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A counselor involved in a For the Strength of Youth conference takes notes during a session at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Friday, June 3, 2022. Photo by Mengshin Lin, courtesy of Church News.Copyright 2022 Deseret News Publishing Company.
This story appears here courtesy of TheChurchNews.com. It is not for use by other media.
By Sydney Walker, Church News
After a historic summer of For the Strength of Youth (FSY) conference debuts in the United States and Canada, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing for another year of FSY.
An email from the Church was sent to parents in the U.S. and Canada this week about what to expect and how to prepare for FSY in 2023.
What Is FSY?
FSY is a large five-day 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. Modeled after Brigham Young University’s Especially for Youth program, FSY has been held internationally for more than 15 years.
At FSY, youth will associate with other youth who share their beliefs, learn to receive revelation and answers from the scriptures, be mentored by YSA counselors who teach and encourage them in gospel living, engage in activities that will bolster their self-esteem and increase their confidence, and more.
Key Dates for Sessions in the U.S. and Canada
- October–December: Bishops approve youth’s attendance (before registration).
- Late January: Registration opens for youth ages 14–18 who are not graduating in 2023 (they must be no younger than 14 and no older than 18 by December 31, 2023). Find your stake’s registration date here.
- Date to be determined: Registration opens for youth graduating in 2023 (they must be no older than 18 by the last day of the selected session).
- May 29–August 19: FSY conferences are in session.
5 Things to Do Now to Prepare
- Review the “Parents” page to understand FSY and what to expect.
- Browse available sessions for your stake. Registration does not open until late January.
- Verify that your youth has their own Church account tied to their membership number and that they can access it. Youth will register with their own Church accounts. Click here to create an account.
- Review the “Before FSY” section on the “Parents” page to help your youth get the most out of their FSY experience.
- Visit the FAQ section for answers to frequently asked questions.
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Attendees dance during a For the Strength of Youth conference at BYU in Provo, Utah, on Friday, June 3, 2022. Photo by Mengshin Lin, courtesy of Church News.Copyright 2022 Deseret News Publishing Company.
What Church Leaders Said About FSY
The Young Women and Young Men General Presidencies witnessed the far-reaching influence of FSY while visiting some of the conferences this summer.
“I’m grateful that the growth wasn’t just exclusive for the youth,” Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon told the Church News. “The growth was actually for anyone who touched FSY. Everyone who even went to observe FSY came to know the Savior better. It truly was a sacred ground, whether it was in Arkansas or Alaska or even in Germany, because we had youth all over the world going to FSY.”
Young Men General President Steven J. Lund added: “I experienced firsthand what President Cordon was talking about. My testimony changed as I saw how active the Spirit was. … It was like Heavenly Father and His Spirit seemed to follow these kids around, waiting for just the right teachable moment. And then intelligence would just pour into them. …
“They went through an arc of growth … ending in a place of real hope, real testimony, real conviction and real commitment.”
Copyright 2022 Deseret News Publishing Company.