Children and Youth Development
Worldwide Children and Youth Initiative on Track for 2020
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is moving forward on its new global initiative for children and youth that will become available to millions of Latter-day Saint children and youth beginning in 2020. The initiative will provide children, youth, families, and leaders with personalized opportunities to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually through meaningful activities, service, gospel learning, and inspired goal setting.
“This is going to be an exciting, wonderful enhancement to everything we have done before,” said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “This new initiative is not only going to point them all to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it’s going to give opportunities for large gatherings and personal development through goals and achievement of goals.”
On May 8, 2018, the First Presidency announced that a new initiative is being developed to replace existing children and youth programs within the Church, including Boy Scouts of America, Personal Progress, Duty to God, and Faith in God.
“For years, Church leaders have been preparing a new initiative to teach and provide leadership and development opportunities to all children and youth, to support families, and to strengthen youth everywhere as they develop faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” stated the First Presidency in the May announcement.
The new initiative will allow local leaders and families to customize their weekday activities, service opportunities, camps, and other outdoor activities to meet the needs of children and youth rather than prescribed requirements.
The new initiative is being tested in locations around the world. “It kind of brings every aspect to be more spiritual and closer to Heavenly Father,” said Maribelle, a young woman who has been participating in the initiative. “We can bring school activities or other activities—sports, art classes, music—it kind of ties it all together.”
“We want to see who you want to become, who you desire to become, and what you desire your life to look like,” said Debbie, a Young Women president. “I think offering them that freedom helps them feel the responsibility of it but also makes them feel that this is their choice.”
“You can determine your spiritual and temporal destiny and your ability to access the power of the Savior’s Atonement and to follow Him in His example,” said Amie, a Young Women president.
“We are thrilled with what we are learning and so excited in the future of this new initiative,” said Elder Rasband. “It focuses on what really matters, helping our children and youth discover their eternal identity and develop skills and talents unique to them. As the Church continues to grow and the world continues to change, the time is right for a simplified, personalized approach to helping children and youth.”
Details about the global initiative for children and youth will be shared at ChildrenAndYouth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org as the implementation date approaches.
2020 New Initiative for Children and Youth
New resources for children and youth to build on home-centered, Church-supported principles
The new initiative for children and youth announced on May 8, 2018, and coming in 2020 will build on the home-centered, Church-supported principles described by President Russell M. Nelson at October 2018 general conference.
Watch as Primary, Young Women, Young Men, and Relief Society General Presidents teach principles about creating a home-centered, Church-supported experience while they answer the questions below:
Age Changes for Youth Progression and Ordination Announced
December 14, 2018
A recent announcement changes when children and youth progress from Primary to youth programs—and when youth move to new classes and quorums. In addition, young women may receive their first temple recommend and young men may receive the Aaronic Priesthood and then their first temple recommend in January of the year they turn 12. These changes represent the desire of Church leaders to help children and youth build faith in Jesus Christ, increase unity, and enjoy opportunities to serve one another and do the Lord’s work. Read the details in a First Presidency letter and enclosure.
Strengthening Faith through Inspired Activities—What to Expect in 2020
September 20, 2018
On May 8, 2018, the Church announced plans for new resources designed to help all girls and boys, young women and young men ages 8–18 build faith in Jesus Christ, build character and resilience, develop life skills, and fulfill their divine roles as daughters and sons of God.
Some have asked about the types of activities that will be part of the new children and youth development experience that will replace existing programs for children and youth in 2020.
See the additional frequently asked questions and answers below.
Will camps and other outdoor activities be part of the new experience in 2020?
Yes. Camps and other outdoor activities will be an important part of gospel learning, building relationships, and strengthening faith in Jesus Christ. Children and youth may participate in Primary day camps, Young Women camps, Young Men camps, and high adventure activities. Local leaders, youth, and parents will identify and provide outdoor activities that invite spiritual experiences and meet the needs of their children and youth.
What other types of activities will be part of the new experience?
Activities will be based on needs rather than requirements. Weekday activities, outdoor adventures, and youth conferences will continue as a vital part of helping children and youth learn, develop friendships, serve, and strengthen faith in Jesus Christ.
For additional answers about the new children and youth development experience coming in January 2020, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
New Children and Youth Development Initiative Coming January 2020
May 8, 2018
New initiative to replace all existing activity programs for girls and boys, young women and young men in 2020.
The needs of all children and youth of our faith worldwide are the primary consideration for our youth initiatives. For years, Church leaders have focused on creating ways to minister to the needs of young people around the world. A new initiative, coming January 2020, is designed to support families as they seek to develop faith in Jesus Christ and build character and capacity. Testing and refinement is in progress and more details will be shared as we near implementation.