Youth Conference

A while ago Josh and I got called to be Tribal Leaders at our Stake's Youth Conference. Normally the stakes do a Trek, but this year they decided to do a Book of Mormon YC. I have to admit we were both extremely nervous, hesitant and as it grew closer stressed.(Remember our costumes that I made?)

We had 2 Youth Leaders (Jordyn Arndt and Mitchell Pace) from our ward, and 8 other kids from the stake that we didn't know and one leader from our ward assigned to our tribe. About 2 weeks before, we (and the YLs) came up with the name of our tribe, made a flag and designed a side of our shields. Our tribe name was Eklegomai, which means "chosen" in the early translation of the bible, in Greek.

As soon as the buses dropped us off we watched this HUGE lightning storm roll over us. Josh told all the kids and leaders to get down in a valley, crouch down and spread out. I think lots of the kids thought he was being paranoid, but we learned the next day that the camp over had 2 scouts get hit by lightning and one was killed.

We hiked up the mountain (about 4 miles) carrying a palanquin each tribe had built to carry some of our gear. Josh and I (not being very handy) built ours out of 2 plastic tubs the kind with snap of lids. Which turned out to be quite useful.

As we were hiking we had the most amazing rain storm hit us! I am not kidding I have never seen so much rain at one time! It was as if someone turned on the hose or dumped a bucket over us. It was incredible. But the kids were great! No one complained, we all just huddled under tarps and watched in amazement as the road started slipping away under our feet. And eventually started walking holding the tarp over us and those carrying the palanquin. When we got to the top we had about 5 lbs of mud on our shoes and were all soaking wet.(Jordyn and Brittany) Great attitudes no matter what!

(Sean and Caroline) Look at the freaking rain!

When we got to camp exhausted and wet, we thought we would have to set up our tents in the mud, but we no! One of our leaders had decided to set up our tents for us and with the help of some of our cooks were all set up before the rain hit. So when the rain hit he was able to see where the water flow was and dig us trenches. Other wards were not as lucky. They had to set theirs up in the mud and struggled as they washed away in the mud. A few of their tents, gear and all, got soaked.

As we sat around the camp trying to dry out from our hike, another storm hit! I was laughing so hard because it was in sane! The quantity of water was amazing. Josh's tent literally had a river running under it!(Colten) trying to stay dry, we were laughing so hard!(I wish it wasn't so dark and sideways, I couldn't figure out how to flip it)

By the next morning it was sunny and beautiful, as if it never rained.

The stake had made amazing props, costumes, scenery and reenacted stories from the Book of Mormon. I must say, I was scared it was going to be cheesy. It wasn't! It was so well done. The hours they spent getting it all put together is unbelievable! Each of the 5 wards in the stake also did a reenactment. And every one of them were so well done!Traer and Ashley(the other tribe from our ward)
each ward had two tribes. Burning their palanquin.

Brother Bateman! We were laughing so hard we were crying!!

Bishop Long (King)
Hanging out with the ward

We had great food! The food crew were amazing! (I've never eaten so well camping before in my life)

We had lots of wars. The wars were related to the some of the wars in the Book of Mormon. They had most of them like flag football, if you lost your flag you were dead. There was also a tug-o-war and water balloon war.(This was our shield that the YLs came up with

Omega = the end. When it was on this side we were Lamenites, the other side was done by the stake. And when it was facing this side we were Nephites.)

tug-o-war

One of my favorite reenactments was Lehi's Dream of the Tree of Life. They had a rope leading all around the stake property with tempters all along the way, trying to get the kids to let go of the "iron rod" They had built a large and spacious building where people were laughing and dancing and trying to temp them. (all in pitch blackness) Josh and I were also tempters. We stood near the end and tried to confuse the kids as they got close to the end. Some of the kids when they let go and then realized they had been tricked said "oh I can't believe I fell for it" or "I left for that?" The kids that were alone were easier to lead astray than the kids that were helping each other, there were bishops along the way to give them encouraging words and if they let go of the rope they were to go back to one of the bishops, repent and then help get them back on track. Anyway, so many great lessons could be taught by this activity alone!

We all worry about the troubling times ahead, but as I saw these 150+ kids at this YC, whether they wanted to be there, or whether their parents dragged them or bribed them, their testimonies, their attitudes and spirits were all their own! I do not fear for our future, I have new found faith in our youth. We have strong amazing kids that have such incredible testimonies. Each one of them has something different to offer. I think I learned more from them than anything!

In the end there had been many small miracles, testimonies strengthened and friendships built. I am hoping that they will do this again in 4 years so Ethan and Emery can have this experience!