Gather & Belong

Preparing for Youth Conference 2026

 Join us as Sister Melissa Knoblich, Stake Young Women's President, shares insights on this year's youth conference theme, ministry to youth, and how to foster meaningful spiritual growth during this important event. Discover practical tips for parents, youth leaders, and teens to strengthen their faith and build lasting friendships.

In this episode:
 
  • Introduction to Sister Melissa Knoblick and her background in youth service
  • What is youth conference and its significance within the stake
  • The theme "Walk with Me" from Moses 6:34 and its symbolic activities
  • The inspiration behind this year's conference and how it aligns with church initiatives
  • Practical advice for parents and youth to prepare for the event
  • Tips to help youth experience the Spirit, even without dramatic encounters
  • The importance of stake-wide activities for building community and lasting connections
  • How youth can deepen their relationship with the Savior during the conference
  • Managing expectations: spiritual growth doesn't always happen linearly
  • The role of scripture reading in preparation for youth conference
 
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and introduction to the podcast
00:22 - Sister Melissa's background and service in youth programs
01:04 - What is youth conference? Overview and purpose
03:08 - Explanation of this year's theme "Walk with Me"
04:18 - The inspiration and vision for the conference
05:36 - Parent advice: how to prepare youth for the event
08:39 - Structuring a positive conference experience for youth
12:05 - How youth can maximize spiritual and social growth
12:45 - Cultivating soft hearts and Christlike humility
15:36 - Practical packing and logistics tips for attendees
17:02 - Using technology and social media in the conference experience
20:18 - What success looks like for Sister Melissa post-event
22:16 - Recognizing small spiritual impressions "drop by drop"
25:20 - Reflecting on personal youth experiences and their impact
28:57 - The importance of youth conference in a turbulent world
30:32 - Pre-conference invitation: scripture focus and prayer
32:35 - Final words and encouragement for leaders, youth, and parents
33:28 - Closing remarks and appreciation

Resources & Links:
 

Note: The podcast and show notes are designed to help parents, youth leaders, and youth prepare spiritually and practically for youth conference, emphasizing personal and collective spiritual growth without relying on dramatic experiences. The focus remains on gentle, consistent faith formation, nurturing the seed of the gospel drop by drop.

What is Gather & Belong?

Information and inspiration from the Communications Council for the Mount Vernon, Washington Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.