Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Last week I attended an adorable New Beginnings. The theme, "New Beginnings: Somewhere Over the Rainbow", was inspired by the movie, Wizard of Oz... just in case you hadn't already figured that one out. :)

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My understanding is that my oh-so-creative friend, Sara-Lynn, was the genius behind the decorations. She told me that she had collaborated with her sister, who also serves in the young women and did a similar theme. Gotta love sisters! - My sister, Kim, also had a Wizard of Oz themed New Beginnings... blog post to come!

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I took a few pictures and jotted down a few notes to share with you. :)  Wish I had taken better pictures and taken better notes... sorry.

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The laurel president conducted the night. She was dressed as Glenda the Good Witch.

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MUSIC FOR THE NIGHT

Opening Song:  I Like To Look For Rainbows - a.k.a. "When I Am Baptized"

Here is a beautiful piano cover of this song I found on YouTube, for you pure enjoyment and relaxation:

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Musical number: Somewhere Over The Rainbow, performed by a group of young women with guitar accompaniment by my daughter, Brie 

Just because I like to share... I absolutely love Eva Cassidy's music. Here is her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow":

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WELCOME NEW BEEHIVES

All new and soon-to-be Beehives were invited to sit on the front row. Each of them were given a little picnic basket, lined with blue and white gingham fabric and tied with a white ribbon. Inside the basket was a cute little stuffed dog, "Toto". Throughout the night, their baskets were filled with all kinds of goodies.

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CLASS MOTTOS & LOGOS

Each class president took a moment to introduce their class motto and a little bit about what it meant to be a "Beehive", "Mia Maid", or "Laurel". The goal was to give the new and soon-to-be Beehives something to look forward to. :) After their brief introductions, they placed a gift into the girl's baskets; a representation of their class logo:

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Beehives - bee cookie

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Mia Maids - chocolate kiss rose

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Laurels - laurel leaf crown

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YW VALUES PRESENTATION

The young women presented the young women values in such a fun way. Each value was assigned to a different group of young women to present. Each group wrote their own mini-skit, with a Wizard of Oz theme. I wish I had taken notes on all their skits!

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Each group set a lighted mason jar (with the YW value on the front of the jar and in the color of their value) on the front table.

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Here is a list of "values-skit inspirations-goodies/gift":

• Faith - Lollipop Guild - foot lollipop
• Divine Nature - Cowardly Lion - packet of seeds
• Individual Worth - Wicked Witch - 100 grand candy bar
• Knowledge - Scarecrow - bag of smarties
• Choice and Accountability - Tin Man - tin can with hearts
• Good Works - Glenda, the Good Witch - toy wand
• Integrity - wicked Witch - purple "no-slip" headband
• Virtue - Ruby Red Slippers - cupcake, gold sprinkles, mini red slipper topper

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PRESENTATIONS
Personal Progress Ribbons

This took a bit of time. By class, the YW leaders handed out bookmarks, ribbons, and gold YW stickers (organized beforehand into envelopes) to those young women who had earned them.

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Personal Progress Completion - Royal Court of Ruby Red Slippers

Each young women who had completed the personal progress program was given one of these adorable paper shoes filled with chocolate dipped strawberries.

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Honor Bees - Queen Bee's

Each young women who had completed an additional 40 hour project, received her honor bee and a ginormous bee cookie (made by Beehives), a crown and a wand. Talk about the royal treatment!

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CLOSING REMARKS
The ward's YW President invited all mothers to join their daughters in completing Personal Progress. She had a personal progress book for every mother. :) Already working on it!
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Before the Bishop shared his remarks, he hid behind a wooden screen, using a megaphone, such as the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz. it was cute. His remarks went along with the theme, as he encouraged the young women in their journey along the yellow brick road - "life".
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DECOR/AMBIANCE

What Makes You Beautiful

I am sure you have seen at least one of these videos made by a few young men groups across the nation, in response to President Thomas S. Monson saying that "every woman deserves to be told she's beautiful."

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I would love to see a music video like this made by an Elder's Quorm or High Priest Group.  President Monson did say "every woman"... he did not specify age, right?  ;)

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Original inspiration: Citrus Heights Young Men

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The same group of young men made this video, as commissioned, for girls camp. :)

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Colorado Spring North Young Men
I love the arrow being shot into a YW Value Target!

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Alta Mesa Boyz

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Hayden Lake Stake Young Men

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One of these would be fun to watch during this activity: The Beauty I See In Them

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."

Arise and Shine, Sunshine

Kim's ward had their YW New Beginnings this past week...  "Kim, I love how it turned out!  The 'You are my Sunshine' lyrics are amazing!  And I love that you made the posters sparkle.  By the way, I love you sis!  Happy Birthday tomorrow! Wish I lived close enough to join in the celebration!  ((hugs))"

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Here are the details of their night:
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INVITATION

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DECORATION

I took each of the following prints down to our local print shop and the enlarged them to the size of half a poster board. We are all about the sparkle this year so we chose a few key words, raindrops or beams and glitterfied them with gold. (Your eye always catches the glitter) The YW loved the signs so much they all want one to hang in their rooms, that will be another activity. (click each poster to go to the original link - I could not find the original source for all posters)

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We hung twinkle lights and bright yellow pom poms above provided by each leader and YW.

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Our focus was on the Savior and how we can be a beam for him. We made a sun and each beam represented the Young Women, adorned with glitter stickers.

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THEME GIFT

Pillow case with the 2012 Mutual Theme ironed on it (adorable)... went off what mom would tell us every morning.  :)

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REFRESHMENTS

Each leader brought white or yellow treats:

Yellow Cake Balls

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon and White Chocolate Popcorn

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Lemon Bars

Bright Yellow Gum Balls with Smiley Faces

Cupcakes adorned with the Sun
Lemon Meringue Cupcakes (Kim, I added this for future reference)  :)

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Our Drink was a sunshine mix:

Frozen Pina Colada Mix, Frozen White Grape Juice and Sprite

Served in a canning jar with a slice of lemon and a white and yellow striped paper straw (Huge hit!)

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PROGRAM

We stuck right to what the hand book said when it came to the program... introduce the Young Women program and spotlight the new upcoming Beehives.

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Welcome: __________

Song: Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam (it was fun to watch the girls sing that song, they were kinda silly)

Prayer: __________

Introductions: (class officers and girls in each class)

We had the Presidents introduce their presidency and each girl in their class.

The President assigned a girl to read what the class motto was and another showed the symbol and tied it in with the sun (The Laurels symbol is a wreath, she talked about how the wreath is like the sun... eternal.)  The girls stayed up front until the Beehives were done and them they all repeated the theme.

Spotlight: Each new upcoming beehive came up one at a time and their mom or dad spotlighted them.

YW Motto and Logo: One of our Laurels spoke on the meaning of the torch and having the light "Sunshine" of Christ in our lives. Did you know that D&C 115:5 "Arise and Shine forth that thy light shall be a standard for all nations" is the basis of the Young Women Program? Kinda cool to know that!

Speaker: YW Pres. Talked about the purpose for New Beginnings, how Christ is our center and how each YW can radiate his love through faith, divine nature, individual worth, choice and accountability, good works, integrity and virtue. etc...

Special Musical Number:  "You Are My Sunshine" (performed by one of our laurels - playing her ukulele)
Here is the video:

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Here are the lyrics - additional lyrics written by Brenda Dobry, one of the young women leaders (amazing!):

You are my sunshine,

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are gray

You'll never know dear

How much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away.

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Arise and Shine forth

Just like the sunshine

Let your light shine everyday

You'll never know dear

How much HE loves you

Shine your light for him today.

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You are a daughter

Of Heavenly Father

Saved for this day
To light the way

He will direct you

He will protect you

You'll shine brighter every day.

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(everyone joined in on the last verse)

You are my sunshine,

My only sunshine

You make me happy
When skies are gray

You'll never know dear
How much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away.

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Personal Progress Introduction: Given by PP Leader - tied in the PP with the Sunshine

Year in Review: "Get ready to be loved and shine!"

Theme Gifts Given to the Young Women:  pillowcases

Closing Remarks: Bishop

Closing Song: Shine On

Closing Prayer: __________
Refreshments:  (see above)

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It turned out to be a great night!

Arise and Shine: Hot Air Balloons

These fabulous paper mache hot air balloons have sparked a few ideas to go along with the 2012 Mutual Theme:  “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” Doctrine and Covenants 115:5.

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Paper Mache Hot Air Balloons
found here
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New Beginnings

• Hot Air Balloon theme
• When introducing the YW Values I envision a young woman either holding up a Hot Air Balloon in the color of the value - maybe even having the value on the balloon itself - and after explaining the value and reciting the scripture, placing the Hot Air Balloon into a backdrop filled with white clouds and a sun - representing the Savior.
• Or, the Hot Air Balloons could already be hanging as the backdrop, and the young woman places a tea light into the basket of the balloon as the value is being introduced.  Resulting in a backdrop of beautiful glowing value balloons filling the sky.

DIY Fabric Hot Air Balloon Mobile

found here

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Room Decor

• Have the YW values (and scripture references) modge podged onto hot air balloons and hung from the ceiling (as a backdrop for Opening Exercises).  Of course, there would have to be a few fluffy white clouds and a sun - representing the Savior.
• The value balloon for the month's focus value could be placed on the table for opening exercises.  Illuminated with a battery operated tea light.  Or you could simply leave it hanging and illuminate it.  I can see it!  It is beautiful!

Paper Cloud Mobile
found here

Activity

• The YW could get together before New Beginnings and create a balloon for each value.  Realize this would take a couple activities because of the drying time involved.
• As a class, the girls could make them, fill with goodies and deliver to less active girls

Camp Theme

• Wouldn't  a camp filled with colorful Hot Air Balloons be wonderful?
• Each cabin could create their own Hot Air Balloon, in their color, to place in front of their cabins.

DIY Paper Hot Air Balloon Mobile

found here

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2012 Mutual Theme Launch

• Make hot air balloon lumieres for all YM/YW to launch - after a fireside introducing the 2012 Mutual Theme.
• Sky Lanterns/Mini Hot Air Balloons can be purchased for as little as $2.00 a piece.  You can find them here, here,  here, and here.

• Or you could have a separate activity where the youth make their own Hot Air Balloon out of tissue paper.  It would take a whole activity.  When I was working at a Treatment Center for Troubled Youth we had a night where one of the interns from BYU made these with the kids.  They loved it!  I loved it!  And what an awesome site!
• Here is another handmade Hot Air Balloon idea: click photo for link to tutorial

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

I found this article Stand on A Cloud, by Richard M Romney, New Era, June 1984. It contains some wonderful lessons using the idea of a Hot Air Balloon being tied to the 2012 Mutual Theme. (I think it does) :)

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It begins with a description of an Hot Air Balloon Festival in New Mexico. This is what I took from reading the article - when keeping the theme in mind. Here are a few ideas coupled with a quote from the article:

1. We are to "Arise and Shine as a standard for the nations".

2. You cannot do it on your own. You need your Heavenly Father and a Savior. Your parents and family. Your leaders. A living prophet to guide you.

• It isn't an easy task to prepare the balloons for flight. And it could not be done alone. "Many of the ward members joined the chase crew—the people and vehicles who follow along behind the balloon on the ground and assist when it lands. That’s where the history comes in. The Komadinas hold the record for the Fiesta’s largest chase crew ever—97 people in 23 vehicles."

3.  Learning through the spirit.  Line upon line.  Then taking flight spiritually.

• The balloons are filled and take flight.  "The propane burner then heats the air, which rises inside the envelope, inflating it even more.  The balloon then tries to assume an upright position. But if that happens too fast, the balloon will not inflate properly..."

 4. People watch. We are an example. "A standards for the nations".

• Thousands gather to watch the balloons.  "Buses arrive, full of tour groups, senior citizens, school children, the handicapped. City buses, school buses, trucks, trailers, campers, and cars are all guided to parking areas by flashlight-toting service groups." 

5. We need to be living the gospel.  Stand in holy places.

• "Balloons only fly in calm, clear skies."

6. Follow the commandments. Pray. Hold to the rod.

• "They discuss safety (it’s important not to get in or out of the basket unless told to, because ballast is critical), preparation for landing (it’s important to remember to bend your knees to help absorb the impact), and flying techniques (the balloon drifts with the wind, but by ascending or descending, the pilot can usually find a breeze headed in the direction he wants to go)."

7. Importance of a testimony.  Keeping a journal.

• “Sometimes I get cold and grouchy early in the morning,” Amy said. “But then I remember my first flight."

Here are a few more quotes from the article:

• It is flight without wings, flight without a runway or the whine of jet engines. Because the balloon floats with the breeze, there is no sensation of motion. It is, indeed, like standing on a cloud, quietly watching the earth beneath.
• “When I’m up here, I think about Heavenly Father,” Jennifer said. “I feel close to him, peaceful, when I see the world he’s created and how big it is. You somehow know he’s in charge.”
• “You get some idea of who you are and how small you would be on your own. But you also get a feeling for what Heavenly Father has made, what he can help you accomplish if you have him on your side.”
• “Nobody doesn’t love a balloon,” Amy said. “We fly over people’s houses that we know, and you can see everything. People come running out in shower caps and bath robes just to wave. If you drop down low, you can hear the dogs barking and see horses run back and forth, but nobody complains.”
• “People here are used to balloons,” Jenny added. “It’s a mutual benefit. Pilots love to fly them, and people on the ground love to watch them float by.”

I also came across this article, which has a wonderful tie to obedience:

Drew Neel of Dayton, Ohio , by Richard M Romney, Friend, October 2002

He tells how he once built a hot-air balloon during a class visit to the flight museum. “We made it out of paper, then filled it with hot air and it flew!” he says. Through that activity, he learned about obedience. “The balloon works because hot air rises,” he says. “It’s a natural law.” And when laws are obeyed, whether they are laws of flight or laws of life, the obedience brings blessings.

DECOR AND OTHER FUN IDEAS

Hot Air Balloon Decoration

Love the stripes!

found here

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Refreshment Table Idea

found here

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Hot Air Balloon Cupcakes & Lollipops

found here

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Photo Op

*As I am looking at this picture another idea comes to mind...
The bags of sand could represent things of the world, bad habits, etc. which hold you down.
As we remove these things we are able to RISE!
found here

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Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Sugar Cookies

found here

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Hot Air Balloon Tea Party

found here

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Hot Air Balloon Invitation

You should take a look at the whole party!

found here

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I just like this illustration.

So I thought I'd share.  :)

found here

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Invite Idea

found here