International Youth Art Exhibit

Do you remember the international art competition for youth, based on the 2012 mutual theme? Well, now until June 17, 2013, some 80 pieces of art - as a result of that competition - are being featured in an exhibition at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. (Hope I make it to Utah before June... I would love to see it!) :)

 

Here is the link with all the information.

 

One of the major missions of the Church History Museum, to build testimonies in the rising generation and connect them with the history of the Church...  If you live within driving distance of the Salt Lake City area, this would be a great activity for your youth.

 

The museum is located directly west of Temple Square at 45 N. West Temple in Salt Lake City.

No Room at the Inn

One of the most memorable young women activities I can remember (during the Christmas season) has to be "No Room at the Inn". There wasn't actually an official name for the activity, but this suits it well. I am losing my memory, so if there are small details I have forgotten or remember wrong - please forgive me. This is how I remember the night. :)

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"His Name Shall be Called Wonderful" by Simon Dewey

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I do not recall who to give the credit to, though I believe it may have been the current young women president, Stefanie. There were many hands involved it creating an atmosphere worthy of the spirit. I was serving as a young women advisor at the time.

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The young women and leaders (who were not involved in the planning of the activity - myself being one of them) were simply under the impression that the activity for the night was caroling. We grabbed coats, our scarves, our gloves, and our knitted hats... it was typical cold winter's night in Utah Valley.

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We gathered at the church and decided on the carols we would sing, then we ventured into the cold night air. It was one of those nights you could see the air with every breath and every word spoken. Crisp, to say the least. Despite the chill, the night started with a group of energetic young women and leaders. Excited to sing together door to door, for family and friends.

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We knocked on the first door and no one was home. It seems that the second door was quiet as well. The group was not discouraged, their enthusiasm was strong as they locked arms and skipped to the next house where the lights were on and was clearly occupied.

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The home was of one of my friends from high school, Marianne. The girls knocked on the door, ready to finally burst out in song.  Marianne open the door - holding a baby in her arms, she looked frazzled. Another child was yelling in the background. As we started singing, she cut us off, shook her head, and told us it was a bad time. You have to know, she is one of the sweetest, easy going, fun loving women I know... I think we all thought she was joking. And anyways, music soothes the savage beast, right? :)  We kept singing. She shook her head and shut the door in our faces. I thought to myself, "How rude!" and I wasn't the only one. Shock and disappointment entered the mood of the group.

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We continued on to the next home, only to find that they were in a hurry to get somewhere, keys in hand and heading to their car. They didn't even offer the courtesy of listening to one carol. They actually got in their car and shut the door as we tried to sing to them anyways. The girls were no longer skipping. Their smiles and enthusiasm were diminishing. And honestly, so was mine.

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I believe we experienced one more disappointing door, where the usually sweet sister was on a long distance telephone call and could not take the time for her visiting carolers. She simply pointed to the phone at her ear and shut the door.

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Remember, it was cold. It was dark. And now, we were discouraged. The idea of ending the activity and going home had been discussed. But we were encouraged to try one more door. It was the door of a new family to our ward. They didn't speak much English, lived very modestly - still trying to get on their feet. We thought they might be grateful for our visit. We walked up the street, passing homes where the porch lights had been turned off, until we reached their home.

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Without much hope of a warm welcome, one of the young women knocked at the door. After a brief wait, the porch light turned on and the mother open the door with a smile. As we began singing, she invited us into their humble home. Though she didn't communicate it with words, she obviously knew we were cold (to say the least) and wanted to give us a place to warm ourselves.

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We were a little confused though, she lead us right through her home and into the unlit garage. There a string of white Christmas lights had been strung. A simple backdrop (possibly a sheet), and Mary and Joseph looking sweetly at baby Jesus laying in a bed of straw. (members of our ward playing the parts). We were all in awe at the sight.  Stefanie, the young women president, shared briefly the experience Mary and Joseph must have had, and the story of our Savior's birth.

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I don't believe there was a dry eye, or a heart that was not softened and touched by the spirit that night, as we quietly sang together the sweet carols of Christmas... such as Silent Night and Away in a Manger.

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The night ended as it began. Despite the chill in the air, our hearts were warm, and excitement in the season returned. We shared hot chocolate and hugs. We laughed at the thought of all the phone calls and preparation, the "acting" from the usually sweet sisters who turned us away so rudely. This was not just another activity, it was an amazing experience never to be forgotten.

Here we go a Caroling!

In our neighborhood there is a group of college aged young men who share a house. They all belong to a local Christian church. When they first moved into the neighborhood they went door to door introducing themselves to all their new neighbors. In addition, they gave us their numbers along with a list of combined skill sets they were willing to share, if there was ever a need. Handyman work, yard work, and car repair were all on the list. Both my husband and I were impressed at their genuine kindness.

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Come to find out, these young men spend their Friday nights with other young men and women studying the Bible. Last Christmas, as they gathered together, they filled a wagon with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and Styrofoam cups. Bundled up, they walked the neighborhood - guitar and snare drum (yet, a drum) in tow - offering up hot chocolate and Christmas carols to all who would open their doors. I know our family loved the music, appreciated the gesture and enjoyed the unexpected surprise.

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by Mary Engelbreit

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This is one thing I had missed up until then - neighborhood Christmas carolers. I absolutely love the sounds of this season!  I am really hoping they come around again this year.  :)

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ACTIVITY

I am sure many of you may already have this on your calendars... But if you don't, here's an invitation to share your voices in song this Christmas season!  The instruments were a nice touch. Especially the drum, which I think the young men would be happy to take charge of. ;)

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Here's a simple formula to follow as you go door to door:  First of all, keep it brief. Three song maximum. Start with a fun song. Follow with a song that shares the true spirit of Christmas. And end with the classic, "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

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Here's a sample list of songs:

• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• Jingle Bells
• Santa Clause is Coming to Town
• Frosty the Snowman
• Deck the Halls
• Silver Bells
• Winter Wonderland
• Jingle Bell Rock
• I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
• Let it Snow

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• Away in a Manger
• Silent Night
• Angels We Have Heard on High
• Joy to the World
• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
• O Little Town of Bethlehem
• I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
• It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
• O Holy Night

A Treat To Serve

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Each year before Halloween, Kathy's ward goes trick-or-treating for their local Deseret Industries.  The young men and young women visit their neighborhoods to collect donations. I have yet to hear all the details - I just saw this on Kathy's FACEBOOK page - she is the cute Waldo below! It sounds like it could be a great tradition to start. :)

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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

Battleship! {in full color}

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This past week, my daughter celebrated her 14th birthday. Pretty exciting... moving up to the Mia Maid class, but mostly because she can go to the dances now.  :)

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This is how she celebrated with her friends: Battleship {in full color}. She gets all the credit for creating this fun game!  I am sharing it here for those of you looking for a fun and colorful group activity.

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OUR INSPIRATION

Of course the board game Battleship was the source of our inspiration. Maddy has been wanting to play human Battleship for awhile now with her friends.

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We changed the game plan after my daughters and I ran (walked) the Color Me Rad 5K this past weekend. Afterwards, Maddy decided to play Battleship {in full color}!

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I found this on YOU tube.  It is the closest thing I could find, to what we would love to have happen. Wish we had a crane!  :)  But, we have no access to a crane, so we created our own version.

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GETTIN' READY

I could not find a recipe for the color chalk bombs, so I had to create my own. I tried a few different concoctions. This was my first attempt.  The colors were great!

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INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup corn starch

1 Tbsp water

10 drops food coloring (I used neon)

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DIRECTIONS

I put all the ingredients into a Ziploc bag and sealed it tight.

Next I worked it with my fingers, until it was blended completely.

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My initial test run showed that the powder alone didn't stick. I added the powder to a spray bottle full of water, shook it up and it worked good. It was simply colored water, and a bit washed out though.

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This next concoction is the one that worked best. Vivid colors, more paint like. We filled small water balloons with the color.

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INGREDIENTS

2 cups cold water

3/4 cup corn starch

10 drops food coloring (I used neon)

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DIRECTIONS

 In a saucepan, combine cold water, cornstarch, and food coloring.

Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, ONLY until you feel it thickening.

It should take less than 2 minutes.

Remove from heat immediately.

Continue to stir, adding cold water as needed, until desired consistency.

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To fill the water balloons, I poured the paint into spray bottles. It was easy to fill the water balloons directly from the spray bottle. Then we filled the balloons and tied them up - carefully, very carefully. It was a messy process, because a few of the balloons popped.  Oops!  I made a few extra batches of color to refill the spray bottles. I figured the kids would have fun spraying each other too. I was right! Maddy requested a bunch of water filled balloons too.  :)

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THE ARRIVAL

As her guests arrived, they were given either a hot pink or neon green wristband. This was an easy way to create teams. Plus wristbands are cool!  ;)

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BATTLESHIP {in full color}

Set-Up:  The game was played on a volleyball court. If you decide to play "blind", like the real game of Battleship - spray paint the lines (grid) directly onto the grass with letters and numbers. And use clothes pins and sheets to create a barrier between the two teams. We played with full vision. No barrier. No coordinates.

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Ammunition:  We used the mini color bombs, water balloons, and color filled spray bottles.

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Game Play:

• Blind - Have each team create 5 ships, by having team members lie on the ground in groups or individually.  Choose a commander who calls out coordinates. Keep track of hits and misses on a piece of paper.  When someone gets hit with a {full color} missile, call out "IT"S A HIT!"  When a full ship of people get hit, they all yell out "YOU SUNK OUR BATTLESHIP!"
• Full Vision - Everyone anchored themselves, sat down, on their own side. Once they chose a spot, they could not move - unless it was their turn. In turn, one team member would toss a playground ball over the net, trying to hit one of the other team's "ships".  If the ball hit, bumped, or rolled into someone, then that person gets bombed or sprayed with color, by the person who had tossed the ball. I honestly thought playing this way would make it way too easy to hit someone, but these kids kept missing! It made the actual hits exciting!

When I could tell they had had enough of the one hit at a time, I yelled out, "All Attack!" They all ran in and grabbed the remaining color bombs, water balloons, and color filled spray bottles. It was an all out battle!

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GROUP GAMES

The fun continued with the following games.

• Dragon Tails
• Trash Can
• Gorilla
• Sharks and Minnows
• Psychiatrist

The sun had gone down, it was dark, and they had to play in the light of a lamp post.  But they didn't care. They played Dragon Tails a couple times. When it came to Trash Can they played 3 times. I hadn't realized how competitive this group was!

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I heard afterwards that a number of them said it was the most fun they had had at a birthday party in a long time. I attribute that to the laughter, the cheers, being active, and their friendships! They didn't have their phones in their hands. There was no texting, no web browsing, nothing taking them away away from where they were. They were "all there"!

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LET THEM EAT CUPCAKES!

We went back to the house and let them hang out for a bit. Maddy requested FUNfetti! cupcakes. Easy peasy. We frosted them with our favorite homemade butter cream frosting, tinted bright ocean blue.

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I frosted enough for them all to have one, but I made plenty more. I left the extra cupcakes and frosting out for them to frost their own. They were not shy!

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MOVIE TIME

My husband suggested the movie, Battleship. It was on pay-per-view. I put it on for them to watch, as they waited for their parents.

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Shining Idol

Here's another fun activity Kim's young women put together.  Shining Idol!  They did this as a combined YW activity, but it would also be fun to do with the young men.  It would also make a lively YW Camp activity.  :)

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PURPOSE
Give the youth an opportunity to "shine".  Have fun!
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PREPARATION

Preparation for Shining Idol is as simple as 1-2-3:  1) gather silly props, 2) place props into paper grocery bags, and 3) choose appropriate "fun" music.

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You could do what Kim did and have a CD for each group and let them choose a song from the CD. 

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You could have a certain number of songs chosen beforehand and put them on your iTunes play list. Copy the Shining Idol Microphones below and have each group choose a numbered mic which corresponds to a certain song on your play list.

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ACTIVITY

The youth were divided into 8 groups.  Each group chose a bag of props and CD.  They were given 15 minutes to pick a song and practice.  Then they all met back together for the show.  The judges (in this case - the girls who put the activity together) only gave positive feedback and used phrases like:

"You SHINE!", "You LIT up the stage!", "You are a STAR!", "You have a BRIGHT future!", "You were on FIRE!", etc...

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TREAT IDEA

Fill a basket with a cookie CD for everyone.  Star shaped sugar cookies would be fun!  If you have never heard of a cookie CD - it is simply a large cookie placed inside a paper CD sleeve.  Tie it up with ribbon and "Voila!" you have a cookie CD.  Seems fitting for the night.

You could also have an ice bucket filled with bottles of "POP"Star Soda (any pop will do).  Whatever budget allows. :)  By the way, my kids make fun of me for calling it soda pop.  Is it a generation or location thing?

RESOURCES
Just in case you want to make your own American Idol look-a-like logo...  I used the Kaufmann-Bold font.  FREE download here.

Mormon Prom

This weekend my daughter and her friends attended a Mormon Prom. They were joined with youth, ages 16-18, from four of the LDS stakes located in our area. I am not sure of the exact number in attendance - but it was a lot of youth!

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Note:  I was not involved in the planning.  I am simply a parent of a youth who attended.  Thank you to those individuals who volunteered their time, their talents, and their resources to create a wonderful night for our youth!

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What is Mormon Prom?

Mormon Prom is an alternate "prom" experience for youth. A night where youth are surrounded with others who share the same values and high standards they are trying to live themselves. It isn't held in all areas, but I am happy we are in an area where one is held. I am not sure where this originated from, but I think this is wonderful. For all intents and purposes... the youth seem to think this is the prom of all proms!

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This is what has been done in our area:

Mormon Prom is held on the night of the month's already planned Quad Stake Dance.  Youth 16-18 are invited to attend.  (kind of reminds me of the original Gold and Green Ball which used to be held). 

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The boys ask the girls in classic form - in unique, fun, creative ways!  Which in turn, the girls respond in the same fashion.  :)   Brie's date, Kurt, showed up at our house while she was out for the night.  He decorated her bedroom with streamers - the question written out on a poster board and on her mirrors.  He had quite a few helpers.  Luckily, he called ahead and asked permission to decorate her room - giving me just enough time to make sure it was presentable and all personal items put away. :) 

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Side-note:  All youth 16-18 are encouraged to take part, whether with a formal date or in a group.

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This year there was a website set-up for registration.

One huge difference between a Mormon Prom and a tradition prom - the price.  Do you know of any young men who do not go to prom due to the cost.  I do!  And families who may struggle to pay for tuxedos, prom dresses, flowers, photographs, dinner?  Well, let your burdens be light(ened).  :)  I read an article where the cost of a ticket to Mormon Prom in their area was $10.00 and that included dinner!  Another area offered professional photographs for free.  How wonderful is that?  Our youth were not charged for anything.  They only needed to worry about what to wear and how to get there.  :)

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In keeping with prom history, girls still stress over finding the right dress.  In this case, a modest one.  There are some who chose to go with the traditional full length dress.  Others, including Brie and her friend, Lauren, chose a more modern route.  So darling!

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Brie searched high and low.  She tried on some really adorable dresses.  When asked by sales associates what the occasion was she said with a smile, "Prom."  In addition to the dresses she was interested in, she tried on a few dresses that were chosen for her by the sales associates.  The dresses were all cute and/or beautiful, but less modest.  She wasn't afraid to let them know she was looking for something she felt comfortable in and was modest. 

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In one particular store, after trying on a dress that fit her wonderfully, but was not as modest, she told the sales associate she didn't feel comfortable in it.  As Brie went back into her dressing room to change into another dress, the woman looked at me - like I was the one to blame for Brie not liking the dress (she obviously does not know my daughter) - and said, "Come on. It's prom."  Trying to get me to let this one slide, because it was prom.  I thought to myself, why does a young woman have to wear an immodest dress just because it's prom?  The answer, no reason at all.  There are subtle pressures everywhere, aren't there?

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Brie turned these moments into an opportunity to "shine".  While trying on a dress (finally deciding on the one she wore to prom) she explained to the associate that the dance she was going to was great because she and her friends didn't have to worry about listening to inappropriate music or awkward dance moves.  To overhear her "shining" in the world, not knowing I was listening in, was awesome!  And even more awesome was the response from the young associate, she was sincere in letting Brie know she thought that sounded wonderful!

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The day of prom was filled with excitement.  A couple of Brie and Lauren's friends, who haven't reached the ripe old age of 16 yet, offered to be their personal stylists.  A huge thank you to Emily Cleveland (one of Brie's past YW leaders) who did an amazing job with their make-up!

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Adorable girls!  My son wanted in on the photo.  He's a lucky little boy! 

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Parents and friends were invited to gather for a photo session before the youth head out for the evening. Thank you to the Arnold family for offering up their beautiful backyard for photographs. (and the ice water) The photo above gives you an idea of those who gathered for their group's photo session. Such great support!

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This group of youth were lucky enough to have a fun and generous couple offer to drive them around in their personal bus, "Miss B. Haven".   (Yah, I know. Cute name!)

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Dinner was held before the dance (6:00 pm). Provided and served by the adult leaders/parents. Dance from 8:00-11:00. My understanding is, that in the past, the dinner has been held at one building - the dance in another. This year both dinner and dance were held at the same building. I wonder how the take-down/set-up went in between? :)

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This group of friends had a great time at the dance, but left a little early because the boys had one more item on the adgenda.  They had their drivers take them back to the home where they had taken their photos.

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I understand they danced under the stars (in the driveway) one last time before changing into more comfortable clothes.  The night ended with a game of flahlight tag and s'mores.   Hopefully they all returned home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.

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What are the Guidelines?

The night is based on the standards found in "For the Strength of Youth" provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, for youth ages 12-18.  In a nutshell:

• good uplifting music
• modest dress
• appropriate (non-suggestive) dance

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Where is Mormon Prom Held?

This all depends on the area.  This year in our area, Central California, Mormon Prom was held at the LDS Stake Center, which shares a parking lot with the Fresno California LDS Temple.

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How do you plan a Mormon Prom in your area?

I suppose the idea needs to be shared with leaders in your area first.  :)  Then, once approved...  let the planning begin.  Remember to make it affordable for the youth, incorporate good music, encourage modest dress, expect appropriate dancing, and send the youth home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.

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LINKS TO OTHER STORIES & RESOURCES

A Night To Remember, New Era 2007 - Michigan

A Brand New Year 2010: Dating, video - lds.org/youth

Mormon Prom in California Promotes High Standards, Deseret News 2012

Mormon Prom Celebrates 7th Year, The Orange County Register - Southern California

195 Dresses: Mormon Girl Seeks Modesty During Prom Season, Chron.com

2008 Mormon Prom "Let Your Star Shine!" - Alexadria, Virginia

2010 Mormon Prom Portraits,

Arizona Teen Enjoy Multi-Stake Mormon Prom in East Valley, - 2009, Gilbert, Arizona

Clue Ideas for Where's Waldo

I have had a number of requests for the clues used in the Where's Waldo activity.  Those who have asked for them have been disappointed to hear they are no where to be found.  I did not put that activity together, so I had to make a few calls and send a couple emails - I really have tried to locate them.  :)

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I was happy to finally have someone who was willing to share their creativity with the rest of us...  Marie Page shared the following clues for a  activity their youth recently had.  Thank you for sharing!

• A&F really stands for “Abs and Fragrance.” Come find me fast, I’m getting a headache from the smell! (Abercrombie and Fitch)
• It seems like I’ve been in the dark for one hundred years. I wish I had more popcorn. (Century Theaters)
• I ate Wheaties for breakfast this morning, so I fit right in here. (Champs Sports)
• I’m easy to spot, since this is a place just for children. (The Children's Place)
• Come find me in the stacks. I’m not sipping coffee, but I am enjoying the free Wi-Fi. (Barnes and Noble)
• This is the happiest place in the mall! (Disney Store)
• I just found a new best friend. He hasn’t eaten anything, but he’s stuffed. (Build-A-Bear)
• I’m looking at a cat, a dog, and a palindrome. (Hannah the Pet Society)
• I know it’s cheesy, but I pictured being here all day. (The Picture People)
• I’m hanging out with Prophets,_______________ , and Revelators. (Sears)
• I am in the most patriotic store. But if you burn it, you buy it! (Yankee Candle)
• All I’m missing are palm trees and ocean. And the sun, of course. (Sunglass Hut)
• They card everyone here, but you don’t have to be over 21 to buy something. (Hallmark)
• I stink. But I won’t by the time I’m done shopping here. I’m spraying all the testers and picking out a new Wallflower. (Bath and Body Works)
• Friends Abercrombie & Fitch wanted to go play. They tried their friends Macy and Dillard but they weren’t home. So they went to Justine Chase instead.  (JC Penney)
• Where you go to be non-pc, eat a big mac or take a bite out of an apple? (MAC Store)

If you wanted to, the night could end using the Where's Waldo activity as a gospel lesson.  Here's one idea, it's a stretch, but it might work!  :)   "Clue, Ponder, Play = Joy in finding the Waldos" - "Search, Ponder, Pray = Joy in finding the answers."

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