Primary Activities for Children
Beginning January 1, 2020 Primary children gather twice a month to have activities that support the interests and goals of the children.
Who?
Primary children beginning in the year they turn 8 until they graduate into Youth. Boys and girls will meet in separate groups if possible. |
When?
2 to 4 times a month on a weekday. |
What?
Activities, planned by adult leaders, should be balanced between four areas of growth: spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical. Activities should be fun, build testimonies, and strengthen the children and their families. |
Why?
Children are loved by their Father in Heaven. He will send them inspiration and desires that will help each of them grow. Children, with the help of their parents, will set goals that will help children grow in four areas:
It is the role of Primary Leaders to assist the children in growing in these four areas as well. |
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How it works
At the beginning of each year the children turing eight during that year are given a CTR ring and a picture of the temple along with a copy of Personal Development: Children's Guidebook. This may be done by the bishop or branch president in a visit to the primary class.
At home:
- Two or more adult leaders are chosen for each activity group in the ward or branch. These leaders must complete the Protecting Children and Youth training before they meet with the children.
- Where possible boys and girls meet in separate activity groups.
- Activities are held 2-4 times per month depending on the needs of the ward or branch.
- Activities are balanced between the areas of growth: spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual.
- Children set goals at home with the help of their parents.
- Church leaders do not track the goals of children. Children do not have to share goal with leaders.
- Non-member children can participate in the Primary Activities and receive a goal keeping booklet if they like.
- Children's classes or activity groups can set a class goal if they like.
Recognition
Children receive emblems of achievement as they complete goals. These emblems of achievement are not yet available to purchase but will be by mid-2020.
Children receive emblems of achievement as they complete goals. These emblems of achievement are not yet available to purchase but will be by mid-2020.
Resources
Introductory Guidebook
Get the Children and Youth Introductory guidebook for parents and leaders in the Gospel Library App or click on the image below to go to the PDF version. |
Activity Ideas
Service and activity ideas can be found on the church's website and in the Gospel Living App (Google Play store). (apple version not yet released) |
FAQs About the Program
Click on the document below to get an abbreviated 3 page FAQ sheet. You may also want to refer to the full 10 page FAQ about Children and Youth activities.
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Guidebook for children
Children use a simple guidebook to track their own goals. Each child, 8 and up, should receive a new guidebook at the beginning of each year. The goals children set are private unless the child wishes to share them. Children and parents set these goals at home and work on them at home. Occasionally a child's goal may be worked on during a Primary activity if the child desires and it fits with the overall schedule for Primary activities. |