Church Updates Youth Program, Retires Emblems
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is changing its Children and Youth Program to focus on lifelong discipleship.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Latter-Day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced changes to its Children and Youth Program, intended to help the rising generation become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. Youth began studying principles from the "For the Strength of Youth" guidebook in Sunday meetings in September 2026.
Why it matters
The changes reshape how children and youth in Latter-day Saint congregations across the United States learn and mark milestones within the faith. Updated program materials will guide how families and local leaders carry out the Church's youth activities.
The Church is retiring all emblems except specific gifts, including an image of the Savior, a Book of Mormon, and a temple ring for children baptized at age eight. The revised outcomes center on three guidelines, and a new monthly goal-setting lesson begins on the first Sunday of each month.
The players
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A Christian restorationist church founded in 1830 in New York, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the largest denomination tracing its origins to Joseph Smith.
The details
Children and youth outcomes are being reframed around believing in Jesus Christ, belonging to Jesus Christ and His Church, and becoming more like Jesus Christ. Each January, Church areas hold a "Brand New Year" event where 16-year-olds receive a locket or an oil vial, with other emblems being retired.
Timeline
September 2026: Youth began studying For the Strength of Youth in Sunday meetings.
2027: The Church will issue updated For the Strength of Youth and handbook program materials.
Each January: Brand New Year events are held in each Church area.
First Sunday of each month: A new goal-setting lesson is introduced for children and youth.
Culture Shift
The update continues the Church's long-standing use of the For the Strength of Youth guidebook, first issued in 1990, by shifting its youth framework from broad developmental goals toward explicit discipleship outcomes. It marks a move from general life-skill benchmarks to faith-centered milestones across its youth programs.
Families in Latter-day Saint wards will see the new three-part guidelines and monthly goal-setting lessons in their youth activities. Parents of children turning eight, eleven, or 16 will notice that the traditional gifts and emblems are being replaced or retired.
The takeaway
Families and youth leaders can prepare by reviewing the three discipleship guidelines and planning for the monthly goal-setting lesson. Keeping up with the upcoming 2027 handbook materials will help households align home teaching with the updated program.
What happens next
The Church will issue updated For the Strength of Youth and General Handbook program materials next year, in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more in the Latter-Day Saints section for background on the faith's youth traditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 4.
