The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides a comprehensive program for youth through its Young Men and Young Women organizations. Youth ages 11 through 18 meet in classes on Sundays for religious instruction and several times during the month for social activities including service projects, sports, camping and dances. Young men and women are also given leadership positions within the organization in which they learn leadership skills such as setting goals, planning group activities and solving problems.

Young Men

Worthy boys are ordained as deacons in the Aaronic Priesthood the year they turn 12 and move to the office of a teacher the year they turn 14 and then to the office of priest the year they turn 16. One of the primary responsibilities of adult and youth leaders in the Young Men’s program is to prepare young men to serve Jesus Christ and His gospel. Responsibilities of young men who hold priesthood office include; preparing and offering the sacrament (communion) to Church members during Sunday worship services, ministering to other members in their homes and collecting contributions for the poor. The Young Men’s organization also prepares boys for future roles in their family, personal life and community. 

Young Women

The purpose of the Young Women’s program is to help girls build faith in Jesus Christ and learn skills to prepare for future roles in their families, Church and in their community. They also minister to others in their congregations. Youth and adult leaders of young women plan weekly midweek gatherings that support gospel principles and how to apply them in daily living. Young women participate in setting and achieving goals. Girls also learn valuable skills through the Young Women camping program.

See your local Ward Youth leaders for details