Category Archives: Youth

The ultimate printable song book for Girls Camp

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In addition to teaching Gospel Doctrine in my home ward I also have the fabulous job of planning camp for 25 young women this summer. Before I planned a single meal or even decided on a theme, I set my sights on one simple task…creating the perfect printable camp song book.

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I’m a big believer in camp songs. I know they seem cheesy and dated but I whole-heartedly believe that teaching a group of girls to embrace ridiculousness for a few minutes has huge power. It loosens them up and helps them let go of their cliques and enjoy a little YW unity.

Of course none of this works if the songs themselves are lame. Kumbuya just won’t do it. You need songs with attitude and spunk. In this book I’ve kept many of the classics like Sippin’ Cider, the Princess Pat and The Banana Song (shown here)

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but I’ve also added a few fun new songs like this great YW song set to the melody of ‘Cups’.

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In addition to the fun and crazy songs, I’ve also included the lyrics to several hymns so you’ll be all set for devotionals and testimony meetings.

Remember, if any of the songs in the book are unfamiliar, you can find most of the actions and melodies by searching their titles on YouTube (or watching MeckMom.com in the coming weeks).

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You can find the fabulous printable song books in the Sugardoodle Etsy Shop. Purchase once for only $4.95 and print as many copies as you need for your ward. Click here to find out more. Happy Camping, everyone!

Reach for the Stars

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Sometimes it is the first step that is the hardest one to take. It takes faith and bravery to change directions and do something that is uncomfortable and not second nature to us. Sometimes doing the right thing, is not the easiest thing to do. Many times what is hard for one, may be a piece of cake for another. Our daughter Abby has a good group of friends and it is easy to fall in to a routine of hanging out and  letting time pass by. She loves being home with family and perhaps even more, she loves a clean bathroom and tidy bedroom. When she told us she was thinking about moving out and trying something different, we were surprised, yet so happy and thrilled for her new adventure…  She was listening to the spirit and ready to take that leap of faith. She is reaching for the stars as she takes this first step and we are all cheering her on!  Her first grocery trip was our treat!

These candy bar wraps make special treats for the just graduated seniors in your life or for the kids that need an extra boost of love and faith. Let them know you believe in them! They fit perfectly around a Snickers. Yum!  You can find them here

Take care, Brenda

Girls Camp Pillow Treat Printable Tags

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Hi friends,
Summer is here, which means Girls Camp is right around the corner!  I’m sure some of us are in full blown planning (aka panic) mode.  Am I right?!  Have no fear, I am here to ease some stress for you.
LDS YW Girls Camp Pillow Treat Tags
Does your ward do pillow treats, or tuck-in treats?  The idea is to give each girl a little treat on her pillow or sleeping bag before bed. With all of you in mind, I have created these super fun Pillow Treat Printable Tags.  These colorfully retro tags can be used as pillow treats, or can be used to give out during devotionals.  They also can work great as secret sister gifts. There are 24 different tags to choose from and include a variety of options for treats, including some healthier options.  I also love that some of the quotes are fun, and others are more spiritual in nature.  You can choose to buy the tags individually, or choose one of the packages for BIG savings.  I have even created an Ultimate Bundled Kit that includes all 24 tags at a super discounted price! The bundled package works perfect for Stake Leaders! No matter what you are looking for I have just what you are looking for!  And you are in luck, because I am offering all you readers a free pillow treat printable tag with the purchase of 3!  Just use coupon code SDFREE at checkout.

PillowTreatsListing-01Want to win some of these beauties? I have a GIVEAWAY going on over on my SageWood Ave. FB page, as well as Instagram  @sagewood_ave_designs. Check it out for a chance to win the girls camp Ultimate Bundled Kit!

I hope this helps with your Girls Camp planning!

Heart,
Melanie B.

MeckMom’s Teaching Tips: Easy Adversity Object Lesson

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All of us deal with adversity. Often we struggle to understand why a loving Heavenly Father would cause us such grief and why his timing is often so unfortunate. Teaching youth and adults the benefits of adversity can really help strengthen their testimonies and teach them to see the good in the struggle. I use this simple object lesson to help my classes understand the purposes of adversity in our daily life.

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For a few more perfectly-simple adversity object lessons, check out the links below…

Cranial Hiccups uses a delicious and bitter chocolate analogy to teach about adversity here.

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The Hills House narrows in on how the Holy Ghost can help us manage adversity with her great soda can analogy. She also includes this fabulous FREE printable.

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Personal Progress Planner Cards

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Hello friends! With the end of school drawing near and Girls Camp activities in full swing, there’s no time to think of weekly activity plans or what the rest of the summer will bring.But once the sleeping bags and camp necklaces are put away for the year, the long weeks of summer are the perfect time to get our girls focused on earning their Young Women medallion and refocusing their commitment to Personal Progress.  I’m excited to share with you the Personal Progress Planner cards. Two cute coordinating designs that will help you set a plan with your girls as they work on specific goals and make working on Personal Progress fun.

CLICK HERE to open this file (pdf)Personal-Progress-Planner-Cards-2-PPDC

Each card works for any goal, simply circle the YW value and the goal number, value project, or personalized experience. There’s a few lines for jotting down a plan, choosing a finish date and a place for them to sign their name. (There’s something about signing your name that makes you more committed don’t you think?) All you have to do as a leader is print off a stack and grab a cute magnet or some washi tape so you can encourage the girls to hang them up as a reminder of their plan.

I think it’s sometimes difficult for our youth to be excited about and moving forward on Personal Progress goals when they’re busy with school and life, but I loved the stories and quotes shared in Five Reasons to Love Personal Progress (available on the Church’s website).

After reading the article, I wanted to dig out my own Personal Progress book and get going. Sister Dalton was right when she said, “…this is what Personal Progress is really all about – being focused on good things, becoming a better person, feeling the Spirit, and being happy!”

Covering the points from the article and sharing the testimonies and experiences of the General auxiliary leaders and girls would be a perfect start to a mutual night focused on Personal Progress goals. Now all you need are some snacks or a fun dessert, and you’re ready to start planning!

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marissa-headshot528x520
Marissa is a momma by day and brander/graphic designer for small businesses by night…and nap time. This sunshine-loving Arizona girl finds herself calling Idaho home and loves being outside with her husband and 2 little ones as we explore the great outdoors and rack up steps on the Fitbit walking the neighborhood. You can find  some of her favorite things – chatting branding and design for bloggers and small businesses, and a bunch of free printables for Young Women, home, and more here.