Mighty! Sports Day

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

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

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

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

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BASKETBALL

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

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

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YW SPORTS DAY

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

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

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

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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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

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ACTIVITIES

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

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

HANDOUT

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

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SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

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

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

My Sister's Closet

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

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

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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.  :)

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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.
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Then all clothing items were tagged, including jewelry. Earrings were placed on cute card stock for display.  :)
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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. :)

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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.

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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!
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Just one of the outfits put together for display.

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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.

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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. :)

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

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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.  :)
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Whatever items are left over can be donated to your local Deseret Industries, GoodWill, Salvation Army, or other organization.

GAME: Dragon Tails

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Warning: this game can get a little rough. :)  There are two different ways to play this game:

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Two Dragons "Head-to-Head" Play - Divide into two even teams. Have each team line up into straight line. The person at the front of the line will be the head of the Dragon.  The person at the end of the line will be the tail of the Dragon - this person will place a bandana/scarf/ribbon into their back pocket.  Everyone in the line will grab hold of the shoulders of the person infront of them. Once this is done, each team should have created their own Dragon. The heads of the dragons face each other and connect - hold arms/shoulders. The goal is for your dragon to grab the bandana out of the pocket of the other dragon's tail.  Heads remain connected as the bodies of the dragon flail about, tails trying to grab the other dragon's tail.  If your team breaks your "dragon" you lose. There is a lot of pushing and pulling in this game!

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You could also play this way...

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Multiple Dragon Play - The players split in groups of equal sizes, each group should have at least 3 or 4 members. The game can be played with three groups or more.  Once the game starts, the dragon's heads try to steal the tails of other dragons. Winner of the game is the last remaining dragon.

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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.

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.

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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."

"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. 
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PURPOSE
Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill and display their creations.
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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:
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Cinco de Mayo - Leadership Training

I was going through some boxes the other day (looking for a can of turquoise spray paint - which I cannot find anywhere!) and came across a box labeled "fiesta!"  In it I found:  a couple sombreros, a music CD, fake mustaches, colorful tissue flowers, cactus picks, Mexican flags, bright yellow maracas, a couple backdrops (one of a mariachi band and the other a Spanish couple dancing), a stack of signs printed in Spanish, and a few handwritten notes.
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All these items were used a few years ago in a Leadership Training activity for our young women.  The activity just happened to fall on Cinco de Mayo, so in my planning I decided to build it around the fiesta theme.
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All the photos and files from the night with the young women were lost when my computer crashed and burned last year. (So many memories- photos and designs - were lost! Makes me want to cry, again.) Luckily, I posted this adorable picture of Robbie (he makes me smile!) from a family Cinco de Mayo celebration on FACEBOOK. The photo, as well as the handwritten notes I found, are helping jog my memory. :)
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PURPOSE

Emphasize good leadership qualities, build and strengthen relationships through fun group activities, and provide a cultural experience.

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INVITE

It was a simple invite:  "You're invited to a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! Young Women Leadership Training on ____________."

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Note:  In case you were wondering, I used the HOT TAMALE font.  You can download it here for your own use.

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ARRIVAL

As each girl arrived they were given a passport (which could be stamped as they visited each station).  But before they got their passport - they had to translate atleast four of the following words into English.

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There was also a photo booth opportunity for the girls: sombreros, mustaches, maracas, and a back drop of the mariachi band and Spanish dancers.

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Each station was delegated to one of the members of the Young Women Presidency to  run.  They were asked to spend 5 minutes talking about their assigned trait of a leader (see below).  Then they introduced the activity - which reinforced the leadership trait.

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1. "A Leader... has vision"

- sets goals, faith

Activity:  Tortilla Toss

Supplies needed:  corn tortillas, measuring tape or tarp with holes

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2. "A Leader... gives direction"
- shares vision, belief, testimony

Activity:  Simon Says - in spanish (see actions below)

Supplies needed: signs with instructions english/spanish translations

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3. "A Leader... is strong"
- takes charge, is a doer, reaps rewards

Activity:  Pinata 

Supplies needed:  filled pinata, blindfold, stick

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4. "A Leader... encourages"
- inspires through example, leadership is defined through action, integrity

Activity:  Dance Instruction

Supplies needed:  music (Mexican hat dance), sombreros

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5. "A Leader... has a good attitude"

Take-A-Way:  Charles Swindle: Life is 10% what happens to you  90% how you react to it. 

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FIESTA! Time

The night ended with food at the "Value Cantina"!  We decorated an area to resemble a little mexican cantina.  A bowl of tortilla chips and a bowl of salsa was placed at each table.  Best part!  :)
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       Food Assignments:

• flour tortillas
• shredded pork (using Dr Pepper - from Pioneer Women Cooks)
• shredded lettuce
• cilantro-lime rice
• shredded cheese
• beans
• guacamole
• sour cream
• pico de gallo
• Bajio's cilantro lime dressing
• tortilla chips (for tables)
• salsa (for tables)

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ADDITIONAL IDEAS
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DIY MINI PINATAS

from Oh Happy Day

Wouldn't these make an awesome take-a-way?!

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cut-out flags

DIY tutorial here

purchase here or here