YOUshare: Daily Progress

I received another email recently about "a great resource for personal progress".  Daily Progress, a blog created by Samantha Keyes.

*

Samantha writes: "This blog was started as I began looking for a way to complete personal progress. For me, it's always been a matter of feeling overwhelmed by the huge task at hand or just forgetting. In a ward leadership meeting with our Stake Young Women's leaders, one of them said something that stuck with me. She suggested we ask our girls 'What are you doing TODAY for Personal Progress?' So I made a calendar with a few small tasks to do each day. I only needed to look at that day and nothing else. We're talking simple. Say morning and evening prayers today. The next day, read a scripture. The next day, evaluate an experience and check it off if you can. Easy-peasy, right?

Well, I thought if I was going to take the time to plan it all out that I might as well share it. And so began this blog...."  Daily Progress

*

Thank you for sharing Samantha! You were right, this is a great resource. It is almost like having a good friend working on personal progress right along with you. I especially love your encouraging words each day. :) 

YOUshare: LOL 4 LDS

I recently received an email from a sweet mom telling me about her 12 year old daughter and her daughter's friend.  The two girls decided to publish a website to teach people about being LDS - and use it as a value project. The site is LOL 4 LDS – "Lessons of Life for LDS".

 

I love that these two young women are taking the time to study the gospel, trying to really understand it, and are willing to share it with anyone and everyone. Anastasia and Callie will come to understand that the time they put into this project will bless their lives more than anyone else. :) To anyone who has ever taught a lesson, wouldn't you agree?

*

Everything they have posted thus far links directly back to lds.org - videos, scriptures, and even where to find the nearest lds church. :)

*

I love how they share the Articles of Faith... not only did they post all 13 Articles of Faith, they explained them in their own words. Such wonderful insights. I am looking forward to their upcoming lesson on the sacrament, which it looks like they are having some boys, who just happen to be deacons - who actually pass the sacrament, help them out.

*

I believe it is safe to assume this is going to be more than a 10 hour project. ;) I look forward to what these two young women have to share!

 

 

My Sister's Closet

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” - President Boyd K. Packer

*

Here is an adorable twist on the Soup & Share idea. Kim's young women leaders put this together for their young women, love it!
*
Here are all the cute details (plus a few extras):

*

 

PURPOSE

To give the each of the young women an opportunity to serve and share with others. Also, possibly serving the temporal needs of one or more of your young women - secretly.  :)

*

IN PREPARATION

The young women and leaders gathered items from their own closets that they no longer used, but thought they might be something someone else would use themselves: 

• dresses
• skirts
• shirts
• sweaters
• jackets
• pants
• shorts
• pajamas
• shoes
• jewelry
• hats
• scarfs
• books
• movies
• room decor

All items were dropped off at Kim's (YW President) home beforehand.  She made sure everything was clean and in good condition.
*
Then all clothing items were tagged, including jewelry. Earrings were placed on cute card stock for display.  :)
 *

SET-UP

They gathered clothes racks, mannequins, mirrors - anything that would make the room feel like a boutique. And added lots of hot pink sparkly tulle. :)

*

*

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY {UPON ARRIVAL}

Since this was held the week before Thanksgiving, there were cards placed on a table for the young women to write a note of gratitude to some one in the ward that has made a difference in their life. The card served as their ticket into the boutique.

*

TIME TO SHOP {KIND OF}

The young women were each given a shopping bag - with their name tied to it.  Everyone got to choose four items to begin with.  Then, after everyone had something in their bag, they got to "shop" for any additional items they would like.  The girls filled their shopping bags!
*

*

Just one of the outfits put together for display.

*

MEAL TIME

As mentioned in the beginning of the post, this was also a Soup and Share. The YW Leaders provided homemade soup and bread sticks for the girls.

*

PERSONAL PROGRESS POSSIBILITY

The young women could contribute to the meal by having their mother or another adult teach them how to make soup from scratch. Then they could make up a batch and bring it to the activity, along with a recipe card to share with the other girls - which could be added to their hope chests. :)

*

The young women loved it so much - they want to do it again!

*
KEEP ON SHARING!
If the Faith in God/Activity Days girls are meeting the same night as your activity, I am sure they would love a chance to go through all the left over items. They may find a treasure themselves.  :)
*
Whatever items are left over can be donated to your local Deseret Industries, GoodWill, Salvation Army, or other organization.

O Be Wise - Leadership Training

I love birds, but have never been drawn to owls until I saw this trio at our local TJMaxx.  So cute!  I had to take them home with me.  :)  For now they are nesting on top of our piano - reminding us to "See, Speak, and Hear No Evil."  But mainly just being cute.

*

*

One night as I walked past the owls, inspiration took flight (because owls fly at night I suppose).  :)  I had read this talk, O Be Wise, from M. Russell Ballard.  Everything about the talk hooted, "Leadership Training" to me.  Here are just a few snippets from his talk (I suggest reading his complete talk to be fully inspired).  :)

*

He suggests six ways we can serve both wisely and well.

*

First, focus on people and principles—not on programs.

• One of the most important things we do through the gospel of Jesus Christ is to build people. Properly serving others requires effort to understand them as individuals—their personalities, their strengths, their concerns, their hopes and dreams—so that the correct help and support can be provided.
• Most routine information and coordination can now be handled through phone calls, e-mails, or regular mail so that agendas for council meetings and presidency meetings can focus on needs of the people.
• Our goal should always be to use the programs of the Church as a means to lift, encourage, assist, teach, love, and perfect people. “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10). Programs are tools. Their management and staffing must not take priority over the needs of the people they are designed to bless and to serve.

Second, be innovative.

• As we work to magnify our callings, we should seek the inspiration of the Spirit to solve problems in ways that will best help the people we serve. We have handbooks of instruction, and their guidelines should be followed. But within that framework are substantial opportunities to think, to be creative, and to make use of individual talents. The instruction to magnify our callings is not a command to embellish and complicate them. To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify.
• Being innovative also means that we do not have to be told everything we should do. The Lord said, “It is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant” (D&C 58:26). We trust you, ...to use inspiration. We trust that you will do so within the framework of Church policies and principles. We trust that you will be wise in counseling together to help build faith and testimony in the lives of those whom you serve.

Third, divide the work and delegate responsibility.

• There is a difference between being responsible for getting the work done and doing the work yourself. For example, gone should be the days when the elders quorum president feels he needs to personally finish the home teaching visits that others have missed. The same is true for Relief Society presidents with respect to visiting teaching. Not only is this unwise; it isn’t home or visiting teaching. Home teaching isn’t about numbers or reporting visits to a home; visits and numbers are just a measuring stick. Home teaching is about love of people and service to and watchcare over our Heavenly Father’s children.
• Assignments should be made, responsibilities should be delegated, and members should be allowed to fulfill their stewardship as best they can. Counsel, advise, persuade, motivate—but don’t do the work for them. Allow others to progress and grow, even if it means sometimes getting less-than-perfect results on the reports.

Fourth, eliminate guilt.

• We must always motivate through love and sincere appreciation, not by creating guilt. I like the thought “Catch others doing something right.”
• As mortals, we simply cannot do everything at once. Therefore we must do all things “in wisdom and order” (Mosiah 4:27). Often that will mean temporarily postponing attention to one priority in order to take care of another. Sometimes family demands will require your full attention. Other times professional responsibilities will come first. And there will be times when Church callings will come first. Good balance comes in doing things in a timely way and in not procrastinating our preparation or waiting to fulfill our responsibilities until the last minute.
• Beyond that we need to remember that Christ came to remove guilt by forgiving those who repent (see Alma 24:10). He came to bring peace to the troubled soul. “Peace I leave with you,” He said. “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Through the miraculous Atonement He urges us to “take my yoke upon you, … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
• As the power of the Atonement begins to work in our lives, we come to understand that the Savior has already born the burden of our guilt. O that we may be wise enough to understand, to repent as necessary, and to let go of our guilt.

Fifth, we need to thoughtfully allocate our resources of time, income, and energy.

• I would like to let you in on a little secret. Some of you have already learned it. If you haven’t, it’s time you knew. No matter what your family needs are or your responsibilities in the Church, there is no such thing as “done.” There will always be more we can do. There is always another family matter that needs attention, another lesson to prepare, another interview to conduct, another meeting to attend. We just need to be wise in protecting our health and in following the counsel that President Hinckley has given often to just do the best that we can.
• The key, it seems to me, is to know and understand your own capabilities and limitations and then to pace yourself, allocating and prioritizing your time, your attention, and your resources to wisely help others, including your family, in their quest for eternal life.

Sixth, a word to you leaders about extending responsibilities to members and especially to recent converts.

• President Hinckley said that every new member of the Church needs a responsibility. Whatever responsibility may be extended should not overwhelm new members but should give them ample opportunity to become comfortable in the Church by learning its doctrine and by rubbing shoulders with friendly members. It should anchor them to the restored gospel through increasing their testimony and giving meaningful service.
• Brothers and sisters, may we focus on the simple ways we can serve in the kingdom of God, always striving to change lives, including our own. What is most important in our Church responsibilities is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people—ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did—have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed. Our task is to help others find the peace and the joy that only the gospel can give them. In seven words, Jesus summarized how we can accomplish this. He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

*

(He then closes his talk with these words...)  Be wise with your families.  Be wise in fulfilling your Church callings.  Be wise with your time.  Be wise in balancing all of your responsibilities.  O be wise, my beloved brothers and sisters.  What can I say more?  May God bless us with wisdom to love His Son, Jesus Christ, and wisely help accomplish His work.  Amen

*
LEADERSHIP TRAINING IDEAS

• You could break the training up into 6 mini lessons, allowing others to help in the training.
• If you choose to use this as a leadership training for your young women, maybe the Laurels could each be given an area to teach. Would be a great way to pass off a Personal Progress value or earn an Honor Bee.
• How about displaying a nest and/or tree limb on the table.  Adding the "6 wise owls" of leadership as they are discussed.

Inked Egg

from the talented Julie Q - The Orange Owl

*

"THANK YOU" IDEA

If you happen to have a quest speaker this might make a nice "thank you" gift.  Isn't this CTR necklace from RingMasters adorable?  Engraved on the back is the scripture, “O be wise; what can I say more?” Jacob 6:12. 

Women’s 'O Be Wise' CTR Necklace

$14.95 from RingMasters

*

REFRESHMENT IDEAS

Owl Cupcakes

I think this is the most adorable owl cupcake!

Maybe it's the keylime eyes.

idea found here

*

Owl Cookies

...using a Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter.

There is also an example of one using a tulip-shaped cookie cutter.

So cute!

idea found here from The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle

* 

MISCELLANEOUS FINDS

3D Paper Owls

from Larissa Holland

printable template and easy to follow directions
*
 
Toilet Paper Roll Owls
Fill 'em up with your favorite penny candies.
from Kerry's Paper Crafts

My Mini Room

If you have any girls interested in Interior Design, something like this might be fun...
*
When my daughter was in elementary school, she had to create a diagram of her bedroom.  This was such a fun project - especially when looking at the finished product.
*
If you look closely you will see that she printed off tiny photos of book covers from books she was currently reading.  She even printed off a tiny photo of Christ to place on the wall next to the door.  She created a laptop computer from carboard and scrapbook paper.  The Venetian blinds, pillows and comforter were also created using scrapbook paper.  The desk and dressers were fashioned out of cardboard (with stick pins - trimmed - used as drawer handles).  Accent pieces were borrowed from Polly Pocket.  :)
*
As far as an activity goes, the girls could all come with a box of some sort.  Have scrapbook paper, extra cardboard, glue and a few other "extra materials" on hand.  Have a mini lesson on Interior Design (which could be adapted to PP - KNOWLEDGE #2) .  Then they could spend the rest of the night creating their mini rooms.
*

*
RESOURCES FOR PLANNING
Decorating on a Budget
Design, New Era 1971
Let Light Shine through Cleanliness and Beauty, Ensign 1974

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!
*
By the way, is this what you were looking for:  New Beginnings: Young Women Values Pageant, skit found here.

*

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!  :)

*

{insert photos of 1990s Miss Orem Pageants here}  

*

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.

*

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.

*

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)

*

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.

*
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:

*

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:  ____________________
*

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.

*

1869

Fashion:
pioneer dresses - you know the ones!  :)
*

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
*

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.

*

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.  :)

*

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.

*

1930s

Fashion: 

well matched sweaters and skirts with blouse and jacket combinations

*

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. 

*
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.

*

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?

*

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)  :)

*

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)  :)

*

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
*

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) :)
*

Did you know?

*

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.
*
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."

"Colour In" Your Wardrobe

I saw this DIY Colour In Dress and thought it looked like a fun project for the young women. This would be a great time to incorporate it. And a great ten hour project. Have them use fabric markers (in the value colors) to personalize their fabric. 
*
PURPOSE
Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill and display their creations.
*
ACTIVITY

Have the girls design their own piece of fashion. It could be anything as simple as a headband or bag, to sewing a dress or skirt. But have them incorporate one yard of black and white fabric (samples below), which you provide.

DIY "Colour-In" Dress

found here

Just use fabric markers to color away to your heart’s content.

Here are a few more Black and White fabrics to get the ideas going:
*

Beginning Cross Stitch

Here is another activity I have done with the young women.  Beginning Cross Stitch.  It would also be a great activity for the activity day girls as well.
*
Honestly, this turned out much better than I thought it would.  When the girls told me they wanted to learn how to cross-stitch I thought to myself, "Cross-Stitch? Really?"  Luckily, a quick refresher course and a few supplies later...  voila!  "You girls would be so proud of me!"
*

SUPPLIES USED

• 14 count plastic canvas, perfect for beginners
• embroidery floss
• 22 rounded needle
• scissors
• pencils

*
I went to Michael's and picked up a plastic canvas sheet for each girl.  My first thought was to purchase an embroidery hoop and fabric for each girl, but I am glad I went with the plastic.  I figured the plastic canvas would be easier to work with.  And it was.   

I admit, I needed a refresher course myself.  I found this:  Learn How To Cross Stitch In 5 minutes.  Just what I needed to get started!
*
I started by drawing a grid on the chalkboard and explaing in detail how to create a basic cross stitch.  Remember, I am a visual learner.  :)  I think that approach worked out really well.  We also went over how to thread a needle, knotting the end of the thread, and finishing a stitch.
*
There was some one-on-one instruction where needed.  But, the girls picked it up really quickly.  And we heard a number of them say "this is fun!".  :)
*
The girls used their pencils to draw a picture, a favorite quote, a design, whatever they wanted to on their sheet of plastic.  Then, using their new found knowledge, they began to stitch.

*
Here is a sample of a few different stitches (no, I did not stitch this):
*

*
DID YOU KNOW?
The word 'Sampler' is derived from the Latin word 'Exemplum'. The meaning of this word being 'an example to be followed'. (You could create a great object lesson with this information, couldn't you?)  :)  Samplers are different examples of a stitches. It is generally believed that sampler stitching was carried out by young girls to encourage skills in stitching for use in later life. A sampler would probably have a variety of different stitches, and would be kept by the girl as a reference for future work. It would normally have been the particular individuals first attempt at stitching.
*

 The above sampler was done by 6 year old (yes 6),

Emily Shelton Sander, dated 1858.

*
During the 19th century, samplers became an important part of the school curriculum, young girls were encouraged to stitch to prepare themselves for their role as wives and mothers. These samplers tended to simple in their design, usually only having alphabets, numbers, their name and date, and the name of the school. The age of the stitcher ranged from as young as six up to about the age of fifteen years. The average age being eleven.
*
Creating a sampler would be a wonderful 10 hour project for the young women.  And a great addition to their hope chests.  :)  Just sayin'.
*
Here are a couple modern day samplers I found (plus a few more patterns):
*

Daisychain ABC's Crewelwork Sampler Pattern

available here for $6.00
*

found here
*

Arise and Shine Pattern
This and more LDS cross stitch patterns found here.
*

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
found here

You are My Sunshine

When I first heard what the 2012 Mutual Theme was, I immediately had a flashback to our childhood.  :)
*
Do you remember how Mom would come into our rooms early in morning and cheerfully sing, "Rise and Shine, it's morning time!"  I would groan, pull the covers over my face and groan again.  (Now that I'm all grown up I might enjoy her waking me up each morning, inviting me to rise and shine, getting me ready for the day ahead.  I said, might.)  :)
*
The youth are being asked to "Rise and Shine!"  To be witness of the Savior, our bright and morning star.  (Revelation 22:16)  There may be a few who groan a little, a few might even be a bit timid - pulling the "sheets" over their bright and shining faces.  :)  But, there will be many who accept the invitation to "Shine!"
*

Here are some ideas I have been jotting down in notebooks over the past few months: (there are more notes - I'll add them soon)  :)
*
The IHOP (Important Hour Of Progress) pancakes and personal progress activity would go great with the Arise and Shine sunshine theme.
*
MUSIC

I absolutely love this song!  It just makes you happy listening to it.  Relevant to the times and upbeat.  "Walking in Sunlight", by Stephanie Mabey, EFY 2010.  I think it would be a great musical number for a Sunshine themed New Beginnings or a Young Women in Excellence.  Oooo..  it would be a great Acoustic guitar number.  :)  Just sayin'.

I also love this version of the song in French!

*

PERSONAL PROGRESS
If you go with the sunshine theme for the year, it might be fun to track the girls personal progress by adding rays of sunshine to a sunshine base.  Each Sunday give the girls an opportunity to add a ray to the sunshine - they could even write down which value they completed on the ray.  I think it would be a great way to remind and inspire the girls to work on their personal progress.  Watching the sun grow throughout the year.  At the end of the year they would have a large beautiful sun which they had helped "Arise"!  In a manner of speaking.  :)
*
RESOURCES - quotes and articles
In Questions and Answers, New Era, October 2010 - the questions was asked, "What does it mean to 'stand as a witness of God at all times'?" I love the responses:

• Don't be afraid to be different
• Honor baptismal covenants
• Follow the Lord's example
• Be Steadfast and Immovable
• Defend our Testimonies
• Choose the Right
• Share the Gospel
• Keep High Standards

Happiness, Your Heritage, Elder Utchdorf, October 2008
Elder Utchdorf shared this quote from James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, “Those who bring sunshine‍ to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”
*
TAKE-A-WAYS/GIFT IDEAS
Buy a photo frame from the dollar store which holds two photographs.  On one side place a picture of the Savior and on the other place "You are my Sunshine".  What a great reminder to the youth of their responsibility to be a light for their Savior.
*

 *
Found this on the "oh so addictive, yet inspiring" PINTEREST... a pillowcase embroidered with the 2012 theme.  A great way to remember to arise and shine, don't you think?
*

2012 Mutual Theme Pillowcase

I found these adorable pillowcases on Etsy from The Polkadot Peddler.

Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82835924/lds-2012-mutual-theme-pillowcase

Looks like they are selling for $7.00 each now.

*
MISCELLANEOUS FINDS

Here are a few goodies inspired by the Sunshine!

*

"Bottled Sunshine"
Lemonade filled mason jars.
It would fun to create a sunshine motif to place on the mason jars as a keepsake for the youth.
*

Adorable Sunshine Party
Some great ideas for decor and goodies.
found here
*

SUNSHINE DOTS POM
found here
*

"Bag of Sunshine"
Cello bag filled with Lemon Heads and tied up with ribbon.
A simple handout or "Thank You".
found here
*

SUNSHINE PARTY POM GARLAND
found here
*

SUNSHINE POPS
found here
Take a look at this party.  It is adorable!
*

GOOD WORKS - Service Activity

I'm not sure if this is still going on in Utah Valley, but there was a man who made wooden toys (little wooden cars)  to give to charities.  I wish I could remember all the details, including his name. As a youth group, we helped by sanding the toy cars and painting them for him.  It was really fun to be apart of it all.  Kinda felt like one of Santa's elves making toys in his workshop.  :)

*

I remembered this service activity when I saw this Wooden Sun Staker Toy - found here.

*

*

The youth could make something very similar using scrap wood, a jigsaw, sandpaper and paint - which could be found in people garages - left over from projects around their homes. I mention this because I have a stack of paint cans in my own garage.  A Young Man could oversee the project to assist him in earning his Eagle Scout or a Young Women could take it on as a 10 hour project.  (with adult supervision, of course)  :)  Donating the toy puzzles to a local women's/children's shelter, children's hospital, or even an Alzheimer's unit.
*