General Conference Packets

There are many packets out there. I created one that I feel helps to guide the kids through Conference. I print one for myself, too because I love the format (and it helps me know how to improve it).

I print out pictures of the apostles, auxiliary presidencies and music personnel on sticker paper to use with the packet. You can also print these on regular paper or card stock and cut and paste them on.

For Very Young Children (1-6):

I made this from a file folder, on which I drew a pulpit, labeled, decorated, and then laminated it. I cut slits above the pulpit for the speaker’s picture strips. Cut those out of an old Ensign (now they are in color!).

I gathered the little pictures from Ensign magazines, mounted them on cardstock, laminated them and attached Velcro to them. This has been a favorite for years.

Here I am in line for Conference in 2002 (pregnant) in the long blue dress

April 2004

April 2006

6-year old Natalie Oct 2007

Natalie & Andrew - Oct 2007

Adam - October 2007 (permanent marker)

3 1/2-year old Adam April 2008

April 2008 with 19-month old Andrew

Bingo and Word Tallies

Bingo cards are pretty easy to come by. (Search Sugardoodle or other church material sites.) I cut mine out of a Friend magazine, glued it to a file folder and laminated it.

The kids really like to pick out colored beads to cover the squares with. They started over each session.

word tallies work the same way - just with stickers or colored pencils, etc.

Last October, I made a life-size version of this (because the idea came and I couldn’t dismiss it). I printed and laminated cards and used Velcro to attach them to this display board. I’m not done yet, so we’ll see what happens this year.

Andrew loved to put each new speaker up to the pulpit. Once they spoke, he put them in their proper chairs below the pulpit.

Here is this year’s new and improved version:

General Conference Packet

I can’t say enough how much we love these packets!

7-year old Natalie October 2008

5-year old Adam April 2010

I Spy the Prophet Spyglass

Adam, Andrew and I made these nifty “I Spy the Prophet” spyglasses with paper towel rolls, pictures from the Ensign and Mod Podge.

These are more of a fun gadget and aren’t used for very long, but the boys thought it was exciting to watch Conference through their “telescopes”. They love playing with them at other times, too.

Environment

A clean house helps the family focus on the meetings and messages.

We have spread blankets on the floor for the kids to sit on. This led to some wrestling, however.

I prefer less clutter and materials ready. Sometimes I get the kids special writing utensils - like new crayons or sparkly pens.

Setting up a tent inside is another idea, but it can be hard to see out of and can be distracting as well.

World Map

Display a large world map. When countries are mentioned in Conference (for new temples, speakers born in other countries, stories, etc.) have the child put star stickers on that place on the map (or something removable). I have only done this with a printed map for their binders.

In-Between Sessions

We have taken the kids to Temple Square a few times in-between sessions. It was fun to show the kids the temple where we were married, and to show them where Conference is happening. I’ve always had a not-so-secret wish to have our kids photographed for the Ensign... it hasn’t happened yet.

Meals and Treats

It’s best to have meals that you can prepare ahead of time (crock pot meals are great) or quickly so that you can focus on the sessions instead of food preparation. Your kids learn how to act during Conference from you.

Many families have traditional meals each time. We love pancakes or waffles with strawberries and whipped cream, or cinnamon rolls. Whitney’s family always eats “Breakfast Pizza.” I’ve heard of people always eating “Conference Chili” in-between sessions.

I like to save treat distribution for the Sunday afternoon session, since it’s the last one and hardest to keep the kids interested. (If you give treats out on the first session it loses its motivating power.) After each speaker, the kids who listened get a small treat like a few Skittles or a handful of popcorn, etc.

Amy & Adam - Oct 2007

13-month old Andrew - Oct 2007

Natalie, Amy & Brian 2004

My sister updates their 72-hour kits in-between Saturday Conference sessions or sometimes the week before since Conference is a good reminder of being prepared... and 6-months is a good time frame for updating food and clothing.

After Conference

My favorite way to review General Conference is to listen to the talks on my iPhone. I play them mostly while working in the kitchen and folding laundry.

Hearing them over and over again has been the most effective way for me to remember, ponder and apply what is taught by so many amazing leaders; it’s just too much to take in from one listen. I highly recommend it!

You can download the audio files HERE.

I recently moved the girls’ stereo into our kitchen so I could hear their iPods or my iPhone songs much louder. I am really, really happy with how awesome these speakers sound! We’ve been blasting classical music (by our violin teacher’s repeated recommendation) and old Conference talks never sounded better!

Doing something active in-between sessions is a REALLY good idea! Saturdays are great for bike rides and both days are great for family walks.

Adam - April 2008

Molly, kids & M’Jean - April 2008 (during priesthood session)

Warning!

If you choose to let the kids roam free instead of sitting with you during Conference, this is what might happen:

7-year old Amy April 2010

This talk: “Teaching Our Children to Love the Prophets” is amazing and very inspiring.

I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you. I would love to hear yours as well! I’m always game for new ideas. Best of luck to all of us as we prepare for next week!

4-yr old Andrew - October 2010