Mighty! Sports Day

Years ago, when I was a young woman, my friends and I lived for church ball.  The competition in our stake was fierce! We came up with the shout out, "SYB!" which meant "sacrifice your bodies". We would do anything it took to get to the ball, even if it meant getting hurt. Silly girls. :)

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My best friend through all these wonderful years was Kathy Smart. She and I lived and breathed sports. We thought we were pretty good, but the school coaches never seemed to see our potential. ;)  We tried out for the school teams to no avail. That is why church ball was so wonderful, for us. Our YW coaches were amazing and were some of greatest cheerleaders during those years.
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I am smiling right now, even giggling a little, with all the fun memories... such good memories. All of them!
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VOLLEYBALL

We spent countless hours playing volleyball in the cultural hall, on grassy areas at near by junior high school, and in our own yards. One of our young women leaders lived near the church house and she had a key to the building. We knocked on her door many, many times asking for the key to the building. (Times are so different now.)

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The sounds... "Bump! Set! Spike!", "I got it!", "Call it!", "SYB!", "Rotate!", and that wonderful whistle being blown by one of our Specialists/Referees - usually Sister Llewellyn and Rob Sorenson.
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We even had a co-ed volleyball team. Some of the young men were ball hogs. They didn't think we could get the ball - this really ticked us off.  But, being able to play with and against some really cute boys made up for it. :)
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Here is the key chain each of us received after participating in the Regional Championship Games. It was a pretty big deal! :)

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BASKETBALL

Basketball was fierce! We had a rival ward within our stake, and when basketball season arrived it meant war. In a good, competitive kid of way. Sportsmanship was always key - sportsmanship reminders that is. ;)
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During our weekly YW basketball practices we would focus on dibbling (up and down the court, in and out of cones), passing (stand across from a partner and practice the bounce pass, chest pass, and over the head pass), and of course shooting the ball into the basket (lay-ups, free-throw, out side shots). :)
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To help us with our skills, we would challenge a certain group of boys to a game of basketball on the elementary school blacktop after school, often. We would play girls against boys, around the world, H.O.R.S.E, and speed (which was our favorite).
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SOFTBALL

I still have the softball bat, from my days as a young woman. I remember feeling so cool, bringing that bat to practice each week.
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I loved the feeling of throwing the ball back and forth. The power in the throw, the sound of it hitting the mitt. And the sound of the bat hitting the ball - knowing right away that it was going to be a good one. I still enjoy going to the batting cages with my daughters (though we don't go often enough).

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YW SPORTS DAY

I know that in areas where a couple of my sisters live, the YW sports programs are going strong. They are involved and love it! I am a little jealous.
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Our stake does not currently have a sports program for our young women, but we do hold a YW Sports Day each year. A day of fun, friends, and sweat!

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This year we centered the day around the word "Mighty!"
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SET-UP

Set-Up was easy. Volleyball net in the cultural hall. And 2 larger rooms cleared out for Kick Boxing and Zumba classes. Music was set-up for all rooms. And a table was set-up on the stage for snacks and handouts.

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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We invited adult leaders to help out with each rotation and paired them each with at least one of our Laurels (seniors in high school). It's all about shadow leadership! The idea was to have the seniors take the lead, with the adult leaders supporting them.

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ACTIVITIES

The young women were divided into three groups. Each group started with a different activity. This is what our schedule looked like this year:

• Zumba! (3 rotations)
• Kick Boxing (3 rotations)
• Volleyball (3 rotations)
• Snack Break
• Mini "Mighty!" Devotional - This was incredible! It was given by one of Laurels (a senior). I have asked her for a copy of her talk.
• Zumba! (all)
• Crossfire (all)
 
 

HANDOUT

Each of the young women were given an iron-on - which they could use on an item of clothing a pillowcase, a bag, ... it could be transferred to any porous surface - even wood if they wanted. The instructions were printed and pasted onto the back of the polka dot paper.
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It was also suggested that these could have been made in vinyl. Then the young women could have put them on their mirrors, car windows, closet doors, etc.

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

I would love to hear what the young women are doing in your wards and stakes, in the way of sports (health and fitness). Do tell! :)

Merrie Miss

How many of you are old enough to remember this? Another treasure I came across, while going through boxes... my Merrie Miss Banner.

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As you can see, I seem to be missing a few of the bronze stickers. I will have to keep searching through boxes. I am positive I had earned them all. :)

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We used yarn to hand stitch the phrase, "I will radiate the light of the gospel". I totally recall doing this! I love when my memory comes back to me. :) Didn't I do a fabulous job?

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We received one of these awesome sticker backed emblems (olden day version of bottle caps, don't you think?) for each Article of Faith memorized.

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I believe we were supposed to place our own photo here. I would have been 10-11 years old when I was working on this banner.

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I remember my teacher, Sister Collins. She was beautiful inside and out - I am sure she still is. :) She had a carved wooden jewlery box (as I recall) that she would bring to class each Sunday. It held a suprise for each of us in the class. I don't ever remember the box holding candy. It held hand lotions (sample size) and lip balms. It was the best thing ever! So girly and so grown up.

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I also remember a class over nighter we had at her house. I can picture all of us there in her home and remembering that it was so much fun!

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So many fun memories escaping the files tucked away in my mind.

Treasure found

Found this in a box, along with some other treasures from my youth. Does anyone remember what this is from?  :)

Pageant of Progress

This is for Julie, because I love you!  :)  Sorry I wasn't the one who posted the pageant themed activity.  I wish I was, it sounds like fun!
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By the way, is this what you were looking for:  New Beginnings: Young Women Values Pageant, skit found here.

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I decided to throw a few more ideas your way, with the Pageant Theme in mind.  Here are a few photos I dusted off for inspiration.  Julie, I would love a few from your pageant days!  :)

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{insert photos of 1990s Miss Orem Pageants here}  

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IDEA FLOW

I began by looking up the definition of  pag·eant/ˈpajənt/

• A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in costumes, or an outdoor performance of a historical scene.
• A beauty contest.

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My thoughts then turned to developing... "Pageant of Progress:  a celebration of the Young Women program".

• celebrate the history of the young women program
• present through a procession of costumes and historical tidbits
• celebrate individual beauty and accomplishments

I had to do a little research on the Young Women's program next.  This was pretty fun.  :)  I know I used more resources than listed below, sorry I didn't document very well.

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RESOURCES USED
History of Young Women Achievement Programs
Young Women - Then and Now,
A Century of Young Women
134 Years Young! New Era November 2003 (great photographs in article - here is the PDF)

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PURPOSE

Celebrate the history of the Young Women Program. Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill, and by displaying their creations.

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PROGRAM

I could see the night coming together in a number of ways.  I narrowed it down and chose to share this idea with you:

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Welcome:  ____________________

Opening Song:  "Carry On" (which was written as the anthem for LDS youth)

Opening Prayer:  ____________________

YW Theme:  ____________________
YW Historical Overview:

• A presentation put together by the young women.  Each of them given a specific era to cover.  Creating a timeline of the Young Women Organization.
• Or, this could be combined with a fashion show. (see idea below)  (I know a number of young women who would love to put outfits together for something like this.)

Musical Number:  ____________________
Fashion Show:  (if done separately)
Bishop's Remarks:  ____________________
Closing Prayer:  ____________________
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FASHION SHOW IDEA

Have the young women grouped into different time eras. Each young women dressed as a girl would from their assigned era.  I would let them do their own research (10 hour project?).  :)

The MC could describe what young women might have worn during that time and a "Did you know?" - tidbits about what the young women organization was like during that time.

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1869

Fashion:
pioneer dresses - you know the ones!  :)
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Did you know?

• In November of 1869, one father wanted to do something specific to help his girls. It so happened that this father was President Brigham Young. And the way he organized his own daughters soon spread throughout the Church. One evening he asked his older daughters to stay behind after family prayer. There were ten of them in their teens. He pointed out that other young ladies in the Church looked up to the Young girls as examples. He asked them if they would form the Retrenchment Organization. He asked them to meet together to study the gospel and to keep their clothing simple and attractive.

1900s

Fashion:
long skirts, large brimmed hats, buttoned gloves
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Did you know?

• In 1902 the first joint opening exercises were held for young men and young women.

1910s

Fashion: 

Long dresses, high collars, long sleeves.

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Did you know?

• In 1915, every female over 14 was a Beehive girl until she entered Relief Society. There were no Mia Maids, Gleaners, or Laurels.
• At this time, the Church established its first systematic awards program for girls.
• First summer camp for girls was held in 1912.  (100 years old this year girls!)

1920s

Fashion: 

The flapper look, a shapeless dress.  I love the hats!
Hair styles were typically short and sleek.
I loved the swim picture, that's the only reason it is there.  :)

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Did you know?

• In the 1920’s all young women who belonged to the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association were called Beehive girls, regardless of their age. They were arranged in groups called “swarms,” and their leaders were called Bee Keepers.  The Beehive program included three ranks:  Builders in the Hive, Gatherers of Honey, and Keepers of the Bees.
• In 1922 gold and green became the official colors of MIA and the first Gold and Green Ball was held.
• In 1929 they combined Young Woman's Journal and Improvement Era, to make one magazine for young men and young women.

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1930s

Fashion: 

well matched sweaters and skirts with blouse and jacket combinations

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Did you know?

• In 1930 the hymn "Carry On" was introduced as the anthem for LDS youth.
• Girls ages 12-13 did not become part of the MIA until 1934.
• In the 1930s, leaders gave new emphasis to music, dance, and the performing arts. They published a recreational song book, and sociable singing became popular. They sponsored ten-minute musical programs or "road shows" that were locally created and rehearsed and then presented in successive wards in each LDS stake.

1940s

Fashion: 

*Skirts and dresses were A-line in shape (not pencil tight) and dropped down to the low knee. 

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Did you know?

• Class symbols of the beehive, rose, and sheaf of wheat are introduced in 1943.
• In 1944 the Big Sister program was started for young women and mothers who needed to go to work during the war years.

1950s

Fashion:
Poodle skirts, cashmere sweaters, sandals or loafers.

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Did you know?

• In 1950 the Roses class was renamed Mia Maids.
• Also in 1950, the Beehive girls became the first two years of Young Women. The next age-group was called Mia Maids. At that time, the 16- to 18-year-olds were called Junior Gleaners. 
• You would mark your progress by attaching felt seals to your bright blue sash.
• In 1959, the Junior Gleaner name was changed to Laurels.
• It was an exciting time to be in Mutual, because every year you got to be in your ward's road show with the young men.  :)
• You would also probably love the Saturday night dances put on by wards and stakes. These dances were a fun opportunity to mingle with young men, enjoy good music, and taste good food.
• If you enjoyed playing basketball, you would have been excited about the girls' basketball teams—you could play as long as you had a female coach and followed girls' rules.



1960s

Fashion:
tailored suits and dresses
Our parents pictured above at a high school dance in 1964 or '65. 
Aren't they a good lookin' couple?

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Did you know?

• In the 1960’s, some of the requirements to earn emblems for the Beehive bandalo included:
• Strive to get your full nine hours beauty sleep each night this month. Make it a habit!
• Increase your self-confidence by acquiring a good posture (sitting, standing, and walking.)
• Politeness in all things is the mark of a lady. Practice at home being considerate and polite. Learn to accept directions graciously. Conscientiously try to improve.
• Make the dinner hour joyous by improving table manners of the entire family.
• Look for something beautiful every day for two months.
• The first For The Strength of Youth pamphlet was printed in 1965.

1970s

Fashion:

Bell bottom pants.  Platform shoes.  Polyester.

(and yes, I watched Charlie's Angels)  :)

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Did you know?

• Bandelos were discontinued in the early 1970s.
• In 1974 the name is changed to Young Women, and the New Era begins.

1980s

Fashion: 

Over sized shirts, leggings, bleached denim, shoulder pads, and accessories were big and gaudy.
(This is Kathy, a couple years ago, dressed up for a Vanilla Ice concert at UVSC)  :)

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Did you know?

• The Values program was started in 1985.
• In the first Church wide Young Women activity, (on October 11, 1986) an estimated 300,000 gathered at sites around the world to release helium-filled balloons containing personal messages from the young women.  I remember this!

1990s - 2000s

Fashion: 

baby doll dresses, blue jeans/navy blazer/classic white shirt
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Did you know?

• A new camp manual was introduced in 1993, focusing on service, spirituality, and the Young Women values.
• In 2002 the Young Women Personal Progress program was revised and new Young Womanhood Recognition Medallion introduced.
• The words "strengthen home and family" were also added to the Young Women theme in 2002.
• In 2008 the value Virtue was added to the Young Women Theme.

Today

Fashion:

End with a presentation of all the young women. Each with a sash representing one of the value colors.  My thought would be to let the girls dress in their own way.  Celebrating their own unique beauty.(photo is of my beautiful daughters) :)
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Did you know?

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Over the years, the classes, requirements, and awards have dramatically changed. But the goal of learning to make the world a better place through service and self-improvement has been the same throughout the history of Young Women.
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Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president , "If young women know of God's love for them, it will influence and shape all of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They will understand they have a mission to perform in this life. They will have confidence in their ability to make responsible, righteous decisions. They will be able to resist temptation, to flee from worldly things, to dress modestly as is becoming of a divine daughter of God."

Saturday, A Special Day

Do  you remember Saturday mornings when we were kids?  We didn't just clean. We "detailed". The smell of Pledge still makes me envision the 70's style coffee table - so many nooks and crannies to dust!  I still use newspaper and Windex to clean our windows (which really need to be cleaned right now!).  Using old toothbrushes to clean around the sink.  And vacuuming, how I loved making perfect lines in the carpet.  And how mad I would get when someone walked on it, messing it all up!  The memories.

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Growing up, the only exception to Saturday morning chores was Saturday morning volleyball or basketball games at the Stake Center. Which reminds me to make a shout out to Kim's Young Women: Congratulations on your winning season! Gook luck at Regionals!"
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This morning as the girls were "detailing" the banister and stair railing (they did such a good job!), the boys and I were pulling the cushions off the couch.  We discovered a couple toys and remains of countless bowls of dry cereal and crackers.  It made me a little sad.  Not because of the mess, but because the joy they were missing out on.  :)
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Let me explain my thoughts...  when we were young, do you remember fighting to be the one who cleaned out the couch cushions?  Why was it one of the coveted chores?  The rewards of course!  Back then pockets were usually filled with change - pennies, dimes, nickels and even an occasional quarter or two.  When someone would sit down on the couch, the coins would fall out of their pockets and into the cushions of the couch.  So, when it came time to clean beneath the cushions, there was always a treasure to be found = joy!  I just threw a few coins in the couch, along with a couple toys, for next week - so they can experience the joy of cleaning.  :)

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If I don't have music in the background already, it is hard to resist the urge to break out in song while doing chores!  "When We're Helping" is always the first song to escape my lips.  Many a dishes were washed by hand singing that song growing up.  And I should add... many bubbles flew!  :)  The Primary song, "Saturday" is always a favorite. Do they sing that in Primary anymore?
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I got thinking about Lisa, our cousin, today as chores were being done.  For those of you who don't know our cousin, she has a wonderful blog: Almost Famous.  She has some great thoughts on teaching kids how to clean, as well as ideas on how to make my cleaning experience more enjoyable.  :)  Just thought I'd share.  Here are a few links to her posts on cleaning:

• Teaching Kids to Clean: BY AGE
• How to Hate Cleaning LESS, Part I
• How to Hate Cleaning LESS, Part II
• Practical Ideas to Cleaning (Try 'em out!)

Banana Split Time!

You girls would be proud of your niece!  She sent me a text yesterday asking if she and a couple of her friends could go to Sonic after school, for a BANANA SPLIT. (and yes, she had it in all caps)

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Let me clarify, for the rest of you, what the significance of the banana split is...

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We have a unique tradition for the girls in our (extended) family.  I believe it all started with one of our aunts and her daughters.  Love them!  Whenever one of the girls "starts" (her period) for the first time we celebrate with a BANANA SPLIT!

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I remember making the phone calls (to aunts and cousins) stating it was "Banana Split Time!"... we met up at a local ice cream parlor, giggled together and enjoyed our sweet treats.  It sure did make a not so fun experience - fun!

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Getting back to the text I received yesterday... she continued the text by letting me know that a friend had "started" and after hearing what our family does, she wanted to do the same.  She said it would make her feel better about the whole (life changing) situation.  :)

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I don't know what makes be more happy:  knowing that my daughter is a good friend or that she is proud of our quirky family traditions.  :)

Baskets of Inspiration

template here

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Many moons ago, as a youth, one of my leaders presented an object lesson which had a lasting impact on me.  It was a simple lesson, using a bar of soap.  The lesson was on repentance.  Though I don't remember the complete contents of the object lesson itself, I cannot help but thinking about repentance almost every time I use a bar of soap.  Can you imagine just how often I use a bar of soap?

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This is one reason I love object lessons.  I have to admit there have been times I have picked up a bar of soap and been annoyed that I couldn't just wash my hands.  Always a lesson in the back of my mind.  Really?

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But more times than not, I have appreciated the moments I have really needed that reminder.  Looking at myself in the mirror, (because I am usually standing in front of the mirror when I am washing my hands - aren't you?)  :)  asking myself if I have been taking advantage of the gift of the atonement in my own life.  Washing the dirt from my spirit.  Allowing my light to shine.

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I think it is important for our youth to understand that they are surrounded by everyday items that can inspire them, remind them of gospel principles they have been taught, and that they can use these to inspire others.

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The following is an activity I have done a number of times with the young women I have had the opportunity to serve.  Thought I would share!

LESSON

Who is our greatest teacher?  (Jesus Christ)

How did He teach? (He taught using parables)

What is a parable?
Why did He teach using parables? 

Lets talk about a few parables found in the scriptures.
What lessons were being taught with each particular parable?
What is an object lesson?
What object lessons have made an impression in your lives?

What lessons were being taught with those particular object lessons?

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ACTIVITY

• Display a basket filled with everyday items.
• Invite everyone to take an item.
• Allow time for the young women to come up with a parable or object lesson using the item they have chosen from the basket.
• Encourage them to use scriptures as a resource.
• Have 3x5 cards or slips of paper available. As well as something to write with.
• When they are ready - give each of them time to share their parable or object lesson with the group.

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Side Notes:
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I recently shared this with our young women.  They had so much fun.  They were so good to encourage and support each other.  They even applauded after each one of them shared their mini lesson - no clapping, they were reverent and snapped.  :)  It made me smile.
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In case you were wondering, here are some of the items I have put into the basket:  an apple, alarm clock, flashlight, spoon, shoe, wood block with the word "friends" printed on it, necklace, book, towel, soap, door knob, flower, phone, blanket, piano music, water bottle, pencil, ...  really anything can be used.  It only takes a bit of inspiration.  :)

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Also, it wasn't planned, but this ended up being a great exercise for public speaking.  Score!

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CHALLENGE

The girls were then challenged to do the following individually or with their families (during Family Home Evening):

• Find a basket/bag/shoe box and fill it with items you find yourself using, or even looking at, on a daily basis.
• Take a few moments for each item and come up with a parable or object lesson using the item.
• Remember to use your scriptures as a resource.
• Use 3x5 cards or slips of paper to write on.
• Refer to the cards frequently.
• Soon you'll find that you will be reminded of gospel principles and be inspired by everyday items on a regular basis!
• Also, make opportunities to inspire others everyday.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Object Lessons That Motivate, Jon R. Howe, Liahona May 1999

Looking for Lessons Everywhere, Lesson 10:  Teaching No Greater Call

He Spake Many Things to Them in Parables, Lesson 11:  New Testament Gospel Doctrine
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TAKE-A-WAY
If budget allows, you could give each of the girls a basket of their own with this little tag tied to it.
Or, you could simply tie this to a bag of chocolate - chocolate always inspires me!  :)

Dream Girl Pattern

I have been going through boxes lately and came across this handout from 1984.  I would have been 13 years old at the time I received it.  Wish I could remember which of my leaders gave this to us.  She put a lot of time and thought into creating it.  Seeing the "Shalom", makes me wonder if I got it while up at camp.  This could have worked well with "Personal Progess:  A Pattern For Life".

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