What Is a Youth Conference?

A youth conference is a gathering of youth on a ward or stake level. The length of the conference is determined by the youth committee who plans it and by priesthood leaders. Youth conferences should be planned to fulfill a gospel purpose.

Why Do We Have Youth Conferences?

The purposes of youth conferences are to help youth:

• Build faith in Jesus Christ.
• Strengthen testimonies.
• Develop talents.
• Make new friends.
• Have fun with youth who share similar beliefs and standards.
• Develop leadership skills as they help plan and carry out youth conferences.

When Are Youth Conferences Held?

The committees who plan conferences suggest (and priesthood leaders approve) the date, time, and place of the conference. School breaks might be an appropriate time for a conference.
 
Conferences should be scheduled on days other than Sundays. Exceptions must be approved by the Area Presidency.

Who Is Invited to Youth Conferences?

Youth conferences are usually for young women and young men ages 14 and above. Youth under 14 do not usually participate.

Adequate adult chaperones should always be present. Priesthood leaders, such as stake presidencies, high councilors, and bishoprics, attend conferences whenever possible. Young Women and Young Men presidencies and advisers are encouraged to attend the full conference.
 

How Do We Plan Youth Conferences?

Ward youth conferences are planned by the bishopric youth committee, under direction of the bishopric. The bishopric should obtain the stake presidency's approval for the plan.

Stake youth conferences are planned by the stake Aaronic Priesthood–Young Women committee, under the direction of the stake presidency. A stake youth temporary committee should help.

The committees that plan conferences recommend goals and a theme to priesthood leaders.

Leaders should seek guidance from the Lord, counsel with priesthood leaders, and include youth in making and implementing plans. Those who plan conferences should consider how to meet needs of less-active members and those who have disabilities.

Elements of the youth conference can include:

• General sessions.
• Speakers.
• Group meetings.
• Testimony meetings.
• Learning experiences.
• Activities that develop the theme.

How Do We Pay for Youth Conferences?

Expenses for youth conferences should be paid from stake or ward budget allowance funds. For further information, see the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders (1998), 226, 324.

• Video: "Helping the Youth of the Church Prepare for Spiritual Experiences"