Especially for Youth

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Especially For Youth (often abbreviated EFY) is a week long seminar focused on the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but is open to any youth ages 14 to 18.

1 EFY Mission Statement
2 History of EFY
3 EFY Themes
4 Curriculum
5 Trivia
6 Resources
7 External links

[edit] EFY Mission Statement

EFY states that its mission is to help participants "come unto Christ" by providing an environment where youth can experience physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual growth. The program provides counselors drawn from the students attending Brigham Young University and other young LDS single adults. Speakers are selected from the Church's Institute and Seminary programs.

[edit] History of EFY

EFY began in 1976, when 172 youth and 15 counselors met for the first session of the summer program. In 1977, 863 youth attended the program. Currently, EFY's summer program includes sessions which are held at various locations throughout the United States and Canada. In 2006, 900 youth attended a session Manchester, England - the first session held outside of North America.

[edit] EFY Themes

In 1982, EFY introduced its first annual theme. Since then, a theme and a scripture have set the tone for each EFY Session.

Year	Theme	Year	Theme	Year	Theme
		1991:	Walk With Me	2001:	Remember the Promise
1982:	The Time Has Come	1992:	Of One Heart	2002:	We Believe
1983:	Ascending Together	1993:	Sharing the Light	2003:	Look and Live
1984:	Discovering New Horizons	1994:	Serving With Strength	2004:	Stand in the Light
1985:	Let Your Light Shine	1995:	Return With Honor	2005:	A More Excellent Way
1986:	Lovin' Life	1996:	Living the Legacy	2006:	The Greatest Gift
1987:	Sailin' Home	1997:	Treasure the Truth	2007:	Power In Purity
1988:	Win the Race	1998:	Joy in the Journey
1989:	Forever, My Friend	1999:	A Season for Courage
1990:	Learning For Myself	2000:	Forward With Faith

[edit] Curriculum

Monday

Registration and Check-in
Meet and Greet other youth in their assigned group and counselors
Orientation
Family Home Evening

Tuesday

"Morningside" devotional
Self Improvement/Spiritual Improvement Classes
Casual dress dance

Wednesday

"Morningside" devotional
Self Improvement/Spiritual Improvement Classes
Games Night
Pizza party w/group.

Thursday

"Morningside" devotional
Gender segregated classes on the Duties/Responsibilities of Young Men / Young Women
Variety Show
"Fireside" devotional including a musical program
Testimony meeting is held.

(informally referred to as "Church Day," participants are expected to where their "best dress" to all activites but the Variety Show)

Friday

"Morningside" devotional
Service project
Role play activities
"Take it Home" activity
Closing banquet
Dance

Saturday

Check-out

[edit] Trivia

Ronald C. Hills was the continuing education administrator who created EFY.
Jeffrey R. Holland, now of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was a banquet speaker at the first EFY session.
The first EFY session which was held away from BYU Provo Utah campus took place in June 1986 at San Diego State University.
By the year 2002, nearly 2,000 EFY classes had been taught.
Nearly 410,000 participants had attended EFY by the year 2004.
The largest EFY session ever was held in July 2004 on the BYU Provo Utah campus. This session had 1,400 participants and 200 counselors in attendance.
This EFY session ordered an estimated 816 pizzas with a total of 6,350 slices.
The first Spanish speaking EFY session was held in 2004 in Salt Lake City. This session had 60 participants and 6 volunteer counselors.
Each EFY session is composed of 55% girls and 45% guys.
The most popular banquet dessert is triple - layer chocolate cake.
All EFY sessions are organized and managed out of the EFY home base at BYU Provo.
As of 2005, the total number of participants who have attended EFY over the years is 409,484.
EFY participants have come from the following countries: Scotland, China, Australia, Ireland, Hong Kong, Ireland, France, Russia, Mexico, Norway, Germany, England, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia.
In 2006, EFY celebrated its 30th anniversary.