2022 Fall Stake Primary Leadership Meeting

The weather in Phoenix, AZ is finally nice so we had our meeting at the Stake Center Pavilion, decorated in fall colors.

When I was thinking of a theme I knew I wanted to have it outside. I thought it would be fun to have S'mores and a "glamping" feel. Our secretary bore her testimony in Sacrament Meeting and talked about a song by Kenneth Cope called "More" and wanting to give more of herself. That struck me and went so well with the thoughts I'd been having about the meeting so, the theme we ended up with was "S'MORE of me to Give."

Invitation

Since the Pavilion is so big and we were only planning for 40, we divided it in half with white (shower) curtains and lights. This gave a "behind the scenes" place for our servers (my husband and my Secretary's son) to setup and take down dinner and dessert.

Note the EZ-up tent on the right. More about that later.

Food table in front of divider curtain.

As they arrived, we gave each sister a nametag with her name, calling and ward so they could get to know each other, especially while Speed-Friendshipping. Plus, I've found that people like to see their name on things.

2"x4" label

Dinner:

Announcement: "We are on a tight timeline tonight so we can do all the fun stuff we have planned and get you home at a reasonable hour. If you don't want to go home, you will have time to mingle at the end. We will be ending dinner promptly at 6:30."

Dinner was Walking Tacos. We put this sign on the food table.

Walking Tacos sign

Table centerpieces

Speed-Friendshipping:

After dinner, we had Speed-Friendshipping and Presidency to Presidency interviews in the tent.

Announcement: "We want you to get to know each other and have the opportunity to teach and learn from those in your position. See the rules posted on your tables. Please spread out and sit 6 per table with 3 on each side. Those sitting on the inside will rotate clockwise, every 3 minutes. Please move quickly when you hear the bell ring.

At the same time, there will be Presidency Interviews conducted out at the tent – every 6 minutes or 2 rotations. We will start with Bethany Home Ward and continue alphabetically. When you come back from the tent, please tag out the next ward and take their places at the tables. 

Try not to "friend" someone from your own ward or the same person twice. Simply trade places with someone else. This is going to be organized chaos! Please ask the questions from the list provided – a different question for each rotation. Take notes and review them at your next Presidency meeting."

Rules and schedule on each table

The flowers in the centerpieces were pens for them to take notes with on their programs.

Front and back cover with words to song (later).

Inside questions and notes area.

Questions - 1 per round:

1. What is something you love about working in Primary?
2. What is your first memory from Primary?
3. What is your favorite thing about the Primary Sacrament Program?
4. What is a major challenge in creating/running the Primary Sacrament Program? How might you overcome that challenge? 
5. What is the biggest challenge right now with your calling?
6. What aspect of your Primary are you most proud of?
7. What is your favorite Primary song? 
8. What Primary song drives you crazy? You’re not saying that it is bad, just that it doesn’t need to be sung quite so often.
9. How do you minister to teachers and help them catch an expanded vision of their role as more than a Sunday teacher?
10. How do you make connections with the children?
11. How do you respond to an unruly child?
12. How do you encourage reverence?
13. What are your favorite resources (websites, books, etc.) for Primary ideas and inspiration?
14. What makes for a ‘good day’ in Primary?
15. Name someone who influenced you as a child and why.
16. If you could pass on any Primary wisdom, what would you share?

They loved it and had a blast!!

Presidency to Presidency Interviews:

We setup a tent for interviews so we could have a little privacy. The Second Counselor of the Stake Presidency also joined us. 

We almost had to move it because it was hanging out over the grass and the sprinklers came on right at 6:00. We put bowls over them and then stepped on them. Luckily they were only on for 2 minutes. LOL!

EZ up tent with 3 walls, lights and table

Centerpiece in tent with mints

Last month we sent out a survey with "housekeeping" questions to remind them of what is in the Handbook. During our interviews we went over their answers and areas that need improvement. Questions are listed below.

Survey Questions:

Singing Time

• Do you feel your Primary children are learning gospel principles as they sing Primary songs?
• Do you sing Welcome and/or Birthday songs?

Nursery

• Does the music leader go into Nursery?
• Does Nursery sing only songs that are in the Children's Songbook?

Classes

• Does each Primary class have two teachers?
• Do you attend Primary classes periodically?

Children and Youth Program

• Are children participating in the Children and Youth Program?
• Do you feel parents are familiar with their role and responsibilities in the program?

Primary Activities

• How often are Primary activities being held?
• Do boys and girls meet together for Primary activities?
• If so, how often do they meet together?

Ward Support

• Do you feel your ward is generally supportive in taking the Protecting Children and Youth training?
• Does your bishop and/or counselors attend Primary regularly?
• If so, how often?
• Do you feel your voice is being heard in Ward Council meetings?

Training

• Do you feel like you have been trained for your calling?
• What would you like to have more training on?

Ending on a Positive Note

• What is one thing you feel your Primary is doing really well?
• What do you love about Primary?

Talk:

After the Speed-Friendshipping and interviews, we listened to the song "More" by Kenneth Cope while reading the words on the back of the program.

In my talk I referenced the Latter-day Saint Women Podcast, episode 67 - "The Lord Multiplies Our Efforts" and this quote the was on the Program cover:

Elder M. Russell Ballard said "Be patient with yourself. Perfection comes not in this life, but in the next life. Don't demand things that are unreasonable, but demand of yourself improvement. As you let the Lord help you through that, He will make the difference." 

One of my favorite quotes from the General Primary Presidency from the 2018 Outline for Sharing Time: "We have the sacred blessing and opportunity to help each child in Primary come to know that he or she is a child of God. We hope that the children will learn this important truth as they feel our Heavenly Father’s love for them. You can help the children understand their divine identity, purpose, and potential. You can help them increase their faith in Jesus Christ and their testimony of our Heavenly Father’s plan for them. And you can give them hope for their future and strengthen their desire to stay on the path back to our Heavenly Father."

Our Stake Presidency Second Counselor gave some closing remarks and we ended with S'MORES for dessert.

They hung out for quite awhile and didn't seem to want to leave. We were all having too much fun and enjoying one another's company. I think it turned out really well.

Favors:

As they left we gave each sister S'more S'MORES to take home. 

Laser engraved candle holders.

Program, candle holder, wood pick & S'mores kit

Bagged up with unused nametags for those that didn't come.

Old Testament Primary Day Camp

The focus of study this year is the Old Testament. We planned a day camp for the girls and boys, ages 7-11, in our stake. We divided the children into 6 of the tribes of Israel (about 10 children each). Activity leaders from each ward showed a video about one of the prophets and then lead an activity. We ended the day with a few water games that went along with other Bible stories.

Poster/Invitations:

Setup: I find it is always helpful to have a map and instructions for number of tables and chairs that are needed. That way, I can hand it to the helpers setting up and they know exactly what is needed.

Class/Bell Schedule: It is important to have a schedule and that everyone sticks to it. Make your life easier and assign someone to bell duty. They can set the alarms on their cell phone to remember to ring the bells.

Groups: As the children arrived we assigned them to a tribe. There are 8 wards in our stake so we asked each ward to supply 2 helpers to be group guides (2 per tribe). They each received a schedule and a group sign in a page protector to help guide their groups.

1. Ask child if they have a tribe preference so they can be with their friends.
2. Try to keep the tribes even – within 1 or 2.
3. Add a tally mark to the tribe. 
4. Stamp child's hand and book (using Bingo daubers) with the color of the tribe.­

Letter to Class Activity Leaders:

You will be playing a video and then leading an activity. Teach with the spirit and expand on the topic as inspired but please keep within the time restraints of the schedule. We will provide everything you need for the activities. We will download and make sure there is a TV and USB drive to play the videos in each room. You may decorate your classroom any way you wish in keeping with the biblical theme, but it is not required. Costumes are also not required. Please let us know if you need any help or any other supplies for your class not listed below. We will be at the building starting at 8:00 am to set up.

We are creating a booklet to remind the children what they learned (see link). We will provide star stickers and ask that at the end of each class, you put a star on your class's page, in the circle that appears in the upper corner. 

Your class will be held 6 times and should last 15-18 minutes each. We estimate between 13 and 17 girls and boys per group. Each group will have at least two adult group guides to help. Please be ready to teach the first class by 9:45 am. You may attend the "Friend to Friend" broadcast at 9:00, if you'd like. Please make sure to join us for a pizza lunch!

After 15 minutes in your class, you will hear two short bells. This is your three-minute warning. Please do not dismiss children until you hear the single long bell. Then, be sure to dismiss the children promptly so they can begin the next class on time.

At the end of each class, please put a star sticker on your class's page in the children's booklets.

Class A: Enoch (Primary Room)

Video: Enoch the Prophet (1:37)

Incorporate Love, Share and Invite. Explain that Enoch was afraid to speak to the people, just like we are sometimes afraid to speak to our friends about the gospel. We just need to show love, and the lord will give us strength. When we share and invite others to the gospel everyone will be happy like the city of Zion.

Activity: Play the game "Walking with God" (3-legged races). Have students pair up, side-by-side and tie their legs together to set up for a three-legged race. Mark a start and finish line.

Round 1. Cooperation: The Bible said Enoch walked with God. You can imagine two friends taking a walk and talking together side by side. So, we’re going to practice walking with someone else. You’ll need to work together and walk slowly this time.

Round 2. Speed: Sometimes, things in life happen very quickly, and we still need to be able to walk with God when things get busy. This time, walk quickly but remember, if you fall down, you have to start back at the beginning.

Round 3. Hopping: And sometimes, life is crazy, but God is always right there with us. So, this time, you’re going to walk with God by jumping together to the finish line.

Round 4. Crab Walking: And sometimes, life is really hard. Things happen and we get sad, but God is still with us through those hard times. So, this time, walk like a crab with your partner to the finish line.

When we walk with God in life, we will eventually get to the finish line. The finish line that we’re all going for is Heaven. God might not take us away like He took Enoch, but when we die, God will take us to be with Him in Heaven.

If time allows, you can have the students pair up with another teammate and repeat the rounds.

We will provide rope to tie children's legs together (at knee or just below).

Class B: Joseph (Nursery Room)

Video: Joseph’s Inspired Dreams (2:17) – If there is extra time you can show Joseph In Egypt (2:50), and Joseph and the Famine (2:25)

Explain that after Joseph was sold as a slave, he became a trusted leader in Egypt because he was honest and hardworking. When his brothers came to Egypt to ask for help, because there was a famine, Joseph forgave his brothers and sent for the rest of his family to come to Egypt. He gave them land and animals and they lived in peace for a long time. How difficult is it to forgive your siblings or show them love or service? How about asking for forgiveness when you've been wrong?

Activity: On the cut-out shapes, write things you love about your family or things you can do to show kindness or service to them. Or write a message of forgiveness. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love and forgiveness. Make sure kids' names are on them so they don't get lost. We will pick them up at the end of each class and keep them until the end. Kids should not take them out of the class.

We will provide 2 long tables with 8 chairs each, cut-out shapes, markers, paperclips.

Class C: Moses (Young Women Room)

Video: Moses on Mount Sinai (2:55)

Read or paraphrase: The Ten Commandments Teach Me to Love God and His Children - Did you know that by making good decisions, you are following the Ten Commandments? After the Israelites escaped from Egypt, they needed guidance from the Lord. Through the prophet Moses, the Lord gave the people 10 important commandments to follow to live a righteous life. The Ten Commandments teach about respecting God, being honest, honoring our parents, keeping the Sabbath day holy, and being good neighbors. These rules are as important today as they were thousands of years ago. When we follow the Lord’s commandments, we learn to love and respect God and be kind and loving to those around us.

Activity: Memorize the Ten Commandments using the Missionary Method Video (2:08) – finger memorization. If you have extra time, you can quiz them on the different finger signs or sing "Keep the Commandments"

Class D: Joshua (Relief Society Room)

Video: Joshua the Prophet (2:58)

Explain that the ark of the covenant was a sacred chest that contained the Ten commandments and scriptures. The ark, like a temple, was a symbol of deep spiritual meaning and it blessed the Israelites when they were faithful to the Lord and His covenants.

Activity: Roll play! Make a fort using chairs, sheets and clothes pins. March around the fort carrying the Ark of covenant, blow horns and shouting. After 7 rounds, make the walls "fall" down. Put chairs and sheets down for the next group. Throw horns in the trash. Do not allow horns to leave the room!

We will provide ark, sheets, clothes pins, paper to make horns

Class E: Daniel (Multi-Purpose Room)

Video: Daniel and His Friends (1:38) AND Daniel and the Lions’ Den (1:45)

Activity 1: If we live the Word of Wisdom, we’ll receive many blessings. Heavenly Father has promised us that we (D&C 89:20) "…shall run and not be weary and shall walk and not faint." Just as Daniel and his friends were stronger for refusing the King's food. Using the toy food, sort them into 'healthy' and 'unhealthy'.

Activity 2: Daniel had the courage to pray even though it was breaking the law because he knew it was the right thing to do. While he was in the lion's den God sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths and the lions did not hurt him. Play 'Daniel Says' (like Simon Says) where everyone else is a lion and does what Daniel says. The last one left gets to be Daniel the next game.

We will provide toy food.

Class F: Esther (Overflow)

Video: Queen Esther (2:44)

Esther was brave and believed in God. You can be courageous and stand up for what’s right just like Queen Esther.

Activity: Origami crowns (Instructions or video) Make sure kids' names are on them so they don't get lost. We will pick them up at the end of each class and keep them until the end. Kids should not wear them out of the class.

We will provide 2 long tables with 8 chairs each, 6X6" scrapbook paper.

Water Games

We will end the activity with water games, outside at the pavilion, from 12:45 to 1:00. We hope to have two volunteers helping with each game. One should be prepared to tell the brief story while the children are playing or in line to play. The other volunteer should be helping setup and lead the game. The directions for the game are below. 

Tower of Babel  (Sounds like 'bay-bull') 

After the flood, the people began to disobey God. Some of them did not believe God’s plan. Without asking God, they started building a tower to try to get to heaven. It was a false temple called the Tower of Babel.

God was not happy that the people were building the tower. He changed their language so that they could not understand each other. Because they could not understand each other, they had to stop building the tower.

God scattered the people and sent them all over the earth to live.

Game:

Build a tower to try and reach heaven. 

• Stack plastic cups as high as you can, filling every other one with water (1/4 full). Cups should be stacked one on top of the other, not in a pyramid.
• Start on the ground as towers can get pretty tall.
• When the cups fall over, they'll make a splash!

Noah's Ark 

The Lord told Noah a flood would cover the earth if the people did not repent but they would not listen. The Lord told Noah to build a large ship called an ark. The ark would keep Noah’s family safe during the flood.

Noah’s family brought food into the ark. The Lord sent at least two animals of every kind to Noah. The animals went into the ark, and seven days later it started to rain.

It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. A flood covered the earth. When the flood ended, the ark landed on dry ground. The Lord promised to never flood the earth again. He sent a rainbow as a reminder of His promise.

Game:

Race arks through the flood to get to the promised land. 

Rain Gutter Regatta boat race - On the starter's command, blow into the sail of the boat with the provided straw to race them through the water.  The boat can only be propelled by blowing into the sail using the straw.  Once the race has started, you CANNOT touch the boat with your hands, except to right a capsized boat.

Throw straws away when finished.

Deborah the Prophetess 

Deborah was a righteous leader who sat beneath a palm tree to listen to and teach the people. The Lord told Deborah to gather an army of Israelites to fight against the Canaanites. The Israelite army gathered on a mountain, and the Canaanites gathered in the valley. The Lord sent rain, and the Canaanites’ were drowned and swept away in the river.

Game:

Israelites vs. Canaanites - tug of war. 

• An equal number of players pick up each end of the rope.
• The players begin tugging the rope when the referee gives the signal.
• Each player pulls backwards as hard as they can.
• The teams continue pulling until the center of the rope (flag) crosses where the referee is standing.
• The game ends when the referee declares one team has successfully pulled the past the center.
• The losing team may fall into the pool of water – "drowning" like the Canaanites. 

David and Goliath 

Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, challenged any one of the Israelites to fight him. A young boy named David asked if he could fight the man. Goliath made fun of him because he was so young. David had great courage and faith and knew that God would help him. David put a stone in his sling and swung it at Goliath. It struck Goliath’s forehead, and he fell to the ground.

Game:

Smite Goliath. 

Form a line and take turns throwing or using the sling shot to hit Goliath (played by Bro. Carnahan) with water bombs. Once they have taken a turn each child should go to the end of the line to try again.

Being too aggressive can result in disqualification at the leaders' discretion.

Jonah

God called Jonah to serve a mission, but he didn’t want to go. He got on a ship to go far away and God sent a storm. Jonah was thrown overboard so the storm would stop and save the people on the boat. But then Jonah was swallowed by a large fish.

Jonah was inside the belly of the fish for three days where he prayed and repented. The Lord heard Jonah’s prayers and made the fish spit Jonah out onto dry land.

The Lord again told Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh. This time Jonah obeyed. He went to Nineveh and told the people to repent or the Lord would destroy their city. The king and his people repented. The Lord forgave them and did not destroy Nineveh.

Game:

The story of Jonah obstacle course. 

• One at a time, start at Nineveh (the cone) and run away to the ship.
• Get on the boat until the storm comes. (Leader lightly sprays kids with sprayer.) 
• Jump off the boat, go around the cone
• Go through the big fish (mouth, throat and 2 stomachs and ribs).
• Come out on dry land and run back to Nineveh (the cone). Teach the people of Nineveh by reciting an Article of Faith or favorite scripture.

Rebekah

Abraham sent his servant to find his son Isaac a wife. The servant prayed for God to help him meet a righteous woman. Before he finished praying, Rebekah came. She asked if she could help get him water from the well. She even gave his camels water! It was hard work. The servant invited Rebekah to meet Isaac and they decided to marry. She was blessed for her kindness.

Game:

Get water from the well to give to the camels. 

• Two teams of two children play against each other.
• The first child plays the camel and gets on their hands and knees with a bowl on their back. 
• The second child gets a ladle. 
• When the leader says "Go," the children with the ladles race to the "well" and get water, then race back to their camel and put it in the bowl.
• Continue racing back and forth to the well until one of the teams has filled their bowl to the line.