A Priesthood Leader s Guide to Camp Helaman

Transcription

1 The Purpose of Camp Helaman Camp Helaman is a priesthood leadership training encampment for Priest age young men, ages 16 to 19 years old. Its purpose is to help young men: Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, Learn to recognize and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and to Fulfill their divine role as holders of the Holy Priesthood. Camp Helaman seeks to fulfill this three-fold purpose by focusing teaching, testimonies and experiences on the Lord Jesus Christ, the redeeming power of His Atonement and the purpose of His priesthood. At the center of its structure, Camp Helaman seeks to create an environment wherein the Spirit can teach of this priesthood purpose: that the priesthood is a portion of the Lord s power and authority which has been delegated to man to provide all of Heavenly Father s children access to the redeeming power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And with such an understanding, Camp Helaman seeks to help young men realize the responsibilities and duties of priesthood holders in assisting Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their work of exaltation. 1 Priesthood Leadership Principles Applied at Camp Helaman The entire encampment is meant to support Bishops in their stewardship as president of the priests quorum through the following conscious efforts: Providing Bishops pre-encampment information as to the purpose of the camp, which, at the option of the Bishop, could be referenced in quorum activities and instruction in an effort to link the Camp Helaman with priest quorum activities and instruction. Involving Bishops in the callings and assignments extended to the young men of their quorums. Welcoming bishops to attend any portion of the camp experience to share in testimony and service and to be with members of their priest quorum. Devoting the last evening of the camp to a ward priest quorum meeting wherein Bishops are invited to preside, instruct, as well as hear and bear testimony with the members of their priest quorum. As this encampment involves multiple stakes, it has been approved by the Area Seventy, who has assigned a local stake president as agent stake president to oversee and preside over the encampment. The agent stake president counsels with other participating stake presidents to prayerfully select three experienced Melchizedek Priesthood holders to serve as camp directors. A key feature of this priesthood leadership training is its youth-led experience, organized in a structure similar to that found within the mission field. The Camp Helaman youth-led leadership corps consists of a Presidency (known as the Ozone ), Zone Leaders and District Leaders. These leaders are all priest age young men. 1

2 The adult and youth leaders work together under the direction of the Spirit to develop and execute training and a set of experiences designed to fulfill the purpose of the encampment as described previously. In this effort, great care is taken to ensure that all priesthood training and activities are carefully correlated with current Church instruction and resources such as Duty to God, Preach My Gospel and other Church-approved material. As such training and related activities are deployed, all adult leaders seek to: 1) Be with them 2) Connect them with Heaven 3) Let them lead 2 1) Be with them: Leadership training begins approximately nine months prior to the start of the actual camp. Each member of the camp presidency (or Ozone) is invited to serve under the direction of his own bishop and stake president. It is left to the discretion of the stake president as to whether such is treated as a priesthood assignment or a calling accompanied by a priesthood blessing which sets the young man apart for service. Preparation for camp is critical and as preparations are undertaken, it provides valuable opportunities to be with and help teach priesthood leadership principles under the influence of the spirit of revelation as questions are raised, prayers are offered and decisions are reached. Extensive time is therefore devoted to camp preparation which enables priesthood leaders to connect with these young men and help to facilitate their success in this effort. Specifically, during the period from October until July, the camp directors and the Ozone meet two to three times per month to review priesthood leadership principles and how such are applied in the context of camp preparation. In addition, training is provided for Zone and District Leaders via two Saturday training sessions and all youth leaders participate in an overnight training session. Many stakes hold firesides to promote Camp Helaman and these are organized by the Ozone member under the direction of his own Stake President. Typically, a member of the Ozone will have spent 125+ hours learning, planning, leading, and debriefing prior to the actual camp. Zone and District Leaders also will have had the opportunity to spend at least 16 hours learning from stake presidents, camp directors the Ozone and other priesthood leaders as they prepare to lead in the Savior s way. Then, at camp, the atmosphere itself provides an environment of spirituality, brotherhood, fun and service all of which is experienced with priesthood leaders from a young man s ward, stake and neighboring stakes. 2) Connect them with Heaven: Throughout the preparation and execution of Camp Helaman, youth leaders receive extensive priesthood leadership training and other relevant training relating to their duties as camp leaders. They are taught from the onset of their priesthood call or assignment that a key principle of priesthood leadership is revelation and that to receive revelation they must be worthy and prepared. They are asked throughout the planning process to seek the will of the Lord and act on the inspiration they receive. They receive training and council about the difference between priesthood authority and priesthood power. All leaders are taught the importance of and given the charge to seek inspiration in their assignments. And, in the end, each youth leader is given the responsibility to teach this doctrine to those for whom 2

3 they will have stewardship during camp such that all participants learn and experience the power of personal revelation. 3) Let them lead: Perhaps one of the most challenging principles to apply, letting them lead requires a balance between training and letting the youth take responsibility for the planning, development and execution of the camp. As taught, true leadership is not simply an assignment of logistical tasks or having a young man stand and read from a scripted agenda but rather it is giving the young men real opportunities to go to the Lord, ask for and receive revelation and then allowing the opportunity to implement the direction received. Camp Helaman provides an environment wherein young men can personally learn and apply these principles. For example, the Zone, District and All-Leader training sessions noted previously are planned, organized and conducted by the Ozone not by the camp directors. Further, the encampment itself is organized and literally run by the Ozone, the Zone Leaders and the District Leaders. To enable the young men to succeed in these settings, a proven structure or suggested encampment activity template is provided and the camp directors mentor and support the young men as they prepare for and fulfill their duties, which include the following: a. Define an activity s objectives and priesthood purpose b. Determine the annual camp theme c. Make priesthood assignments d. Set meeting and activity agendas e. Prepare for and deliver gospel-centered messages f. Lead by example g. Identify and resolve unexpected issues that arise prior to, during and after camp h. Receive and act upon direction from their priesthood leaders i. Conduct meetings j. Bear testimony k. Counsel with one another in leadership planning meetings As these young men carry out these responsibilities, they truly learn to rely upon the Spirit of revelation and to lead in the spirit of service and with confidence. Maximizing the Effectiveness of Camp Helaman Before Camp Recommend worthy young men to serve as leaders The worthiness and preparation of the young men who will lead the camp (Ozone, Zone and District Leaders) is crucial to the success of Camp Helaman. Preparation starts in August/September of the year prior to camp. Bishop s recommend, and stake presidents extend the invitation to worthy young men to serve from their stake as a member of the camp presidency by Sept 15 th. They also recommend and call 3

4 several Zone and District leaders depending on forecasted camp attendance. Matters to consider when recommending a young man to serve as a Camp Helaman leader include: 1) Is the young man worthy and capable to lead through personal example? 2) Does the young man honor the priesthood? 3) Does the young man have the support of his family and local priesthood leaders? 4) Has the young man attended camp at least once so as to be familiar with its proceedings and purpose? 5) Does the young man have the time and capacity to serve effectively? (This is especially important for the young man called to serve in the Ozone. It can be a wonderful experience but also requires a significant commitment of time.) 6) Does the young man have access to independent and reliable transportation? 7) Is the young man responsible and exhibit diligence and good work habits? Once the Spirit has confirmed who should be invited to serve as a leader, the call is extended by the young man s priesthood leader and is taught the process followed by which revelation was obtained concerning the call or assignment. Learning about the process of revelation from their direct priesthood leader is a powerful teaching moment for in doing so, the young man comes to understand that their call is from the Lord and that the Lord will support him and help him be successful. Make Attending Camp Helaman a Quorum Event. Quorum unity is sought through alignment with the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood including preparing young men to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and to serve an honorable full-time mission. 3 Camp Helaman can be utilized as a catalyst or culminating event in support of the fulfillment of these purposes. Taking a moment with priest quorum activities to connect a lesson or activity to their experiences at Camp Helaman will help to increase the linkage between the effects of Camp Helaman and the purpose of priest quorum instruction and activities further, such a connection can call to remembrance sacred, personal experiences that occurred at camp to motivate all to participate fully in fulfilling the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. Call Adult Camp Helaman Support Committee Members The logistics and other heavy lifting associated with the execution of the camp are supported by one or two brethren called from each stake to be members of the Camp Helaman Support Committee. The camp directors serve as chairs for the committee and make appropriate assignments to meet the human and program needs for the duration of camp. This allows the Ozone to focus on their primary spiritual responsibilities associated with the purposes of the camp as stated above. The support committee members also serve as first points of contact for camp information, coordination and registration for their respective stakes. 4

5 During Camp Be With Them Join Us Bishops are invited to come and participate in camp activities throughout the week. Recognizing however, the challenge of schedules during the week, Bishops are specifically invited to attend camp on Friday evening the last evening of camp. Perhaps one of the more powerful moments at Camp Helaman is when priest quorums are spread throughout camp being led in testimony and discussion by their priesthood keyholders. The Bishops attendance creates a significant and lasting impact on the lives of these priests. It can be a great opportunity to listen, share testimonies, and impart inspired counsel. After Camp Keep the momentum going Camp Helaman seeks to strengthen each young man s testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to have them commit more fully to engage in the work of exaltation with our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. This engagement will be exhibited via faithful Aaronic Priesthood service now and dedicated Melchizedek Priesthood Service (including the fulfilling of missionary service) in the future. The entire effort seeks to work with Bishops and build upon the impressions received and the commitment developed at Camp Helaman by inviting each young man to: Engage more completely in quorum and ward activities, Set an example of righteousness among his peers, Prepare for, receive and keep sacred covenants in the temple and through receipt of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and Commit to prepare for and serve an honorable mission. We earnestly pray that the review of these priesthood responsibilities and the doctrine of the priesthood in concert with the learnings and experiences obtained at Camp Helaman will prove to be a valuable experience in the spiritual development of this rising generation of fine young man. 5

6 Other References Supporting Scriptures Alma 4:19, 30:40-44, 31:5 Pure Testimony D&C 18:34-36 Confidence and Testimony D&C 27:12-18 Put on the armor of God D&C 35:2 Become sons of God D&C 38:42 Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord D&C 42:61 Revelation D&C 68:46 Confidence, the Lord will stand with you D&C 82:10 Confidence when you are obedient D&C 123:17 Be Cheerful 2 Ne 9:44-53 Repentance Methods D&C 19: Develop an understanding of the doctrine of the atonement and its application in life. D&C 43:8-16, 50: Edify and teach each other by the Spirit D&C 105:5 Conduct, organize and build upon the principles of the Celestial Kingdom D&C 88: Utilize the tools of faith, study, prayer and organization D&C 90:24 Search diligently, pray always, be believing Alma 36 Counsel together and with the Lord D&C 59:15-16 Be cheerful and have fun D&C 107:87 Bishops ensure emphasis and commitment prior to and follow through after with high expectations and meaningful service opportunities Participant Capacity and Leader Support Considerations Camp Helaman can be run effectively and with scale with as few as 125 and as many as 425 participating young men. The ideal range for the encampment is thought to be 275 to 320 participating young men. As the number of participants varies, the number of adult leaders required for support remains fairly constant. This is because the camp, itself, is primarily led and run by the young men. In total, the core adult leadership required in support of the camp includes the three Camp Directors, the kitchen staff and the supporting committee members called from each participating stake. 6

7 Financial Requirements The cost of running the camp, including all supplies, meals and facility charges has historically amounted to approximately $115 per young man. The agent stake is responsible for the payment of all expenses and collecting funds from each participating stake in accordance with the number of young men from each participating stake, who have committed to attend the encampment. Each participating stake determines how their respective funding is sourced. Sample Schedule of Camp Events Historically, due to camp property availability, Camp Helaman occurs during the week of the 4 th of July. The typical schedule followed at camp is as follows: Tuesday (Leaders Only) Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Leader Orientation ZL Council ZL Council ZL Council ZL Council Survivor's Challenge Overview Presidency Devotional Ultimate Frisbee District Devotional District Devotional Review Spiritual Scav Hunt Zone Ice breakers, Team Building Obstacle Course Service Project Testimony Meeting Review Obstacle Course TAPP - Priesthood Leader Fireside Rehearse MSJ & Choir, Bi g H Big H, Free Time Evening Youth Dance Leadership Challenge Overview Zone Competitions My Servant Joseph Fireside TAPP - Priesthood Leader Fireside Enos Experience Overview Rehearse MSJ, Choir and Big H TAPP - Priesthood Leader Fireside Big H/Free Time TAPP - Priesthood Leader Fireside Opening Fireside Movie Spiritual Scavenger Hunt Rehearse MySJ and Choir TAPP - Priesthood Leader Fireside Presidency Devotional Review Leadership Challenge District Team Building, Big H Enos Experience Zone devotional, Big H, Free time Zone Devotional Dinner with Bishops TAPP - Priesthood Leader Fireside Priest Quorum Meeting Reflecting on the Redeemer Fireside District Testimony Meeting 7

8 Glossary of Camp Events Event Name Big H Devotionals (Presidency, Zone, and District) Enos Experience My Servant Joseph Obstacle Course Priest Quorum Meeting Reflecting on the Redeemer Service Project Spiritual Scavenger Hunt Survivor s Challenge: TAPP Ultimate Frisbee ZL Council Zone Competitions Zone Ice Breakers Event Description and Purpose An individual recognition program offered to each camp participant. Requirements are correlated and reference activities within Preach My Gospel, and Duty to God. The chief feature of this recognition program is to encourage daily spiritual preparation while at camp. Various devotionals are provided for all. These devotionals provide opportunities for youth to lead, to teach gospel principles and to share heartfelt "peer to peer" testimonies. A designated period during camp wherein each participant is provided a private, solitary time for prayer, scripture study and self-evaluation. A dramatic reading/presentation performed by selected youth leaders at camp. The presentation focuses on the life and martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. An experiential learning activity where zones are given physical challenges such as the navigation through a COPE course. These physical challenges are designed to strengthen individuals and groups teaching the importance of completing the challenge together and service to the one. Once completed, participants process the lessons learned. This activity helps to promote zone unity and gospel reflection. Friday night Bishops are invited to lead their quorums in a quorum meeting. This is a great opportunity for campers to share spiritual insights learned at camp, share testimonies and receive inspired council from their Bishop. This activity begins with a short, camp-wide audio-visual presentation focused on the life and divine mission of the Savior. From this short presentation each of the districts are dismissed silently to a location pre-determined by the District Leaders. Each District Leader conducts a devotional focused on the Atonement of the Savior and leads a District testimony meeting. This is the singular, culminating event of Camp Helaman. Each young man is invited to share his testimony in a small group setting among other young men he has grown to know and trust. Each Zone is invited to lead and complete a service project designed to benefit the facility in which they have camped. They work together to accomplish their assigned tasks. Within this activity, participants role play missionary experiences. As conveyed by the event s name, participants seek someone to whom they can teach the Gospel. Campers are provided teaching scenarios and asked to teach others gospel principles and testify of truth. Zone and District leaders compete in a series of competitions that are both physical and intellectual in nature. Teaching Aaronic Priesthood Principles (TAPP) sessions are time periods provided to guest speakers, usually a Stake President. These brethren come prepared to teach principles, and doctrine and to testify of truth. Zones compete in an ultimate frisbee tournament. This is another opportunity for zones to learn to work together in a fun, physical and competitive environment. The ZL Council is an early morning meeting to begin the day. It is led by the Ozone and provides an opportunity to council with zone leaders about challenges and prepare for the coming day's activities. Zone team building activities and competitions with other zones. Ice breakers are a "get-to-know each other," series of questions designed to help participants become familiar with one another on the first day of camp. The activity is filled with a combination of fun and serious questions about a young man s interests and is conducted in small group settings. 8

9 1 See Handbook 2, 2.1, Priesthood Authority; and Doctrine and Covenants 84:33 52; and The Priesthood and the Savior s Atoning Power by Elder Dale G. Renlund, October 2017 Ensign. 2 See 3 See Handbook 2,