Often, I see youth spending their weekday activities at amusement parks, paint ball centers, bowling alleys and other commercial establishments. I would like to suggest that these types of activities are unwise and less profitable than homemade fun for a number of reasons.
First of all, they are expensive. Youth organizations do receive a fairly good budget, but it is still expected that you will use it wisely. The cost of group bowling could pay for ten better activities. It is important to teach youth to live within a budget and when leaders run out of money in July, it sets a very bad example for the youth in your organization. It's better to spend the money slowly and wisely, and let the teens discover there is money left over in December, which can then be used for a special end-of-the year party or perhaps for a Christmas service project. The lessons they learn by making the money last will prepare them for adult life and adult leadership.
The second reason for avoiding these types of activities is that you are unable to control the environment. Teens attending Mutual should have an uplifting feeling. Even fun activities should leave teens feeling that they have had a moral evening. When you are in a bowling alley or other establishment, you have limited control over this feeling. It's unlikely that teens will feel the presence of the Holy Ghost in a place with inappropriate music, swearing, skimpy clothing, and alcohol. Is this really an appropriate environment for a church meeting?
Third, every time you leave the building, you increase the risk of getting into an accident or having some other situation which creates long-term headaches. Stay at the church building as often as possible and have your fun there.
Fourth, these activities are generally pointless. The purpose of youth activities should be to help youth live the gospel, increase their testimonies, and develop a close relationship with the church. These activities might be fun, but they serve little other purpose. Ask yourself whether a trip to play laser tag will help youth decide to serve a mission, marry in the temple, or graduate from college.
When planning activities, challenge youth to choose uplifting activities that serve a purpose beyond "quorum bonding" or having fun. Challenge them to spend as little money as possible and still have fun. It is essential that teens learn that you do not have to spend money to have a good time. You don't even have to have refreshments to have a good time. It is possible to have fun while learning or being spiritual. Teach them to have homemade fun. Remember that creating this homemade experience adds to the learning involved. This knowledge will serve them well all their lives, since there will be many times, as teens and as adults, when they will have to entertain themselves free of charge.
I challenge you to have only homemade fun for one full year. Then, next December, evaluate your year and find out if your youth have grown from the experience.
Young Women Value Activities
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