth lined up at 4 different microphones to ask questions. For two hours he responded with scripture and challenges and stories. He has an incredible knowledge of the scriptures and the Gospel. The youth were still lined up to ask questions, but we had to conclude.
The conference was a huge success and a memory that these youth will not forget.
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