Mormon Prom

This weekend my daughter and her friends attended a Mormon Prom. They were joined with youth, ages 16-18, from four of the LDS stakes located in our area. I am not sure of the exact number in attendance - but it was a lot of youth!

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Note:  I was not involved in the planning.  I am simply a parent of a youth who attended.  Thank you to those individuals who volunteered their time, their talents, and their resources to create a wonderful night for our youth!

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What is Mormon Prom?

Mormon Prom is an alternate "prom" experience for youth. A night where youth are surrounded with others who share the same values and high standards they are trying to live themselves. It isn't held in all areas, but I am happy we are in an area where one is held. I am not sure where this originated from, but I think this is wonderful. For all intents and purposes... the youth seem to think this is the prom of all proms!

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This is what has been done in our area:

Mormon Prom is held on the night of the month's already planned Quad Stake Dance.  Youth 16-18 are invited to attend.  (kind of reminds me of the original Gold and Green Ball which used to be held). 

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The boys ask the girls in classic form - in unique, fun, creative ways!  Which in turn, the girls respond in the same fashion.  :)   Brie's date, Kurt, showed up at our house while she was out for the night.  He decorated her bedroom with streamers - the question written out on a poster board and on her mirrors.  He had quite a few helpers.  Luckily, he called ahead and asked permission to decorate her room - giving me just enough time to make sure it was presentable and all personal items put away. :) 

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Side-note:  All youth 16-18 are encouraged to take part, whether with a formal date or in a group.

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This year there was a website set-up for registration.

One huge difference between a Mormon Prom and a tradition prom - the price.  Do you know of any young men who do not go to prom due to the cost.  I do!  And families who may struggle to pay for tuxedos, prom dresses, flowers, photographs, dinner?  Well, let your burdens be light(ened).  :)  I read an article where the cost of a ticket to Mormon Prom in their area was $10.00 and that included dinner!  Another area offered professional photographs for free.  How wonderful is that?  Our youth were not charged for anything.  They only needed to worry about what to wear and how to get there.  :)

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In keeping with prom history, girls still stress over finding the right dress.  In this case, a modest one.  There are some who chose to go with the traditional full length dress.  Others, including Brie and her friend, Lauren, chose a more modern route.  So darling!

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Brie searched high and low.  She tried on some really adorable dresses.  When asked by sales associates what the occasion was she said with a smile, "Prom."  In addition to the dresses she was interested in, she tried on a few dresses that were chosen for her by the sales associates.  The dresses were all cute and/or beautiful, but less modest.  She wasn't afraid to let them know she was looking for something she felt comfortable in and was modest. 

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In one particular store, after trying on a dress that fit her wonderfully, but was not as modest, she told the sales associate she didn't feel comfortable in it.  As Brie went back into her dressing room to change into another dress, the woman looked at me - like I was the one to blame for Brie not liking the dress (she obviously does not know my daughter) - and said, "Come on. It's prom."  Trying to get me to let this one slide, because it was prom.  I thought to myself, why does a young woman have to wear an immodest dress just because it's prom?  The answer, no reason at all.  There are subtle pressures everywhere, aren't there?

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Brie turned these moments into an opportunity to "shine".  While trying on a dress (finally deciding on the one she wore to prom) she explained to the associate that the dance she was going to was great because she and her friends didn't have to worry about listening to inappropriate music or awkward dance moves.  To overhear her "shining" in the world, not knowing I was listening in, was awesome!  And even more awesome was the response from the young associate, she was sincere in letting Brie know she thought that sounded wonderful!

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The day of prom was filled with excitement.  A couple of Brie and Lauren's friends, who haven't reached the ripe old age of 16 yet, offered to be their personal stylists.  A huge thank you to Emily Cleveland (one of Brie's past YW leaders) who did an amazing job with their make-up!

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Adorable girls!  My son wanted in on the photo.  He's a lucky little boy! 

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Parents and friends were invited to gather for a photo session before the youth head out for the evening. Thank you to the Arnold family for offering up their beautiful backyard for photographs. (and the ice water) The photo above gives you an idea of those who gathered for their group's photo session. Such great support!

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This group of youth were lucky enough to have a fun and generous couple offer to drive them around in their personal bus, "Miss B. Haven".   (Yah, I know. Cute name!)

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Dinner was held before the dance (6:00 pm). Provided and served by the adult leaders/parents. Dance from 8:00-11:00. My understanding is, that in the past, the dinner has been held at one building - the dance in another. This year both dinner and dance were held at the same building. I wonder how the take-down/set-up went in between? :)

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This group of friends had a great time at the dance, but left a little early because the boys had one more item on the adgenda.  They had their drivers take them back to the home where they had taken their photos.

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I understand they danced under the stars (in the driveway) one last time before changing into more comfortable clothes.  The night ended with a game of flahlight tag and s'mores.   Hopefully they all returned home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.

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What are the Guidelines?

The night is based on the standards found in "For the Strength of Youth" provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints, for youth ages 12-18.  In a nutshell:

• good uplifting music
• modest dress
• appropriate (non-suggestive) dance

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Where is Mormon Prom Held?

This all depends on the area.  This year in our area, Central California, Mormon Prom was held at the LDS Stake Center, which shares a parking lot with the Fresno California LDS Temple.

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How do you plan a Mormon Prom in your area?

I suppose the idea needs to be shared with leaders in your area first.  :)  Then, once approved...  let the planning begin.  Remember to make it affordable for the youth, incorporate good music, encourage modest dress, expect appropriate dancing, and send the youth home with "no regrets" at the end of the night.

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LINKS TO OTHER STORIES & RESOURCES

A Night To Remember, New Era 2007 - Michigan

A Brand New Year 2010: Dating, video - lds.org/youth

Mormon Prom in California Promotes High Standards, Deseret News 2012

Mormon Prom Celebrates 7th Year, The Orange County Register - Southern California

195 Dresses: Mormon Girl Seeks Modesty During Prom Season, Chron.com

2008 Mormon Prom "Let Your Star Shine!" - Alexadria, Virginia

2010 Mormon Prom Portraits,

Arizona Teen Enjoy Multi-Stake Mormon Prom in East Valley, - 2009, Gilbert, Arizona

Pageant of Progress

This is for Julie, because I love you!  :)  Sorry I wasn't the one who posted the pageant themed activity.  I wish I was, it sounds like fun!
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By the way, is this what you were looking for:  New Beginnings: Young Women Values Pageant, skit found here.

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I decided to throw a few more ideas your way, with the Pageant Theme in mind.  Here are a few photos I dusted off for inspiration.  Julie, I would love a few from your pageant days!  :)

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{insert photos of 1990s Miss Orem Pageants here}  

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IDEA FLOW

I began by looking up the definition of  pag·eant/ˈpajənt/

• A public entertainment consisting of a procession of people in costumes, or an outdoor performance of a historical scene.
• A beauty contest.

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My thoughts then turned to developing... "Pageant of Progress:  a celebration of the Young Women program".

• celebrate the history of the young women program
• present through a procession of costumes and historical tidbits
• celebrate individual beauty and accomplishments

I had to do a little research on the Young Women's program next.  This was pretty fun.  :)  I know I used more resources than listed below, sorry I didn't document very well.

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RESOURCES USED
History of Young Women Achievement Programs
Young Women - Then and Now,
A Century of Young Women
134 Years Young! New Era November 2003 (great photographs in article - here is the PDF)

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PURPOSE

Celebrate the history of the Young Women Program. Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill, and by displaying their creations.

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PROGRAM

I could see the night coming together in a number of ways.  I narrowed it down and chose to share this idea with you:

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Welcome:  ____________________

Opening Song:  "Carry On" (which was written as the anthem for LDS youth)

Opening Prayer:  ____________________

YW Theme:  ____________________
YW Historical Overview:

• A presentation put together by the young women.  Each of them given a specific era to cover.  Creating a timeline of the Young Women Organization.
• Or, this could be combined with a fashion show. (see idea below)  (I know a number of young women who would love to put outfits together for something like this.)

Musical Number:  ____________________
Fashion Show:  (if done separately)
Bishop's Remarks:  ____________________
Closing Prayer:  ____________________
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FASHION SHOW IDEA

Have the young women grouped into different time eras. Each young women dressed as a girl would from their assigned era.  I would let them do their own research (10 hour project?).  :)

The MC could describe what young women might have worn during that time and a "Did you know?" - tidbits about what the young women organization was like during that time.

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1869

Fashion:
pioneer dresses - you know the ones!  :)
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Did you know?

• In November of 1869, one father wanted to do something specific to help his girls. It so happened that this father was President Brigham Young. And the way he organized his own daughters soon spread throughout the Church. One evening he asked his older daughters to stay behind after family prayer. There were ten of them in their teens. He pointed out that other young ladies in the Church looked up to the Young girls as examples. He asked them if they would form the Retrenchment Organization. He asked them to meet together to study the gospel and to keep their clothing simple and attractive.

1900s

Fashion:
long skirts, large brimmed hats, buttoned gloves
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Did you know?

• In 1902 the first joint opening exercises were held for young men and young women.

1910s

Fashion: 

Long dresses, high collars, long sleeves.

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Did you know?

• In 1915, every female over 14 was a Beehive girl until she entered Relief Society. There were no Mia Maids, Gleaners, or Laurels.
• At this time, the Church established its first systematic awards program for girls.
• First summer camp for girls was held in 1912.  (100 years old this year girls!)

1920s

Fashion: 

The flapper look, a shapeless dress.  I love the hats!
Hair styles were typically short and sleek.
I loved the swim picture, that's the only reason it is there.  :)

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Did you know?

• In the 1920’s all young women who belonged to the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association were called Beehive girls, regardless of their age. They were arranged in groups called “swarms,” and their leaders were called Bee Keepers.  The Beehive program included three ranks:  Builders in the Hive, Gatherers of Honey, and Keepers of the Bees.
• In 1922 gold and green became the official colors of MIA and the first Gold and Green Ball was held.
• In 1929 they combined Young Woman's Journal and Improvement Era, to make one magazine for young men and young women.

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1930s

Fashion: 

well matched sweaters and skirts with blouse and jacket combinations

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Did you know?

• In 1930 the hymn "Carry On" was introduced as the anthem for LDS youth.
• Girls ages 12-13 did not become part of the MIA until 1934.
• In the 1930s, leaders gave new emphasis to music, dance, and the performing arts. They published a recreational song book, and sociable singing became popular. They sponsored ten-minute musical programs or "road shows" that were locally created and rehearsed and then presented in successive wards in each LDS stake.

1940s

Fashion: 

*Skirts and dresses were A-line in shape (not pencil tight) and dropped down to the low knee. 

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Did you know?

• Class symbols of the beehive, rose, and sheaf of wheat are introduced in 1943.
• In 1944 the Big Sister program was started for young women and mothers who needed to go to work during the war years.

1950s

Fashion:
Poodle skirts, cashmere sweaters, sandals or loafers.

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Did you know?

• In 1950 the Roses class was renamed Mia Maids.
• Also in 1950, the Beehive girls became the first two years of Young Women. The next age-group was called Mia Maids. At that time, the 16- to 18-year-olds were called Junior Gleaners. 
• You would mark your progress by attaching felt seals to your bright blue sash.
• In 1959, the Junior Gleaner name was changed to Laurels.
• It was an exciting time to be in Mutual, because every year you got to be in your ward's road show with the young men.  :)
• You would also probably love the Saturday night dances put on by wards and stakes. These dances were a fun opportunity to mingle with young men, enjoy good music, and taste good food.
• If you enjoyed playing basketball, you would have been excited about the girls' basketball teams—you could play as long as you had a female coach and followed girls' rules.



1960s

Fashion:
tailored suits and dresses
Our parents pictured above at a high school dance in 1964 or '65. 
Aren't they a good lookin' couple?

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Did you know?

• In the 1960’s, some of the requirements to earn emblems for the Beehive bandalo included:
• Strive to get your full nine hours beauty sleep each night this month. Make it a habit!
• Increase your self-confidence by acquiring a good posture (sitting, standing, and walking.)
• Politeness in all things is the mark of a lady. Practice at home being considerate and polite. Learn to accept directions graciously. Conscientiously try to improve.
• Make the dinner hour joyous by improving table manners of the entire family.
• Look for something beautiful every day for two months.
• The first For The Strength of Youth pamphlet was printed in 1965.

1970s

Fashion:

Bell bottom pants.  Platform shoes.  Polyester.

(and yes, I watched Charlie's Angels)  :)

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Did you know?

• Bandelos were discontinued in the early 1970s.
• In 1974 the name is changed to Young Women, and the New Era begins.

1980s

Fashion: 

Over sized shirts, leggings, bleached denim, shoulder pads, and accessories were big and gaudy.
(This is Kathy, a couple years ago, dressed up for a Vanilla Ice concert at UVSC)  :)

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Did you know?

• The Values program was started in 1985.
• In the first Church wide Young Women activity, (on October 11, 1986) an estimated 300,000 gathered at sites around the world to release helium-filled balloons containing personal messages from the young women.  I remember this!

1990s - 2000s

Fashion: 

baby doll dresses, blue jeans/navy blazer/classic white shirt
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Did you know?

• A new camp manual was introduced in 1993, focusing on service, spirituality, and the Young Women values.
• In 2002 the Young Women Personal Progress program was revised and new Young Womanhood Recognition Medallion introduced.
• The words "strengthen home and family" were also added to the Young Women theme in 2002.
• In 2008 the value Virtue was added to the Young Women Theme.

Today

Fashion:

End with a presentation of all the young women. Each with a sash representing one of the value colors.  My thought would be to let the girls dress in their own way.  Celebrating their own unique beauty.(photo is of my beautiful daughters) :)
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Did you know?

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Over the years, the classes, requirements, and awards have dramatically changed. But the goal of learning to make the world a better place through service and self-improvement has been the same throughout the history of Young Women.
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Susan W. Tanner, Young Women general president , "If young women know of God's love for them, it will influence and shape all of their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They will understand they have a mission to perform in this life. They will have confidence in their ability to make responsible, righteous decisions. They will be able to resist temptation, to flee from worldly things, to dress modestly as is becoming of a divine daughter of God."

"Colour In" Your Wardrobe

I saw this DIY Colour In Dress and thought it looked like a fun project for the young women. This would be a great time to incorporate it. And a great ten hour project. Have them use fabric markers (in the value colors) to personalize their fabric. 
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PURPOSE
Encourage young women to continue working on their Personal Progress by giving them opportunities to develop a new skill and display their creations.
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ACTIVITY

Have the girls design their own piece of fashion. It could be anything as simple as a headband or bag, to sewing a dress or skirt. But have them incorporate one yard of black and white fabric (samples below), which you provide.

DIY "Colour-In" Dress

found here

Just use fabric markers to color away to your heart’s content.

Here are a few more Black and White fabrics to get the ideas going:
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Beginning Cross Stitch

Here is another activity I have done with the young women.  Beginning Cross Stitch.  It would also be a great activity for the activity day girls as well.
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Honestly, this turned out much better than I thought it would.  When the girls told me they wanted to learn how to cross-stitch I thought to myself, "Cross-Stitch? Really?"  Luckily, a quick refresher course and a few supplies later...  voila!  "You girls would be so proud of me!"
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SUPPLIES USED

• 14 count plastic canvas, perfect for beginners
• embroidery floss
• 22 rounded needle
• scissors
• pencils

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I went to Michael's and picked up a plastic canvas sheet for each girl.  My first thought was to purchase an embroidery hoop and fabric for each girl, but I am glad I went with the plastic.  I figured the plastic canvas would be easier to work with.  And it was.   

I admit, I needed a refresher course myself.  I found this:  Learn How To Cross Stitch In 5 minutes.  Just what I needed to get started!
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I started by drawing a grid on the chalkboard and explaing in detail how to create a basic cross stitch.  Remember, I am a visual learner.  :)  I think that approach worked out really well.  We also went over how to thread a needle, knotting the end of the thread, and finishing a stitch.
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There was some one-on-one instruction where needed.  But, the girls picked it up really quickly.  And we heard a number of them say "this is fun!".  :)
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The girls used their pencils to draw a picture, a favorite quote, a design, whatever they wanted to on their sheet of plastic.  Then, using their new found knowledge, they began to stitch.

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Here is a sample of a few different stitches (no, I did not stitch this):
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DID YOU KNOW?
The word 'Sampler' is derived from the Latin word 'Exemplum'. The meaning of this word being 'an example to be followed'. (You could create a great object lesson with this information, couldn't you?)  :)  Samplers are different examples of a stitches. It is generally believed that sampler stitching was carried out by young girls to encourage skills in stitching for use in later life. A sampler would probably have a variety of different stitches, and would be kept by the girl as a reference for future work. It would normally have been the particular individuals first attempt at stitching.
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 The above sampler was done by 6 year old (yes 6),

Emily Shelton Sander, dated 1858.

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During the 19th century, samplers became an important part of the school curriculum, young girls were encouraged to stitch to prepare themselves for their role as wives and mothers. These samplers tended to simple in their design, usually only having alphabets, numbers, their name and date, and the name of the school. The age of the stitcher ranged from as young as six up to about the age of fifteen years. The average age being eleven.
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Creating a sampler would be a wonderful 10 hour project for the young women.  And a great addition to their hope chests.  :)  Just sayin'.
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Here are a couple modern day samplers I found (plus a few more patterns):
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Daisychain ABC's Crewelwork Sampler Pattern

available here for $6.00
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found here
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Arise and Shine Pattern
This and more LDS cross stitch patterns found here.
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"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
found here

Oil for Your Lamp

I am one who, on occasion, enjoys discovering unique items at stores like HomeGoods, TJMaxx, Marshall's, Nordstrom Rack and Ross.  Usually home decor or clothing!  But, this time I found a different kind of treasure - an oil lamp. 

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I found this at Ross, and at $4.99 I had to get it.  :)  In fact, I bought two of them.  I found another one tucked behind a picture frame.  I was telling my mother-in-law about my find, and she said we should find 8 more.  We were definitely on the same page.  :)

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I giggled when I found these lamps, only because of a talk (see below) I had come across after the new mutual theme "Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard to the nations" had been introduced.

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RESOURCE

Your Light - A Standard to All Nations, ‍Elder James E Faust, April 2006

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Here are a few notes from his talk:
In the Savior’s parable of the ten virgins, ‍each young woman had a lamp. Clearly, this parable has both a temporal and a spiritual application. Oil can be purchased at the market. But another kind of oil, spiritual oil that is not for sale, can be accumulated only by our daily good works.

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The parable tells what happened as all ten young women waited for the bridegroom. The bridegroom came at the darkest hour, when least expected. It was midnight, and the foolish five had run out of oil. You might wonder why the five wise virgins could not share their oil with the other five. It was not selfishness on their part. Spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant because we each fill our lamps drop by drop in our daily living.
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The late President Spencer W. Kimball defined those drops of oil for us a few years ago when he said: 
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“There are oils that keep the gospel burning brightly. One type of oil is the oil of family prayer. It illuminates us and makes us bright and cheery but is difficult to obtain at midnight. One drop or two will not keep the lamp burning long. …

“Another type of oil is the oil of fasting. The last midnight is late to start disciplining our lives in preparation for the great day of the Lord. …

“Another oil that is not available at midnight is the indispensable oil of home service. This rare oil of service is accumulated through visits to the sick, through lending a helping hand. …

“There is another oil that all will need—rich or poor, sick or well. Its light is brilliant and increases with use. The more that is used, the more that is left. It is easy to purchase in the day but not available at night. This is the tithing oil.

“There is one … oil that is so precious that without adding it to the other oils no wick will burn. Without it, the light from all the others will dim and go out. This is the oil of chastity.”
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My dear young friends, many of you put oil into your lamps last year when you followed President Hinckley’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon. You can continue to do so every time you read the scriptures, partake of the sacrament, and offer your daily prayers. And as you each put oil into your lamps, your light will become “a standard for the nations.”

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POSSIBLE 10 HOUR PROJECT & PROGRAM

The Ten Virgins by Emily Freeman

Ten Women, Ten Stories - A Musical Parable

found here at Deseret Book

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This would make for a wonderful ten hour project for more than one of the young women.  The CD/Songbook combo includes CD with vocals and songbook which includes the script, sheet music and performance track.  Under direction of their young women leaders, the girls could do everything from:

• scheduling the building
• set design (teaching them how to keep it simple)
• musical practices (could take 10 minutes during opening exercises on Sunday)
• costume design (again, keep it simple)
• invitations/flyer
• programs for the night

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Soup & Share

As we approach the end of a year and prepare for a new one...I wanted to share one of Brie's 10 hour projects for Young Women.  It is a great project to start the year off.
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Rewind four years...  She organized and carried out a ward Soup&Share (D.I. drive +). The idea was borrowed from Grandpa and Grandma Phillips' ward, who used to host a similar event, called Soup and Swap, every year.
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Brie stayed on top of things even with an infection in both of her ears and pneumonia. Thursday afternoon she was told by her doctor she was to go home and stay there until she got better. But, even being under doctor's orders to stay home, Brie wanted to see her project through to the end.

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She has a great group of friends, as well as a wonderful little sister, who helped her carry it out. At one point, her friends pulled in a soft armchair from the foyer, so Brie could be comfortable while they did a little fashion show for her. She learned a few lessons in leadership, as well as delegation. The project was a success! The donations exceeded her expectations.

THE FLYER:

Does the New Year find you cleaning out closets or your garage?

Are you trying to getting rid of unwanted items?

Or… do you find you are in need of certain items yourself?

Come be apart of Soup&Share!

It’s an opportunity to share and receive, then share again!

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FRIDAY

6:00 - 9:00 pm

DROP OFF items you are giving away.

NO damaged items, please.

Clothing & Shoes · For the Kitchen · Baby Items

Home Décor · Toys & Games · Holiday

School Supplies · Bath · Electronics

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SATURDAY

12:00 noon - 3:00 pm

If you would like, bring homemade soups and breads to SHARE.

TAKE any items you and your family may be in need of.

All items remaining will be DONATED to Deseret Industries.

The items they are needing most: Clothing and Shoes
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The donations kept coming Saturday morning. There were even more donations dropped off as we were loading up the trailer Saturday afternoon.

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Recipes for your own Soup&Share can be found on Our Recipe Garden.

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The girls enjoyed creating outfits for their impromptu fashion show. Each one went home Friday night with new found treasures and showed up Saturday morning wearing at least one item they picked up the night before.

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They also played games.
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Then came time to pack it all up and transfer it to the D.I. trailer.
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After filling the bags...
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*They filled the trailer.

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The girls did a wonderful job.

What a wonderful group of friends!
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It doesn't matter whether you share your donations with Deseret Industries, Goodwill, or even a local women's shelter, etc...  Sharing simply makes you feel good!

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We'd love to hear about your experiences!