How to work with YCLs

These YCLs have already done a remarkable job planning camp. They have thoughtfully selected the theme, designed the T-shirts and came up with the overall layout for 2022 camp.

Our YW Camp Training documentation states the following:

“Young women are vital and central to the planning, carrying out, and evaluation of camp. Youth camp leaders should be part of the planning process from the very start.” The Concord Stake YW has already started with the YCL council. These monthly meetings are expressly for the planning and execution of YW Camp.

The Concord Stake YW will help the girls focus on activities that “explore their interests, increase in self-reliance and outdoor skills, develop friendships and leadership skills, and grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ.” We will be taking each girls mental and physical health and safety into consideration when planning activities. Our focus should be choosing activities with a balance of spiritual, social, physical and intellectual characteristics.

As the YCL’s plan the activities, we will ask them to consider the following before finalizing any details:

1. How does this activity fulfill our goals for camp?

2. What important lessons will the young women learn from this activity?

3. What skills will this activity help the young women to develop?

4. How will this activity strengthen the young women, their homes, and their families?

5. Does this activity have a greater than average risk of illness or injury? Have we made sufficient plans to minimize those risks?

President M. Russell Ballard taught that “councils are the most effective way to bring collective wisdom together under the influence of the Lord’s Spirit. Council members first share ideas and concerns; then after all have shared, possible solutions can be discussed.” The YCL Council is doing just that as we head towards the summer months. But it is not enough. Not all the YCL’s are sharing their thoughts. Not all of them are participating. We need all voices to be heard.

How can the local unit YW Presidencies help?

• Encourage YCL age girls to participate in our monthly YCL training.

• Encourage them to pray for the girls prior to attending the YCL council meetings.

• Help them seek personal revelation as they plan camp.

• Help them counsel with their own YW unit to gain understanding of how they can make camp a place where all girls are included.

We are so excited to be working with such a beautiful and talented group of YCL’s.

Please read and review with your YCLs the Young Women Camp Guide. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/young-women-camp-guide

Camp is an opportunity for the young women to develop and practice leadership skills as they plan for and lead at camp. Young women ages 16 and 17 can be called as youth camp leaders. These youth camp leaders should have the primary responsibility for planning, directing, and evaluating camp. They counsel with the Young Women presidency, ward and stake camp leaders, and priesthood leaders. If a ward or stake does not have young women this age, young women of other ages can fulfill these roles. Class presidencies may also have leadership responsibilities at camp. For resources to help the young women prepare for these leadership roles, see Handbook 2, section 3.3 and the class presidency leadership lessons under the “Leader Resources” link at youngwomen.lds.org.

Typical youth camp leader responsibilities include conducting the planning meetings, choosing and planning the activities, directing and conducting specific activities, and evaluating camp.

Sister Lopez’s final note:

Let them plan, guide them to success, teach them to minister to the one while planning for the many. Teach them to rely on prayer while planning and respect the revelation they receive over their stewardship. The Lord has prepared these girls for these days. They want to lead. Work with them and they will amaze you!

Thank you for taking on this challenge. I pray that you will draw out these beautiful young women’s strengths and all be edified together.