Looking for fun ideas to incorporate the Faith of God Program into your Activity Days Meetings? Look no further. Join us as

we for enriching your Activity Day program. and fun ways to teach

service and gospel principles.

--these could also apply to other areas in your life including Scouts, Young Women,

Family Home Evening, and etc....

The Faith in God for Girls pamphlet contains the map.

“You are now preparing for new opportunities in your life. Use these years to develop the qualities that will help you be a righteous young woman. We encourage you to learn and live the gospel, serve others, and use the talents Heavenly Father has given you to learn and do many good things. Earning the Faith in God Award will help you become the kind of person you would like to be and the person Heavenly Father knows you can become.”

“Message from the First Presidency”, Faith in God for Girls, (2003), pg 1.

The basic equipment required includes the following: daily prayer, regular scripture reading, living gospel standards, honoring parents, being kind to family, paying tithing, and attending church meetings regularly. To get the most out of your journey, in addition to “basic equipment” more specialized tools are necessary. These tools are skills and experiences learned while learning and living the gospel, serving, developing talents, and preparing for entry into the Young Women’s Program.

What is your budget, who are your leaders, and what are the interests of the girls you are serving. Conduct a brainstorming session for an activity. Invite the girls choose their favorites, so the needs and wants of the majority can be filled. Based on this information, as leaders create an annual plan. Assign each month a theme (Gospel, Service, Talents, YW Prep) and put two activity ideas under each month. Pencil in approximate costs, so you can stay in budget and save up for activities. Divide up the responsibilities for leading the activities by the number of leaders and their interests. Make sure everyone gets a copy of the year plan. You can always make adjustments to your plans and switch or change activities, but this gives you a good start and keeps you focused on the goals outlined in The Faith in God Program.

Many activities can be used in multiple areas depending on the focus taken during the activity. For simplicity, these ideas are notated using one or more of the following categories: The Articles of Faith (A), Learning and Living the Gospel (G),

Serving Others (S), Developing Talents (T), and Preparing for Young Women (YW).

Faith in God Book Scavenger Hunt; Year Activity Planning

Done either individually or in groups, this scavenger hunt gives a great introduction and reminder as to what is in the Faith in God for Girls booklet. Following the hunt, talk about some of the key points and brainstorm for future activity ideas. http://www.theideadoorfiles.com/index.php/primary/223-primary/faith-in-god/fatih-in-god-for-girls/1103-faith-in-god-scavenger-hunt-for-girls (April 4, 2013)

Articles of Faith Flash Cards (A)

Depending on how you'd like to do it, here are some ideas to make and or create Article of Faith flashcards. By using two sets as master copies, play match with the girls. o Color Your Own: http://ldscoloringbook.com/static/pdfs/the-articles-of-faith.pdf (April

5, 2013) o One Side Trigger Images & Article of Faith On The Back:

http://www.mormonshare.com/sites/default/files/handouts/ARTICLES%20OF%20FAITH%20FLASH%20CARDS.pdf (April 4, 2013)

o Designed for Card Printing (ex.Costco/Walmart/Snapfish): http://www.simplyfreshdesigns.com/2010/10/lds-prints-articles-of-faith/ (April 5, 2013)

Articles of Faith Ice Cream Bar (A)

Looking for a fun activity to quiz or reward the girls on memorizing the Articles of Faith? How about an ice cream party where each Article of Faith is assigned a topping or ice cream flavor. For every Article passed off, add that topping or flavor to their bowl.

Articles of Faith Jeopardy (A)

On her BlogSpot, Shannon Staker has designed and shares a fabulous Jeopardy version of the Articles of Faith that takes about 1 1/2 hrs to play with the girls. http://shannonmakesstuff.blogspot.com/2012/06/faith-in-god-jeopardy-articles-of-faith.html (April 5, 2013)

13th Article of Faith 2x4 Craft (A,YW)

For a fun craft that the girls can use to help remind them of the 13th Article of Faith, decoupage subway art containing the qualities spoken of onto a 2x4 or board. Free 2x4 scraps are often available if you speak to residential home builders who are in the process of framing. Just make sure you get permission before taking anything from someone else's property! To see a picture of one, check out this site. http://undermypolkadotumbrella.blogspot.com/2011/01/idea-using-free-yw-subway-art-printable.html# (April 5, 2013)

Apostle Matching Game (G)

To help the girls learn more about the Apostles and spark their interest in listening at General Conference, print off and play a matching game. Make extra copies and send them home with the girls to share with their families. o This link has some cards already prepared and ready to be printed. One card has

the Apostles picture and the other some personal information about them including occupations, hobbies, and other fun facts. http://www.theideadoorfiles.com/index.php/general-conference-fun/113-games/2138-apostle-cards (April 5, 2013)

Armor of God (G) Teach the girls about Ephesians 6:11 and how to liken that scripture to ourselves by putting on the "Armor of God". Divide the girls into groups and have them create armor with aluminum foil on one of the girls. Don't forget your camera! o This link contains a lesson idea on how to teach about the Armor of God

http://lds.about.com/cs/primary/a/st_armorofgod.htm (April 5, 2013) o To give the girls a handout to take home and remember what they were taught, print

a copy of this illustration by Kate Myers onto a bookmark. http://lds.about.com/library/gallery/clipart/katesklipart/church/blkatesklipart_church6.htm (April 5, 2013)

Conference Notebooks (G) Print booklets for the girls do during conference. Offer a reward if they complete the booklet and/or watch a certain amount of talks. In the activity following conference, talk about their favorite stories and things they learned. Show by example. Do the booklet yourself, so you are better able to share your thoughts and feelings with the girls. http://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/english/pdf/notebook.pdf (April 5, 2013)

Faith without Works Film Canister Rockets (G)

Faith (water) without works (antacid tablet) are dead. We must have both to reach heavenward. o Instructions on how to make a rocket

http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/filmrocket.php (April 5, 2013)

Family Connections (G) Have the girls bring a family four generation chart and 1-2 stories learned about their ancestors to share.

First Vision FHE Kit (G) Have the girls create or put together a visual aid to teach the First Vision in Family Home Evening. o A colorful rotational wheel depicting the events of the First Vision found in the Friend

Magazine April 2010 on page 41 http://www.lds.org/churchmagazines/FR_2010_04_00___09264_000_000.pdf (April 5, 2013)

o For a Sacred Grove Movable Scene that can be colored and attached together, find the book Primary Partners Teaching Tools-I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Mary H. Ross and Jennette Guymon-King, pg 13.

Prayer Rocks (G) Take a fist sized rock and decorate it. Use the prayer rock to remember your morning and bedtime prayers. Take the rock and put it on your pillow in the morning. When you come to bed at night, you will need to move the rock to the floor and will be reminded to say your evening prayers. In the morning when you awaken and get out of bed, you will probably hit your feet with the rock. This will remind you to say your morning prayers.

Bake Sacrament Bread (G) Bake bread to be used in Sacrament Meeting. This is a great opportunity to teach about the sacrament, why this ordinance is performed, and the Aaronic Priesthood. For a more visual reminder, make Resurrection Rolls using this descriptive recipe that takes less than 30 minutes to make and bake. http://homegrownmom.com/creating-family-times/resurrection-rolls-an-easy-easter-treat/1689 (April 5, 2013)

Tithing Jars (G) Decorate baby food jars for the girls to collect their tithing in. While they are embellishing their jars talk about what tithing is, why we pay it, and how it helps others.

UV Bead Bracelets and/or Solar Sensitive Nail Polish (G)

Make UV color changing pony bead bracelets (also called solar beads) or paint the girl's nails with solar sensitive polish. Talk about how with the "Son of God" our lives are richer and have more color. The "Son of God" (Jesus Christ) helps us reach our full potential. Our actions are an outward sign of our inward commitments to the Savior.

Word of Wisdom FHE Kit (G)

Help the girls make a Word of Wisdom folder game to share with their families at Family Home Evening. Read and talk about D&C 89. One idea can be found at http://www.mmprintables.com/2013/02/word-of-wisdom-printable-file-folder.html (April 5, 2013).

Mini Scriptures & Treasure Chest (G,S)

Make mini scripture picture books to talk about treasuring the scriptures and the messages taught by the stories in them. These visual aids can then later be used for Family Home Evening lessons or while babysitting. http://johnandjackidaley.blogspot.com/2012/05/mini-scriptures-and-treasure-chest.html (April 5, 2013)

Daughters of a King (G,YW)

Share the story of Daughter of a King by Rachel Nunes and David Lindsley. Talk about how they are daughters of a Heavenly King. Give them each a small picture of the "Be Loyal to The Royal Within" poster and decorate inexpensive mirrors. The link for the poster is https://www.lds.org/new-era/2004/11/new-era-poster?lang=eng (April 5, 2013)

Time Capsule Letters (G,YW)

Spend some time talking about Pres. Monson's talk "Decisions Determine Destiny" in the New Era, November 1979. Have the girls write themselves a letter to be opened by them at their high school graduation. Suggest they list their ideas now for what their future might bring socially, educationally, physically, and emotionally. They may want to include a list of 10 things they are looking for in a future spouse. A link to Pres. Monson's talk: http://www.lds.org/new-era/1979/11/decisions-determine-destiny?lang=eng (April 5, 2013) o For an idea on a time capsule in a can, checkout

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7468 (April 5, 2013)

Babysitting Service (S) On an set date, offer the Activity Day Girls to babysit ward member's children for a few hours. This could be timed with an RS Enrichment Activity, a date night, or with a time parents are needing to do some seasonal shopping. Depending on your ward, you may want to have a sign up list with a limit on the number of children to tend.

Finger Print Cards (S) Talk about the importance of valuing one another's differences. Just like our fingerprints, we are all unique. Make and decorate cards using fingerprint art. o Fingerprint picture ideas can be found in Ed Emberley's book, Ed Emberley's

Complete Funprint Drawing Book

Paracord Survival Bracelets (S)

Make paracord survival bracelets to donate to an organization like www.operationgratitude.com. o Instructions on how to make paracord bracelets

http://opgrat.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/how-to-make-a-paracord-survival-bracelet/ (April 5, 2013)

Pocket 1st Aid Kits (S) Show 1st aid items on a tray for a minute and then take away the tray. Ask the girls to write down what they can remember. Make pocket first aid kits and give some basic first aid instruction.

Visit or Serve in a Local Food Bank or Humanitarian Center (S)

Check your local phone book or use an internet search engine to locate information.

Bring A Friend Game Night (S,T)

Play "getting to know you" and group games. This is a great way to increase friendships and create new ones.

Babysitting Clinic (S,T) Hold a Babysitting Clinic or attend one at a Local Hospital

Babysitting Kit (S,T) Make file folder games to play with kids, emergency cards for parents, fun coloring pages, and etc.. to be put in an babysitting kit for the girls. For idea specifics, use an internet search engine to locate information. The following websites have some fun free downloads http://www.filefolderfun.com/ (April 5, 2013) and http://www.mmprintables.com/ (April 5, 2013).

Flower Pens for Mom (S,T) Attach an artificial flower to an inexpensive ink pen and fasten a thank you note. A suggestion for the note to something about how grateful the girls are for having their Mom's help them "bloom" into the young women they are becoming. Pen instructions can be found on http://thefrugalgirls.com/2011/02/how-to-make-a-flower-pen.html (April 5, 2013)

Recycling Crafts (S/T) Talk about recycling in your area. Teach a recycle craft. Some ideas are listed paper beads, pop tab bracelets, soda can flower barrettes and earrings, finger knit t-shirt yarn scarves or bracelets, and making headbands from t-shirt sleeves. For idea specifics, use an internet search engine to locate information or checkout my Pinterest account at http://pinterest.com/lorinielsen2012/ (April 5, 2013).

Basic Sewing (T) Everyone need to know some sewing basics. Teach the girls how to thread a needle and sew a button. Then start or complete a hand stitching project. Ideas include a simple cross stitch or a design on plastic canvas.

Daddy/Daughter Kick Ball (T)

The family that plays together stays together! Have a night for strengthening the father/daughter relationship through teamwork.

Hair Styling & Grooming (T)

Talk to the girls about face shape and hairstyles that work best with them. Make a collage of hairstyles that would look good on different faces using magazine pictures. Take some time to talk about good grooming habits. Invite some of your Young Women to come and show how they style their hair and use hair accessories. o This may be a fun activity to invite mom's to come and learn or practice braiding,

french braids, twists, hair straightening, and etc.... Many styles have changed since they were that age.

Table Etiquette & Manners (T)

Teach how to set a table. Instruct on which utensils are used and when in a formal dinner setting. Folding napkins can be done in various different ways. Have them practice a few. Discuss what are some table manners do's and don'ts.

Thrift Store Field Trip; Modesty & Budgeting (T)

Doing this activity the month before school starts is perfect. By talking about budgeting and modesty, the girls are more aware of school clothes purchases and family budgets. o Simplified Finance Basics from lds.org at

https://www.lds.org/topics/finances?lang=eng (April 5, 2013) o Modesty from The Strength of Youth pamphlet https://www.lds.org/manual/for-the-

strength-of-youth-fulfilling-our-duty-to-god/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng (April 5, 2013)

o Ever heard about the "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" modesty test? I love it!! https://www.lds.org/new-era/2009/11/head-shoulders-knees-and-toes?lang=eng (April 5, 2013)

Thrift Store Fashion Show (T)

As a follow up activity to a lesson on budgeting and modesty, hold a fashion show for the girls to exhibit their finds at a thrift store. This might also be a fun activity to include their Moms. As a preparation to the actual runway, the girls or leaders could do the girl's hair and/or nails.

Learn to Lead Music (T,YW)

Show the girls patterns for conducting music. They could even create visual aids to teach a song in Family Home Evening. o A few links for ideas on how and what to teach

http://musicforprimary.blogspot.com/2010/10/leading-singing.html (April 5, 2013) http://www.theideadoorfiles.com/index.php/primary/8-primary/1150-music (April 5, 2013)

Minute to Defend It --YW Value Style (YW)

Using YW Values, create stations for the girls to rotate to by teams to play "Minute to Defend It". This adaptation was created by Ashley Drowns (Springfield, IL) and Lori Nielsen (Lehi, UT). I have attached it as its own virtual handout. After playing the game, ask the girls what they learned from the experience and how it applies to real life.

For some of my favorite resources, checkout: My Pinterest account at http://pinterest.com/lorinielsen2012/ (April 5, 2013) Any Primary Partner or Sunday Saver books or cds by Mary H. Ross and Jennette Guymon-King Achievement Days for Primary by Linda Dastrup Cub Scout "Pow Wow" Books http://www.macscouter.com/CubScouts/ (April 5, 2013) Any publications by Family Fun Magazine http://spoonful.com/ (April 5, 2013) Any Finch Family Games books or cds by Karen Finch http://www.finchfamilygames.com/ (April 5, 2013) DJ Inkers Clipart http://www.djinkers.com (April 5, 2013) http://www.theideadoorfiles.com/ (April 5, 2013) http://www.sugardoodle.net (April 5, 2013)