youth conference 2009

Our stake put together the most incredible Youth Conference for the kids! Every other year when there is a stake YC, they either go on Trek or a Book of Mormon experience...this was the year of the BoM. Technically I didn't need to go because they didn't need us as leaders, but my friend Nan hooked me up (with her and a few others) to take pictures. Yes, that was our only job...all day long...taking pictures, looking for "the shot," whenever, wherever. It was a rough job, but somebody had to do it!! Now I know what I want to do in my next life...;)

Seriously yummy food for "roughing it"

But before we got up there, we began at the stake center, in our "Book of Mormon attire." The gym was decorated up to look like old Jerusalem. There were games, activities, a carpenter, fabrics, pottery, and, of course, plenty of food!

As we were driving into camp, the dark and threatening clouds were moving in quickly. This was nothing new, since it had rained almost every day in June up to this point, but we were hoping for better.

Just after everyone arrived and gathered together into their families, with Lehi's and Sariah's as parents over around 10-12 "children," the heavens opened up and the rain/hail came down!! I do feel kind of bad that Nan and I kept warm/dry in my car (just after we dropped off Julie!), but I did get a couple of pretty cool pictures from there!

(Thanks to Julie for some of her "outdoor" pictures!)

But almost as quickly as it came, the storm was gone, and left us with beautiful blue skies...and a whole lotta MUD!!

The first day the "families" played games that helped them to get to know each other better and they learned to work together.

It was crazy muddy out there from all the rain!

Emily and Lindsey--two of our cute laurels!

The next days activities were more of a spiritual nature.

The Whisperings of the Spirit activity was one of the kids' favorite activity. While blindfolded, they had to choose which voice to follow--if they didn't choose the right voice, they were led all over the place; through puddles and mud, over rocks, or just led around in circles. The correct voice would lead them back to their family.

One of our favorite Sariah's and Lehi's--Julie and Tom.

This was the Iron Rod activity, and it was one of my favorites. The kids were blindfolded, and then followed a rope that they were holding on to. At one point the rope ends. Then what do you do? Many tried to find their own way to the next rope, but there were some who dropped to their knees, as an act of asking for help. It was a very powerful message.

These were some of my favorite pictures that didn't really fit in anywhere else...

A big part of the Book of Mormon experience were the reinactments of different B of M stories.

At the stake center before we left, we watched the story of Lehi leading his family out of Jerusalem, and Nephi and his brothers going back to get the brass plates from Laban. After they got the records and were about to continue on their journey, everyone kneeled with them in prayer as we all began our journey "into the wilderness."

After the morning storm, followed by "family activities" on the first day, that afternoon we met together in the big grassy field. We were greeted and taught by King Benjamin.

That night after dinner, we met in the same field to watch King Noah and his wicked priests capture the prophet Abinadai. Abinadai (our bishop) told the king and his priests that they needed to repent. One priest, Alma, believed the teachings of Abinadai, and was able to escape.
Abinadai was not so fortunate, but was burned at the stake for following the teachings of God. This was a very powerful moment. (note: our bishop was NOT burned at the stake, but was switched out before then; whew!)

Alma and the sons of Mosiah made a visit to our group the following day.

I had to leave that Friday night and get back to sick kids with high fevers, so I missed Captain Moroni, and the prophet Moroni. Capt. Moroni, funny enough, knew how to work email and sent me a copy of his amazing talk. I also missed the thunder and lightning "storm" created at 3am Saturday morning, prior to the visitation of Christ to the camp. The entire weekend was a great experience for the kids, and for the rest of us. You read these stories in the Book of Mormon, but to see them acted out and to imagine what it must have been like really brings it all to life.

Me and Nan ;) Thanks for inviting me to go!!