Planning guide
The framework, roles, process, and safety standards from the Activity Planning & For the Strength of Youth document.
Purpose & vision
Help everyone involved plan purposeful activities that are rooted in gospel principles and aligned with the For the Strength of Youth (FSY) framework. Our central aim is to help young men grow in discipleship, develop leadership skills, build brotherhood, and prepare for a lifetime of covenant living and service — including full-time missionary service and temple ordinances.
FSY framework — three core questions
- Who am I? Identity as a child of God and a covenant maker.
- What do I believe? Gospel truths that guide decisions.
- What will I do? Purposeful action and discipleship.
FSY is organized around five focus areas. Activity planning should intentionally connect to one or more of these:
Seek the Holy Ghost, study scriptures, pray.
Examples: Devotionals, scripture chase, service projects.
Honor the body as a gift from God.
Examples: Sports nights, hikes, fitness challenges.
Build healthy, uplifting relationships.
Examples: Team-building games, brotherhood activities.
Pursue learning as an eternal principle.
Examples: Career nights, skill-building workshops.
Lead as the Savior led — by serving.
Examples: Community service, Eagle Scout projects.
Roles & responsibilities
- Bishopric / Adult Adviser
Provide vision, ensure doctrinal alignment, approve activities and budget, maintain safety standards.
- Quorum President (Youth)
Lead activity planning with quorum input, conduct presidency meetings, assign roles, report to adviser.
- 1st Counselor (Youth)
Coordinate logistics, track attendance and follow-through, assist president.
- 2nd Counselor (Youth)
Lead service component of activities, coordinate with ward service opportunities.
- Secretary (Youth)
Document activity plans, track action items, maintain activity calendar.
- Parents / Families
Provide transportation support, chaperone as needed, encourage participation.
Resist the urge to plan activities for the youth. Guide the quorum presidency to lead. Your role is to counsel, resource, and support — not to replace their leadership development.
The 5-step planning process
- 1Prayerful consideration
Ask what your young men most need, which FSY area you’ve missed lately, what milestones to celebrate, and how to include those on the margins.
- 2Presidency meeting
Hold a focused 30-minute meeting with prayer, calendar review, lesson reflection, brainstorming, assignments, and outreach planning.
- 3Activity planning worksheet
Capture purpose, FSY alignment, safety, budget, and logistics for each activity in this app.
- 4Adviser review & approval
Review the worksheet with the adult adviser at least two weeks ahead. The adviser asks coaching questions rather than rewriting.
- 5Execute & debrief
After each activity, the presidency briefly answers: what went well, what to change, who showed growth, who needs follow-up.
Activity types & frequency
| Activity type | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday Quorum Meetings | Weekly | Gospel instruction, presidency business, ministering assignments. |
| Weekly Activity Night | Weekly (Mon–Thu) | Rotating focus: physical, social, service, or intellectual. |
| Service Project | Monthly | Ward, community, or individual family service. |
| Overnight / High Adventure | Quarterly | Camping, backpacking, canyoneering — strong brotherhood builder. |
| Spiritual Retreat / FSY Camp | Annually | Multi-day camp focused on testimony and covenant identity. |
| Patriarchal / Priesthood Milestones | As needed | Ordinations, missionary farewells, temple preparation. |
Safety standards
All activities must have at least two responsible adults present at all times. No adult should ever be alone with a young man.
Written parental permission is required for overnight activities and travel beyond the local area. Notify parents in advance with date, time, location, return time, and what to bring. Maintain an emergency contact list at every activity.
A risk assessment must be completed and reviewed with the adviser before any high-adventure activity. At least one adult leader with first-aid certification is strongly recommended.
All media used in activities (videos, music, games) should meet or exceed the FSY standard. Leaders should preview content before use.
When in doubt about an activity, content, or situation — pause and consult with the Bishopric. It is always better to ask than to proceed and regret.
Quick reference for the youth presidency
Your 5-step planning checklist
- Pray together as a presidency and ask what your quorum needs.
- Brainstorm activity ideas in your presidency meeting.
- Fill out the Activity Planning Worksheet.
- Review with your adult adviser at least 2 weeks out.
- Debrief after the activity — what worked? what didn’t?
Questions to ask before planning
- Does this activity help someone come closer to Jesus Christ?
- Is every young man in our quorum going to feel included?
- Are we being safe and following Church standards?
- Is there a service component, even a small one?
- Have we involved the whole presidency — not just the president?
Resources & further reading
- For the Strength of Youth
- General Handbook §10 — Aaronic Priesthood Quorums
- Come, Follow Me — Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Young Women Classes
- Children & Youth program
- Youth Activities resource
May the Lord bless and guide your service with these young men.