Purpose
Help youth connect with their family history by sharing stories.
Activity Suggestion
Before the activity, invite the youth to identify a family story that they would like to share with the group. It could be a story from their family’s history or something meaningful that happened more recently, such as an event that affected them.
Then, at the activity, invite group members to take turns telling their stories. As part of the presentation, each person could explain why the story is meaningful. Invite the youth who are listening to be respectful and attentive.
After everyone shares their stories, discuss why family stories are important to record. You could encourage group members to record the story that they just shared.
Please adapt activities as necessary to ensure all individuals are able to participate, belong, and contribute.
Adaptation Ideas
- Encourage youth to bring pictures or objects that represent their stories.
- If a computer or tablet is available for use, introduce the group to FamilySearch.org. Show the group various functions on the website, such as how to record their stories and other family memories using FamilySearch Memories.
- Discuss the various ways that youth can preserve photos, videos, sound recordings, documents, and other pieces of family history.
Discussion
Encourage youth to talk about how what they are learning can help them and others grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity and should last just a few minutes. You could ask questions like the following:
- Why is it important for us to remember stories from our family histories?
- What is the best way you have found to record family stories?
- How can you help other people record their family history?
Related Resources
- Adam C. Olson, “The Power of Faith and Family Stories,” Ensign or Liahona, Sept. 2018