LDS Youth Conference Ideas: Themes, Activities, and Planning Rules
An LDS youth conference is an annual gathering for young men and young women ages 14 to 18 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held at the ward, stake, multistake, or area level. It helps youth build faith in Jesus Christ, make friends, and have fun. It is not held in FSY years.
First, check the year. If your stake is assigned to attend FSY next summer, you will not hold a youth conference that year. If you are holding one, the timeline and packing list below will save you a few planning meetings.
What is a youth conference?
The General Handbook explains: "Beginning in January of the year they turn 14, young men and young women are invited to participate together in a youth conference. Eighteen-year-olds may also attend". Youth conferences "are usually held once each year on a ward or stake level" and may also be held at a multistake or area level (General Handbook chapter 20).
One rule surprises many new leaders: "In a year that youth are assigned to attend an FSY conference, stakes and wards should not hold youth conferences." See our guide to what FSY is.
The handbook lists five purposes. Youth conferences help youth:
- Build faith in Jesus Christ.
- Strengthen testimonies.
- Develop talents.
- Make new friends.
- Have fun with youth who share similar beliefs and standards.
Who plans a youth conference?
- Ward youth conference: planned and carried out by the ward youth council under the direction of the bishopric. The bishopric obtains the stake presidency's approval of plans.
- Stake youth conference: planned and carried out by the stake youth leadership committee, with youth invited to assist "as much as possible."
Youth "can also learn leadership skills as they help plan youth conferences," so give them real responsibility.
What rules apply to youth conference planning?
From the General Handbook:
| Topic | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Theme | Select a gospel theme, such as a scripture; the Church's annual youth theme could be used. Bishopric or stake presidency approves. |
| Speakers and activities | All must be approved by the bishopric or stake presidency |
| Funding | Funded from the stake or ward budget; members should not be asked to pay |
| Sunday | Sunday events must fit the Sabbath; no sacrament meetings outside meetinghouses without Area Presidency approval; no travel on Sunday |
| Supervision | Adequate adult supervision at all times |
| Safety | Follow all safety guidelines in chapter 20 |
| Overnight | Combined overnight activities must be approved by the bishop and stake president |
What are good youth conference themes?
Choose a scripture-based theme. A few that work well:
- "Come unto Christ" (Moroni 10:32).
- "Be Strong and of a Good Courage" (Joshua 1:9).
- "Let Your Light So Shine" (Matthew 5:16).
- "Build Upon the Rock" (Helaman 5:12).
- "Press Forward" (2 Nephi 31:20).
- "Remember Who You Are."
- "Stand in Holy Places" (Doctrine and Covenants 87:8).
- "Ask of God" (James 1:5).
- "The Covenant Path."
- "Lift Where You Stand."
- "Hear Him."
- The current year's youth theme.
What activities work well at youth conference?
Spiritual
- Temple trip for proxy baptisms (within your temple district, following Church temple visit guidelines)
- Devotionals by approved speakers
- Small-group scripture discussions led by youth
- Testimony meeting
Service
- A large service project for a local charity or community. JustServe lists projects where available.
- Assembly line of hygiene or school kits
Social and fun
- Mixer games across wards
- A youth dance (see our stake dance guide)
- Talent night
- Group dinner
Physical and skills
- Ropes course or climbing (written permission; vendor waivers)
- Workshops: cooking, first aid, car care, mission prep, college prep
Sample stake youth conference schedule
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | Check-in, opening devotional, mixers | Workshops | Dinner, dance |
| Saturday | Service project | Temple trip or outdoor activity | Talent night, testimonies, travel home |
If the conference spans Sunday, the handbook says Sunday events must be appropriate for the Sabbath, and "groups should not travel to or from youth conference on a Sunday."
What forms does a youth conference need?
Most youth conferences involve an overnight stay, travel, or higher-risk activities, so written parental consent is needed using the Church's Permission and Medical Release form (General Handbook 20.7.4). For overnight activities, leaders also fill out an Event and Activity Plan.
Collecting forms from every ward is often the biggest headache. You can text parents one Ward Waivers link. They read the details and sign on their phone, and you see who still needs to sign. It does not replace any official form your bishop or stake president asks you to use. Set up your activity. Pair it with our youth camp waiver checklist.
How do you give youth real ownership of youth conference?
The General Handbook says youth "can also learn leadership skills as they help plan youth conferences" and should be invited to assist "as much as possible." Some ways to make that real:
- Form youth subcommittees. Theme and devotionals, service project, social activities, food, and communication.
- Let youth choose the theme from a short list approved by the bishopric or stake presidency.
- Have youth emcee sessions and introduce speakers.
- Let youth design the service project after talking with a local organization about real needs.
- Debrief with youth afterward and save notes for next year's committee.
What are common youth conference planning mistakes?
- Over-scheduling. Youth need unstructured time to make friends.
- Long talks. Keep devotionals short and interactive.
- Late forms. Send permission forms two to three months out, not the week before.
- Ignoring dietary and medical needs. Collect them early with the Permission and Medical Release form so the food and medical teams can plan.
- Forgetting the youth who don't usually come. Personal invitations from other youth matter most.
What should a youth conference budget include?
The handbook says budget funds should pay for activities, with possible exceptions listed in 20.6.2. Youth conference is not on that list of camps participants may be asked to help pay for, so plan it within the ward or stake budget (General Handbook 20.6). When Church facilities are inadequate for a stake or multistake activity, facilities may be rented with approval from the stake president (20.8.2).
| Line item | Estimate for 60 youth (United States) |
|---|---|
| Food (5 to 6 meals plus snacks) | $900 to $1,800 |
| Facility or campsite rental | $0 (Church site) to $1,500 |
| Transportation | $0 (approved private vehicles) to $2,000 (charter bus) |
| Service project supplies | $100 to $400 |
| Dance (DJ under a Performance Contract) | $150 to $500 |
| Decorations, printing, name tags | $50 to $150 |
All figures are estimates. Get real quotes and bishopric or stake presidency approval before you commit to any vendor.
Finally, remember that the purpose is the youth, not the program. A simple conference where youth feel loved, make friends, and feel the Spirit is a success.
What does a youth conference planning timeline look like?
| When | Steps |
|---|---|
| 6 to 9 months out | Confirm it is not an FSY year; choose dates that avoid Sunday travel; youth committee picks a theme |
| 4 to 6 months out | Reserve the site; submit the budget; plan the Event and Activity Plan for overnight stays |
| 2 to 3 months out | Assign workshops, service project, dance, and devotional speakers |
| 6 to 8 weeks out | Send parent permission and medical forms |
| 2 weeks out | Chase missing forms; confirm drivers, rooms, and meal counts |
| Week of | Print rosters with medical needs for the activity leader; packing list to parents |
| After | Thank-you notes; share a few youth experiences in sacrament meeting if leaders invite it |
Youth conference packing list for youth
- ☐ Scriptures and a journal
- ☐ Clothes for each day, plus Sunday clothes for a devotional if requested
- ☐ Dance clothes that follow For the Strength of Youth
- ☐ Comfortable shoes for service and games
- ☐ Sleeping bag or bedding, pillow, toiletries
- ☐ Water bottle and sunscreen
- ☐ Medications, labeled, with instructions on the medical form
- ☐ Rain jacket
Bad-weather plan: for every outdoor block, name an indoor room and a backup activity (for example, swap the outdoor service project for an indoor kit assembly).
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to go to youth conference?
Youth may attend youth conferences beginning in January of the year they turn 14. Eighteen-year-olds may also attend, including those who have been ordained elders or endowed.
Is youth conference the same as FSY?
No. FSY (For the Strength of Youth) conferences are Church-organized conferences youth attend in assigned years. In a year youth are assigned to attend FSY, wards and stakes should not hold youth conferences.
Who pays for youth conference?
Youth conferences are funded from the stake or ward budget. The General Handbook says members should not be asked to pay for youth conferences.
How often are youth conferences held?
Youth conferences are usually held once each year at the ward or stake level, except in years youth attend FSY.
Can youth conference include a temple trip?
Yes, many do. Temple visits are organized within the assigned temple district, and visits outside the district or overnight temple visits require stake presidency approval.
Do parents need to sign a form for youth conference?
If the conference includes an overnight stay, lengthy travel, or higher than ordinary risk, written consent is required using the Church's Permission and Medical Release form.
Who approves youth conference speakers and activities?
The bishopric (for a ward youth conference) or stake presidency (for a stake youth conference) approves all speakers and activities, as well as the conference theme.
Ward Waivers is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These resources provide general organizational information, not legal advice. Follow current Church guidance, local leader direction, and any required official forms.