virtual-FSY-wood-banner
Tyler Smith, a participant at a virtual FSY session in summer 2023, shows a banner he made related to the 2023 youth theme. He chose to create a wood burning. Other youth created videos, made paper artwork, painted on fabric banners or utilized graphic design programs. Photo by Abby Allen, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.This story appears here courtesy of TheChurchNews.com. It is not for use by other media.
By Sydney Walker, Church News
As youth gathered on college campuses in the United States and Canada last summer for For Strength of Youth conferences, a pilot session of virtual FSY surpassed organizers’ expectations.
“Enrollment became triple what we expected for this 2023 virtual For the Strength of Youth pilot session,” said Connie Chatelain, who served as session director and was impressed by participants’ high log-in attendance, punctuality and online chatter between classes that rivaled what might take place in hallways and classrooms on campus.
“Because of the enthusiasm I saw and experienced amongst everyone involved, I’ll admit, I didn’t want the week to end,” she said.
FSY is a large multiday event that includes devotionals, classes and activities designed to help strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and help youth have fun as they learn to apply the gospel in all aspects of their lives.
Intended for youth in the U.S. and Canada who may not be able to attend an in-person session or prefer to attend from the comfort of their own home, virtual FSY is happening again summer 2024.
This time, two sessions will be offered:
- FSY Virtual 01: week of June 17, 2024
- FSY Virtual 02: week of July 29, 2024
Registration opens February 15, 2024, for on-cycle stakes and March 7, 2024, for off-cycle stakes.
An email sent to stake and ward disability specialists described virtual FSY as an option for youth “who may utilize additional supports for physical, emotional or mental safety.”
Virtual FSY 2023
Kelly Smith, FSY inclusion specialist in the Church’s Priesthood and Family Department, said the 2023 virtual FSY session was “one of the greatest sessions I have ever been part of.”
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Nate Doutre teaches a class with a picture of a Latter-day Saint temple during a virtual FSY session in summer 2023. He used a variety of visual and verbal techniques to engage an online audience. Photo provided by Kelly Smith, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.Many of the traditional FSY activities and classes were adapted to fit an online format, she said. Highlights included participation from all six members of the Young Men and Young Women General Presidencies and an appearance from singer-songwriter Nik Day, who performed some popular youth theme songs.
“One of the best moments of the session was when a youth gave the opening prayer for a devotional, using his communication device,” Smith said. “I loved hearing and learning of the various ways we can all connect with our Father in Heaven. Watching the counselors, teachers and session directors love and include the youth throughout the week was humbling and faith building for myself.”
Josh Hadden shared his experience as a counselor: “To hold space for youth who are often overlooked or left out was just so special. These youth were from so many different walks of life and just to see them come together as children of God was so beautiful. It was an honor to spend time with these youth as they all participated and strived to come closer to Christ, no matter their circumstances.”
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FSY counselors Matthew Schwartz and Michelle Daniels take a selfie as they participate in a virtual FSY session July 31-August 3, 2023. Photo by Matthew Schwartz, courtesy of Church News.All rights reserved.Additional Info
For youth who attend a virtual FSY session, wards and branches will pay the ward/branch fee of $75 USD/$100 CAD. There is no participant/youth fee, nor do wards and branches need to cover the participant fee.
The two virtual FSY sessions in 2024 are available for the U.S. and Canada only. Other countries are encouraged to work with their local areas to determine what accommodations and special requests are available to them.
Questions about virtual FSY can be sent to FSYAccommodations@ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company.