CW YOUNG WOMEN

Please Mark your Calendars...and CLEAR THEM!!!

2011-10-25T15:13:00.000-07:00

It IS COMING!!!!!

2011-05-25T10:03:00.001-07:00

A BRAND NEW YEAR 2011-HAD A BLAST!

2011-01-30T17:34:00.001-08:00

Brand New Year Celebration and Video Contest

2010-12-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

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The Cottonwood Stake Youth FILM FESTIVAL is fast approaching!

Each ward is in charge of making a 3-8 min. minute combined yw/ym video on the theme:
"Make your own Mormon Message"

Videos are due to the Stake YW/YM by Dec 31st for judging. Have fun with it! We are so excited to see all of the fun things the youth come up with. There will be awards presented...so make them GREAT!!

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help!

Stake Leadership Training

2010-10-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

It is that time again for Stake Leadership Training. Please come and bring you entire presidencies. We will be introducing the new 2011 general YW Theme, giving you all of 2011's schedules and calendars, as well as doing some...TRAINING:) We are so excited to see you there.

NOVEMBER 7 STAKE FIRESIDE

2010-10-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

We are SO EXCITED for the upcoming musical FIRESIDE featuring the NASHVILLE TRIBUTE BAND and MICHAEL MCLEAN on NOVEMBER 7 AT 7PM. It will be held at the Cottonwood Stake Center. This is not just a youth fireside! All of the stake is invited. Below are the link where you can download the fliers for this event.

Posters:
https://www.yousendit.com/download/ZGJkVWRuTkF3TGcwTVE9PQ

Flyers:
http://www.yousendit.com/download/ZGJkVWRuTkFPSHhFQlE9PQ

Youth Conference 2010

2010-09-02T10:51:00.001-07:00

a few more tid bits for Youth Conference...

2010-07-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

CLOTHES:

*We FORGOT one item- Please be sure the kids have modest water clothing/(swimsuits underneath) to wear Saturday!!!

MAPS & DIRECTIONS: Will be emailed to you via Natalie Taylor in the next few days...PLEASE BE SURE YOU RECEIVE this information!

Important Youth Conference Information!!!

2010-07-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

YOUTH CONFERENCE 2010

(this is NOT the youth conference insignia--however it is similar as we are doing the "survivor" theme)

Friday June 16th- Saturday June 17th

Important information below- PLEASE read all of it (there are some changes)

MAKE SURE YOUR GIRLS HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

*Sunday Dress for Friday Night Fireside

*Change of clothes for Saturday

*Water shoes or old tennis shoes that can get wet and muddy

*Sunscreen

*Sleeping Bag

*Pillow

*Extra blanket

*Air Mattress/Pad or Cot to sleep on
*Pajamas

*Toiletries

*Folding (in bag) Camp Chair

*Work Gloves

*Flashlight

*Garbage Bag (for muddy clothes and shoes)

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR WARD PROVIDES the following:

*Tents

(enough for all YW and YM in the ward)

*At least one canopy for shade

*Drinking Water

(enough for your YW and YM -They will be given youth conference water bottles)

*Snacks to share with everyone for the dance Friday night

*Chaperone's- 2 adults per 8 youth

(you can get together with other wards and share leaders if you do not have 8 youth in your ward, this can also apply to tents and sleeping arrangements-you are responsible for making these arrangements)

*Transportation to Marshall Lake- Leave Verde Valley by 1:00pm Friday the 16th

(check-in by 2:30pm Friday the 16th)

*Transportation Home (will need to be at Marshall Lake to provide rides home BY 5:30pm Saturday the 17th)

*Remember the kids will be muddy and wet, so let those who are providing rides be aware, so they can prepare their vehicles for mud and water.

FIRESIDE/DANCE- Friday 7pm a the Mormon Lake Chapel

Payson, Flagstaff, and Winslow stakes have been invited to participate in the fireside and dance with us Friday evening.

We will be making arrangements to get a phenomenal speaker Tyler Wilkinson (as seen on: A real Hero appearing with Steve Young). We REALLY want to make it worth his time, so we have opened the FIRESIDE ONLY to adults-PLEASE bring anyone and invite anyone interested (14 and older) so we can fill the Mormon Lake Chapel. PLEASE ANNOUNCE IN YOUR WARDS!

PERMISSION SLIPS:

Kids are allowed to sign up as late as "the day of" as long as they have permission slips signed, are prepared, and have rides (we are planning on about 100, including leaders)

PLEASE MAKE 2 COPIES of the permission slips (put one copy in the kids luggage so they can have it in the car with them and bring 2nd copy to a stake leader when you arrive)

We are extremely excited...and can't wait to see you there!!

Any Further questions please contact your stake YW presidency representative over your ward!

GIRLS CAMP!!!!!!

2010-05-19T20:32:00.001-07:00

Stake Training Meeting

2010-04-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Stake Training Meeting

Thursday, April 8th

Cottonwood Stake Center

7:00 p.m.

for ALL young women leaders

Church dress please.

Save the Date:

2010-03-12T10:54:00.001-08:00

To SAVE THESE DATES!

Saturday March 27th
Young Women General Broadcast
MOMS & GIRLS
4:00pm Lite bite
5:00pm Broadcast from SLC
Stake building

&

Thursday April 8th
Stake Auxillary Leadership Training
ALL ward Young Women Leaders
7:00pm
Stake building

FIRESIDE--BEAR TRACKS!

2010-03-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Youth Fireside

Sunday March 14th

Speaker: Brother Tom Brown (from Flagstaff stake)

speaking on

"Bear Tracks"

Time: 7:00pm

SYC @ 6:00pm

(wards~ please MAKE SURE your ward is represented at SYC-they meet in the high council room)

Where: Cottonwood Stake Center

MORMON PROM

2010-03-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN...

MoRmOn PrOm!!!!

(Flagstaff prepares all year for this, they do a phenomenal job with dinner, music, decorations...it is worth it!)

It is a more casual setting then school proms, where the youth do not have to worry about standards

When: Friday April 16th

(Mingus Unions HS prom is Saturday April 10th)
Where: With Flagstaff stake (see posters hanging in buildings)

Time: 6:30-11:00pm

Price: $10 a couple

IF you are attending you MUST RSVP by April 1st TO:

Sister Clawson 928-606-0104

16 years and UP!!!!

*The stake will not be covering the cost of couples this year, nor will we be setting people up on "dates",the youth are responsible for getting themselves there and back as well!

Calendar Changes!

2010-02-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

Please note changes to the calendar!

(look to the tool bar at your right)

Note changes to:

*1st Camp Mom Meeting

*Medallion Trip

Let your medallion GIRLS know,

and the CAMP moms from your ward~
Thanks!

WE LOVE YOU!

New Beginnings: "Be Strong and of Good Courage"

2010-01-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Beautiful Young Women of Montezuma Ward held their New Beginnings Program last evening

January27, 2010
What a perfect way to start out the NEW YEAR!!!

Their YW Presidency sure helped to pull it off-and make it a FUN and SPIRITUAL evening!

Their night consisted of:

*Opening remarks from their NEW YW PRESIDENT (welcome, welcome Sister Ragan) on the program of personal progress and the changes that have been made this year (new manual, new medallion w/virtue bead, the bee charm) She also invited all the YW to participate in the program and gave 4 Young Women their YW torch pendant.

* Tiana speaking on how personal progress has blessed her life (she is the oldest Young Women AND has received her medallion).

* Young Women singing a musical number "Daughter of a King".

*Bishop Kleinman speaking on how personal progress can help them know who they are and help them prepare to be wives, mothers and make covenants in the temple.

*A chocolate Fountain with LOTS of dipping goodies.

*Camera FUN

We ARE excited for this year and to see your progression!

Thanks for letting us "peek" into your night!

A Brand New Year Success

2010-01-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Our BRAND NEW YEAR was a HIT!

We had so much fun....just check us out below playing some silent ninja, tag, and other FuN games!!!

There was also:

*A Service Scavenger Hunt (ask for stories!!!)

*Dinner

*Watching the DVD

*Dance

*...and more games at the stake president's house

(if you have any pictures you would like to contribute..email them to me danrsorensen@hotmail.com and I will add them to our BLOG!)

What a FUN Saturday for our US!

Check out our video of a SERIOUS game of tag below:ENJOY!!!

FIRESIDE CANCELLED THIS SUNDAY 12/13

2009-12-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

The fireside scheduled for this Sunday 12/13 combined with Black Hills Ward Missionary Fireside at the stake center, has been cancelled for the youth. It is a Black Hills Ward Fireside only! That means there is no SYC as well. Sorry for the inconvenience~ Enjoy the extra holiday time with your families!!!!

A BRAND NEW YEAR 2010

2009-11-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

Please set aside Saturday JANUARY16th

for the 2010 BRAND NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Plans are still being made and we will let you know details as we get further direction from church headquarters.

This will be a FUN activity for ALL the youth

12- 18 years of age in the stake

It will probably span over the afternoon and evening

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

Next FIRESIDE...

2009-11-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

The next stake Fireside is Sunday December 13

7:00pm (SYC at 6:00pm)

at the Stake Center

~
Sponsored by the Black Hills Ward

Brad Wilcox Fireside

2009-11-07T12:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 15 @ 7:00 is the tri-stake Adult-youth Fireside with BRAD WILCOX. This fireside is for all ages 12 and up! Adults you are welcome to come. Please remind your wards (and bishops) that this is for adults too.

Fireside Postponed!

2009-10-09T15:34:00.001-07:00

Attention YW Presidents!!!

The fireside (and SYC meeting) scheduled for THIS SUNDAY OCTOBER 11th is being re-scheduled.

The stake Priesthood leaders did not realize that there was leadership training that Sunday evening!

Thanks for your patience in our ever changing schedule!!!

(Montezuma Ward we will use your refreshment abilities eventually- sorry!)

Sedona Dances RoCk!!!!

2009-10-01T14:33:00.001-07:00

As Always...Sedona put on "THE STAKE DANCE" of a lifetime!

the theme was Hollywood/Movies/Lip Syncs with Captain James Kirk as the DJ

The Sedona Young Women's presidency did their own lip sync to "Dancing Queens"

AND that, they were!!!

We even had our own "So You Think You Can Dance" competition where the "viewers" voted for their favorite dancer, as well as the best costumes-with golden popcorn boxes as the prizes!

OF COURSE, everyone had a F-U-N time!

I'm Going There Someday...

2009-09-22T15:09:00.001-07:00

JUST A REMINDER...

COMBINED Stake Young Women's Activity

Wednesday September 23

@ 7pm

Relief Society Room

YW Leaders...PLEASE BE SURE YOU HAVE let ALL your girls know about this activity!!!

Leaders may attend if desired, otherwise, enjoy a 'night off'

To accommodate the camp verde and spring valley girls

THE COOLEST carpool (Sister Gordon, and Sister Sorensen)

will pick up the girls at the Camp Verde ward building @ 6:30pm

The activity will be over around 8:30pm (then allow travel back)

CAN'T WAIT TO BE WITH THE GIRLS!!!

FIRESIDE has CHANGED!!! Mark your Calendars

2009-09-11T14:52:00.000-07:00

Due to a CES singles fireside Broadcast this Sunday 9/13

our Fireside scheduled this Sunday 9/13 at the stake center

has been moved to SUNDAY OCTOBER 11th

at 7:00 PM

at the Camp Verde Chapel (this is a NEW LOCATION, so prepare carpools for your wards)

SYC WILL meet before @6pm

PLEASE make sure your ward is represented-you have reps called and there!!!

(stake leaders will provide carpool rides if needed)

Bishop Paul Taylor will be speaking (we all know he is a FANTABULOUS speaker)

Montezuma Ward is still in charge

We Look forward to seeing you there!

*Make sure you are preparing your ward AND leader lip syncs and costumes for our Hollywood night dance STILL scheduled for Saturday September 19th in Sedona!!!!

Calendar Switch-A-Roo

2009-09-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

The Fireside (Montezuma Ward in charge) has been switched to Sunday September 13th (instead of September 20th), it will be at 7pm at the Cottonwood stake building...SYC WILL be meeting right before at 6!

This switch was made to accommodate the PHENOMENAL dance Sedona ward is putting on

Saturday September 19th (instead of September 12)
So switch those 2 around and WE WILL SEE YOU THERE!

Another side note: There will be a combined YW activity the stake is in charge of, scheduled for Wednesday September 23 at the Cottonwood Stake Center

HOWEVER to help accommodate the Young Women in the Camp Verde and Spring Valley wards

the coolest shuttle service will be provided at 6:30pm (meet at the Camp Verde Chapel)

Leaders you are welcome to join us...or just enjoy your "night off"!

Temple Trip

2009-08-14T07:55:00.001-07:00

The youth Temple trip is on Saturday, August 15. We have plenty of Priesthood holders that will be down there for the Young Women so you don't have to bring any of your own (unless they have already told Darren Sparks they were going).

The Young Women's time is at 12:00, Young Men is at 1:30.

Youth FIRESIDE THIS SUNDAY August 16th

2009-08-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Date: Sunday August 16th

Time: 7pm

Where: Sedona Chapel (top of Mormon Hill)

What: In the face of unbelievable torture and hardships, Larry "Lucky" Chesley was a POW in Hanoi at the same time as Sen. John McCain. A renowned speaker sought after by many around the country and author of the book, Seven Years in Hanoi, come hear Larry Chesley give an inspiring talk about the power of faith, hope and prayer.

Youth are encouraged to bring non-member friends

Refreshments will be served

*This WILL replace the youth fireside scheduled for Sunday August 23rd

Jenny Phillip's Parable of the Princesses Fireside

2009-07-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

Parable of the Princesses Fireside

presented by Kate King
This Fireside is for ALL WOMEN, Relief Society and Young Women

Kate King has performed with Jenny Phillips as a featured soloist at her firesides in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Isles. Jenny loved Kate's voice and the spirit she carried, and in 2008, Jenny asked Kate to be a director for the "Parable of the Princesses" firesides. While attending BYU-Idaho, Kate performed in and then directed the fireside group "From the Heart." She also performed in the "City of Joseph" pageant in Nauvoo for 8 years. Together, with select soloists from the Jenny Phillips choir, Kate puts on this program in an effort to bring the spirit into people's lives and remind them of the great plan of salvation through word and music. This group performs on a volunteer basis, and we hope you will be able to feel the testimonies of each one of the participants tonight.

Meet your Mom night!

2009-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Come to MEET YOUR MOM Night!!

Wednesday @ 7:00 in the Cottonwood Stake Center

Come and meet your camp mom and some of the fun and exciting things we are going to do at camp this year.

Pioneer Trek Reunion Fireside & Dance

2009-06-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

The Pioneer Trek Fireside & Dance

will be held on

Saturday, June 20

at the

Stake Center

at 7:00 pm

The dance and fireside will both be church dress.

Copies of the Trek Slide Show can be purchased for $2.00

Copies of the Trek pictures can be purchased for $2.00

Please tell your youth!

Just a Reminder....

2009-05-13T17:15:00.001-07:00

GIRLS CAMP PERMISSION SLIPS and MONEY

DUE on Sunday May 17th

Seminary Graduation!

2009-05-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

SEMINARY GRADUATION

Sunday May 17th

at 6:00pm

Cottonwood Stake Center

Are You Ready?

2009-05-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

FOR PIONEER TREK

PERMISSION SLIPS are DUE this SUNDAY 4/17

(get them to the stake OR Jesse Deihl--at seminary graduation?)

Remember--EACH ward is responsible for:

1. transportation of ALL participants to drop-off site by 9:30am

AND

Ride & LUNCH at PICK Up SITE! on Monday 6/8 by 12pm

for ALL participants

*these drivers are responsible to carry ALL participants permission slips that are riding in their car (we will return them to you AFTER we have made a roster) AND are responsible to hand them to, or get them from the "back-up" crew on trek

MAPS will be emailed shortly

2.Make sure every parent or guardian for each participant has written a letter to their child (heart felt appreciation, testimony to child)-PLEASE SUBMIT with permission slips. IF we are not able to get the parents to write a letter-bishops or youth leaders are asked to write one.

3. IF you have ANY ADULTS coming to trek...they MUST sign a contract inlcuded in the pioneer trek packet

THANKS!!!!!

We {HEART} MORMON PROM!!!

2009-04-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

MoRmON PROM was a HIT!!!!Don't we have the best looking bunch of kids?

The kids from our Stake looked OUTSTANDING!

They were beautiful (and handsome), polite, good dates (especially to those who were "set up" with the other stake), drove safe, and had FUN!!!!!

Flagstaff stake did a PHENOMENAL job.

They transformed the entire gym into a full-blown cruise ship and spent late nights into the wee hours decorating (it was better decorations then we have EVER seen at a prom...EVER)!

They had a yummy dinner of:

warm bread,

salad,

beef,

deviled eggs,

yummy punch,

and plenty of fruit pizza for dessert as well.

We felt spoiled not having to do much,

AND are so grateful to them for thinking of us!

Most of the time you could find the stake YW presidency helping take formal pictures. Particularly, Sister Gordon who stood on top of a ladder for over 3 plus hours and did NOT pass out!

We can't wait to see how the pictures turned out since we had TOO much fun helping them pose and taking them!

SHIP AHOY!!!!

We LOVE YOU!!!

HOP ON OVER!!!!!

2009-04-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

" HOP" ON OVER...

To STAKE Young Women AUXILIARY TRAINING MEETING

Date: Thursday, April 9th

Time: 7:00pm

Who: Ward Young Women Presidencies (this includes secretaries!)

BRING: Young Women PACKETS (we handed out last time)

as well as...Questions, Suggestions, and Ideas that are Working or NOT Working for You!

PIONEER TREK!!

2009-03-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

PIONEER TREK is Under WAY!!!

June 5-8

(We had our first Ma & Pa meeting last night-yeah!)

Please NOTE the up and coming dates for the Trek

APRIL 12th: Each ward needs to submit the names and phone numbers of all YOUTH and ADULTS wanting to attend the pioneer trek, to their Stake YW rep.

*IF adults are not called as a Ma or Pa they will be expected to participate in the trek as an Uncle or Aunt (they DO NOT need to be married)

MAY 17th: Permission slips for ALL participating in the Pioneer trek need to be submitted to your Stake YW Rep.

*It is HIGHLY recommended that your youth are, at least, walking 3x's a week for 20 minutes. You are welcome to do this as a ward or encourage your girls to be doing this individually.

* Start looking for clothes to outfit your youth (bonnets, aprons, skirts, shirts) for the trek...we will be passing along a clothing list shortly.

MORMON PROM!!!!

2009-03-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

MORMON PROM is right around the Corner (April 17th)...

Your youth should be actively pursuing dates

IF your youth DO NOT have a date by MARCH 29th-and plan on attending

PLEASE submit their names to a member of the stake YW presidency on Sunday MARCH 29th!!!!

CHAPERONE'S NEEDED!

2009-03-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

10-12

PARENT/ADULT CHAPERONE'S

Needed for:

Quad Stake youth Conference July 31-August 1

Chaperone's must be available for training on:

May 9, and May 16

IF YOU or anyone in your ward is interested...

please submit names to

a member of the stake Young Women presidency ASAP!

COMBINED YOUTH CONFERENCE T-SHIRT CONTEST!!!

2009-03-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Calling all Creative YOUTH!!!!!

WHAT: T-SHIRT design contest for our quad stake youth conference July 31-August 1 2009

1. One design for front pocket of t-shirt, and big one for back

2. Design to follow theme of: "Be thou an example of the Believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12)

WHEN: DESIGNS are due to your YW President BY APRIL 12th

YW Presidents please submit entries to a stake YW presidency member

Youth Needed for Temple Work THIS WEEK!

2009-03-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Bro Beus called me this morning and let me know that there was a mix-up at the temple and we were unable to baptize about 250 male names and over 100 female names that we had prepared for our Youth Baptism trip in February. We would like to complete these baptisms prior to our Stake Temple day on the 21st of March.
Most of our youth will be out of school next week for Spring Break so we felt that Thursday the 19th at 10:00 AM would be a good time to meet at the temple to complete this work. It would be nice to have at least ten males and five females to accomplish this. We will need two Mel Priesthood holders as well to Baptize and Confirm.
Please contact Bro Beus (Sedona Ward) at beuss3@msn.com if you would like to participate.
Youth need to have a "limited use recommend" from their Bishop to participate.
Sincerely,
Pres Prince

YW BROADCAST!

2009-03-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

General Young Women Broadcast
“General Young Women Broadcast,” New Era, Mar. 2009, 38
The Young Women General Presidency invites all young women ages 12 to 18, their mothers, and Young Women leaders to attend the General Young Women Meeting on Saturday, March 28, 2009. This meeting is held under the direction of the First Presidency.
The theme is: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). President Monson has said, “You are an example of righteousness in a world which desperately needs your influence and strength.”
The meeting will originate from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The live meeting will be broadcast by satellite to meetinghouses worldwide and on the Internet at www.lds.org/broadcast.
For those who receive KBYU or BYUTV, note times below.

Live Broadcast

Rebroadcast
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8 p.m. Eastern time

10 p.m. Eastern time
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7 p.m. Central time

9 p.m. Central time
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6 p.m. Mountain time

8 p.m. Mountain time
document.write('');

5 p.m. Pacific time

7 p.m. Pacific time
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Queen Esther, by Minerva Teichert, © William and Betty Stokes

**THE STAKE WILL NOT BE HOLDING ANY ACTIVITY BEFORE OR AFTER THE BROADCAST

IT WILL BE SHOWN IN THE CAMP VERDE BUILDING

Valentines Dance!!

2009-02-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

DANCE at the SEDONA CHAPEL

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 14th, 2009

7:00pm

Preferably wear black/white

NEW WEB SITE FOR YOUTH!!!!!!

2009-01-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

This web/blog site is sooo COOL -- ITS FOR THE GIRLS

(click on the 2nd address starting with www)!!!

Check it out!!!!! (even though we DO NOT have our celebration until January 17)!!!

New Year's Celebration Web Site
A new youth-oriented Web site, www.ABrandNewYear.lds.org, was launched January 1, with music, video, testimonies, and other features from the Brand New Year youth celebration DVD. Youth, parents, and leaders are invited to enjoy the resources on this Web site.

VIRTUE: NEW YW VALUE

2009-01-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

New Young Women Value: Virtue
First Presidency announces new attribute to Young Women theme
By Sarah Jane WeaverChurch News staff writer
Published: Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008

After accepting a call as the Young Women general president, Sister Elaine S. Dalton and her counselors, Sister Mary N. Cook and Sister Ann M. Dibb, hiked to the top of Ensign Peak.
Looking down on the Salt Lake Temple, they — like early pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley — unfurled a banner. The banner, made of a gold Peruvian shawl, was their ensign or standard to the nations. It was their symbolic call for a return to virtue.

Members of the general Young Women presidency from left to right, Sister Mary Cook, first counselor, Sister Elaine Dalton, President and Sister Ann Dibb, second counselor.

Six months later, they recall the event which helped them focus the theme of their presidency. Their goal, they said, was simple: they wanted the young women of the Church to cherish virtue and to be worthy to some day enter the temple.
In an effort to help young women worldwide reach that goal, the First Presidency recently announced the addition of virtue to the Young Women theme.
"We are pleased to announce the addition of the attribute of 'Virtue' to the Young Women theme," they wrote in a letter to priesthood leaders dated Nov. 28. "This addition will assist young women in developing high moral standards. We invite parents and leaders to teach the doctrine of chastity and moral purity to help each young woman to be virtuous and worthy to make and keep sacred covenants and receive the ordinances of the temple."
Speaking to the Church News about the changes, Sister Dalton and her counselors called virtue a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.
The theme now reads:
"We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will 'stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places' (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity and Virtue.
"We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation."Photo courtesy of the Young Women general presidency
Young Women general presidency, from left, Mary N. Cook, first counselor, Elaine S. Dalton, president, and Ann M. Dibb, second counselor, stand atop Ensign Peak waving a banner.

The theme has become the backbone of the Young Women program. Latter-day Saint teens recite the theme weekly and use the values as standards to achieve Personal Progress goals and earn their Young Women recognition award.
The Personal Progress program currently uses the seven Young Women values to help teens understand more fully who they are, why they are here on earth, and what they should be doing as daughters of God. As part of the program, young women complete six value experiences and one value project for each of the seven values.
Each of the values in the theme is represented by a color.
Like the gold Peruvian shawl the Young Women presidency unfurled at the top of Ensign Peak, the value of Virtue will be represented by gold — a precious metal that has long been known as a symbol of purity, said Sister Dalton. "When gold is refined, it is pure," she said.
"If you are virtuous, you are strong," added Sister Cook. "It is power and it is strength. It is all derived by being pure."
Sister Dibb noted that virtue is "what's a part of you that no one else will know. But you know and the Lord knows."
Sister Dalton compared gaining virtue to training for a marathon. "Virtue isn't something that you have instantly," she said. "It is strict training. It is the daily, deliberate practice of small things."

In the First Presidency letter, local Young Women leaders were invited to immediately include the addition of the new value as they repeat the Young Women theme. Further, it noted that "Virtue" will be added to the Personal Progress value experiences and projects. Instructions on how to implement this change in Personal Progress will be forthcoming, the letter stated.
Sister Cook said one of the things that is unique about Latter-day Saint young women is their virtue. "We want them to cherish it," she said. "It is what will take them to the temple."
The reason this is so crucial is to help every young woman be worthy to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple, added Sister Dalton.
"Virtue is the power of a pure life," she said.
Following is a statement from the Young Women general presidency — Sister Elaine S. Dalton, Sister Mary N. Cook, and Sister Ann M. Dibb — regarding the addition of the value Virtue to the Young Women theme and how it will impact Personal Progress:
We are thrilled about the addition of the value of Virtue to the Young Women theme and values. We believe that families will be blessed as young women come to accept and act on the values in the Personal Progress program. With the addition of another value, we want all young women, parents, and leaders and to know that this will be an important value experience to complete. As we call for a return to virtue, we would like to ask all young women and their leaders to complete this additional value experience. This value is important for every young woman to understand and live because it incorporates those things that she can do to be worthy of receiving the blessings and ordinances of the temple. If a young woman has already completed Personal Progress and received the Young Womanhood Recognition, we recommend that she complete this value also. We promise each young woman and each leader who goes the extra mile and completes this new value experience, will receive additional blessings of strength, confidence and peace.
There has never been a more important time to understand and practice virtue. We call on each young woman to do her best in accepting and acting upon the value of Virtue. We promise that a young woman's life will be blessed, her family will be strengthened and her confidence will "wax strong" as she becomes pure and virtuous and prepares to assist in the great work of preparing the earth for the Savior's second coming.

A BRAND NEW YEAR!!!!

2008-12-15T13:40:00.001-08:00

SATURDAY JANUARY 17 th

3:30pm-11pm

COTTONWOOD STAKE CENTER

For local leaders planning an activity for youth on or around New Year’s Eve, a special DVD resource is being prepared by Church headquarters. This DVD, titled A Brand New Year: A Celebration for Latter-day Saint Youth, will contain highlights from a youth celebration held at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The DVD will feature three segments:
A message to youth from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve (16 minutes in length)
A celebration of youth activities around the world in 2008 (36 minutes in length)
An introduction of the 2009 Mutual theme by the Young Men and Young Women general presidencies (40 minutes in length)
In this celebration, youth will be strengthened by inspiring stories of faithful LDS youth around the world and through fun, uplifting music, including an original song introducing the 2009 Mutual theme. Youth will also be invited to make their own commitments to be “an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12) in the coming year.

*If desired, leaders may use any or all of these DVD segments in their local activities.

Tentative Itinerary:

3:30-5:00 pm~Service Project

(We are looking for indoor humanitarian projects, possibly unfinished ones for R.S-we are looking for volunteers to gather and run these tables too!)

5:00-6:00 pm~Spaghetti Dinner

6:00-6:15 pm Message Elder Holland

6:15-6:45 pm~Media Slide Show of stake activities

(Every ward needs to submit 35 pictures to President Prince on CD by December 31st)

6:45-7:15 pm~DVD Segment 2

7:15-8:30 pm~Games/Ice Cream Sundaes

8:30-9:00pm~ DVD Segment 3

9:00-9:30 pm~Pres. Johnson Comments

9:30-11:00 pm~Dance for 14 and up

Games for 12-13 yr old's at Backus Home

~~~~~~~~~

2008-12-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

Let it Snow
Ring in the New Year!
Stake Youth Dance

*Wednesday, December 31, 2008

* 9:00 p.m. – midnight

(EVERy ward please provide 1 chaperone-we will begin the new chaperone policy in the new year)

*Casual Dress

* Bring a Winter Accessory and your Dance Card
*14 years old and up

* Cottonwood Stake Center, 1377 Hombre Drive

FIRESIDE Sunday November 16th

2008-11-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

~STAKE FIRESIDE~

When: Sunday November 16

Time: 7:00pm

Where: Stake Center

What: The RM's!!!

Collin Blair, Joe Moore (convert), and Micheal Kleinman...will be speaking about their mission experiences they have recently returned from. Collin and Joe were able to speak at a fireside in the MTC, that we have heard was phenomenal. We look forward to hearing their stories and getting excited about missionary work. What a great time to get help to stand strong!

We are getting them right before they leave for school-we are lucky. They are such studs! Don;t want to miss it!

FYI- SYC WILL BE MEETING right before the fireside at 5:30pm in the high council meeting room!

Come follow in HIS footsteps!

2008-11-06T16:10:00.001-08:00

~Stake Auxillary

Leadership Training~

Thursday November 12, 2008 @ 7pm

This is our chance to meet with all the wards collectively to introduce next years theme,answer questions, train new presidencies, and share ideas. PLEASE plan on being there with your entire presidencies (including secretaries) We will make it worth your time!

BTW...Don't forget to bring one example (of your wards assigned topic-i.e...Fatih, Conversation) of a girl who shows these qualities. As well as 7 copies of 5 activity night ideas centered around this same topic!

We can't wait to be with you!

MAKE SURE AND CHECK CHANGES ON THE CALENDAR!

2008-10-20T14:48:00.001-07:00

Mindy Gledhill Stake Fireside

2008-10-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Do you love the music at EFY? or at Time out for Women/Teens? Then you will LOVE this fireside!!! .....

We have had LDS music artist Mindy Gledhill agree to come out from Utah and perform for the Cottonwood stake (on her way back from a performance in Mesa)! We are so excited and priveledged to have her. Please mark on your calendars Sunday October 26th

Bring ANYONE-it will be a stake fireside for everyone. (we are also letting the other stakes know about our 'guest').

We want great attendance to thank her for her sacrifice.Also for your benefit-- It is not very often we get 'travelled' guests!!! It is an opprotunity for the youth that we do not want you miss!

If you want a sneak peek at her music, and more information on her then click here:

www.mindygledhill.com

SYC MEETING!!!!!

2008-10-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Attention all Stake Youth Committee Members!!!!

Meeting Tommorow Tuesday October 14th

@ 5:30pm

meet in the High Council Room

See You There!!!

Please have a representative present-- so your ward's 'voice' will be heard!

FIRESIDE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21st

2008-09-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

DON'T FORGET THE NAU student Musical FIRESIDE THiS SUNDAY!!!!!

....BRING FRIENDS AND PARENTS--it is going to be SUPER GOOD (Brother Martin was the awesome speaker we had Sun. evening at GIRLS camp)!!

*FYI-YW Presidents make sure your bishop has submitted SYC rep names to President Prince!!

SYC reps report to the High council room at 5:30pm

SYC Reps!!!

2008-09-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

There IS STILL a Stake Youth Committee! We are organizing it to ensure proper shadow leadership and improve communication between stake and wards !!! EACH ward needs to submit a Young man and Young woman name to represent their ward. Have your bishop contact President Prince with the name~ and the stake will approve, call, and set apart these representatvies. They CAN be someone with a calling already, and it needs to be someone who it reliable and ABLE to attend the meetings. IF this person is not able to make a meeting they need to ensure that there is someone there to take their spot, and report information and minutes from the meeting. Please have these names submitted well before the SEPTEMBER 21st meeting!!!

STAKE DANCE

2008-08-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Stake Dance will be held this Saturday in CAMP VERDE. The dance will have an HAWAIIAN theme so feel free to dress the part. (NO FLIP-FLOPS OR SHORTS, PLEASE). The individual Wards will be responible for transporting all of their youth. Please contact us for any questions.

Check the Calendar!!

2008-08-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just a note: PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THE CALENDAR on the right (side bar) frequently--as ANY changes will appear there!!!! Also note that you now have a YW stake presidency member assigned to your ward (also labeled on the right side bar).

BTW-Roadshows scheduled for November are cancelled due to stake changes, lack of time, and lack of funds BUT DO NOT WORRY-there is plenty of GREAT things in the future!!

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

2008-08-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

We are holding our first presidency meeting this Wednesday August 13. Is there anything we need to talk about, or concerns you want us to address!!!? Please let us know!!!

August 10th- Fireside for Seminary in Cottonwood

2008-08-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

The fireside on Sunday, August 10th will be held at the Stake Center at 6:00 p.m. It is all about Seminary! The fireside is for ALL '08 and '09 Seminary Students AND their Parents. Special Guest Speaker~Brother Terry Leisek from the Flaggstaff institute.

Reminder:
Early Morning Seminary starts Monday, August 11, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. Brother Dan Sorensen is the teacher. All grades are combined this year, you will be meeting in the seminary building. Park at the highschool if you have a spot there.

Release Time starts Thursday, August 7, 2008. Sister Marie Zwart is the teacher.

CAMP VERDE SEMINARY does not start UNTIL Monday, August 25, 2008