Teens (11 - 18 years) 

Youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are like many other young people around the world. They go to movies, participate in sports, watch videos, text their friends, study for school, attend church and play musical instruments. 

They also are given opportunities to look outside themselves and consider the needs of others such as their family, friends and neighbors — to

...be a source of support for life’s challenges just as Jesus Christ showed with His example while on the earth.

Upcoming Events:

Girls camp is a springtime highlight for many young women in the Church. For most of a week in the mountains, the desert, on beaches and other locations, they enjoy activities that refine their outdoor skills and strengthen them spiritually to stay firmly connected to the values in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Church of Jesus Christ boys and girls also participate together for three to four days each year in an activity called “youth conference.” Teenage members in all parts of the world use their school vacation time to join in educational workshops, cultural presentations, service activities, dance festivals and spiritual discussions. At these summer conferences, young men and young women connect to learn more about each other and the beliefs they share.

In addition to Sunday worship and the weekly and summertime activities, Latter-day Saint youth between the ages of 14 through 18 enroll in seminary. Before the school year begins, youth sign up for daily gospel instruction during early-morning seminary.

The purpose of seminary is to help youth understand and rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ, qualify for the blessings of the temple and prepare themselves, their families and others for eternal life with their Father in Heaven.

Youth Theme for 2020:

Our new youth program focuses on parents and leaders working together with youth to deepen their conversion, become worthy disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and become men and women of integrity through: gospel learning, service and activities, and personal development (in these 4 areas: spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual).

Young Women (11 to 18 years)

The Young Women organization provides instruction, encouragement and support in living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Its purpose is to help young women build their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, understand their identities as daughters of God, obey God’s commandments and feel and recognize His guidance in their lives. The organization promotes the growth and development of each young woman through Sunday instruction, weekday activities and goal-setting and achievement programs.

History of the Young Women organization

Testimonials

"From age three I was singing the song, “I am a Child of God”. How could a small child understand that there was something about her—something about everyone—that makes them matter. I do not think that I would have such a deep understanding of the world and my role in it if I did not learn and practice it in my religion. It is because I know that there is a God, and he loves me, that I know that my life has a purpose, and it is my job to make it meaningful to me, Him, and everyone I meet. "

— Rebecca (age: 16)

“In today's world, the life I love to live is much different than teenagers around me. I dress differently, I talk differently, and I act differently. When others are wearing revealing clothing, I choose to cover my body up. When others are swearing, I choose to use uplifting and positive speech. When others choose to go to parties and drink, I choose to have good, clean fun without doing anything that would hurt my body. The reason for this is because I hold high standards to please The Lord and to stand as a witness of Christ at all times, in all things, and in all places. I dedicate not only three hours of church service on Sunday and keeping the Sabbath, but I also dedicate every day that I live to God. I go to early morning religious study before school every day and attend youth group and mission prep on
Wednesday nights. The gospel of Jesus Christ is what I love and I only want to learn more and share it to everyone around me!”

— Vanessa (age: 17)

Young Men (11 to 18 years)

Young men, who live Church standards, receive the Aaronic Priesthood and participate in weekly activities. Purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood organization include helping each young man live the teachings of Jesus Christ, fulfill priesthood responsibilities, give meaningful service, prepare for future respons-ibilities, prepare to serve a full-time mission, and prepare to become a responsible husband and father. These purposes are the focus of Sunday lessons, midweek activities, the Duty to God achievement program.