Comments on: Conference Traditions

By: Bryan Ellsworth

Bryan Ellsworth — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:04:55 +0000

For 15 or so years I have used a 1992 diary book for recording thoughts from GConf. I simply write everyone that spoke and at least one thought that impressed me. At 1st the purpose was to stay awake. But casual review of previous years and particularly of the highlights of speakers previous talk can be revealing both to what impressed me then and who i can relate most with as to style of approaching gospel subjects. The absence of notes other than falling alseep is likewise revealing. They are some speakers that I have more difficult time pinning down to simply a 1 or 2 line thought. But I decided from the start to not make it detailed nor beat myself over missing the obvious main point nor if wrote nothing. But to simply write a thought and not necessarily the most important one either. (all my kids are grown now and were teenagers when I started–so I am not downing the wonderful ideas already expressed above for little kids like the cool idea of a tent facing the speaker. Mine only concern was me staying tuned.)

By: Kylie

Kylie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:49:16 +0000

Stephanie (10), excellent idea. I wish I would have chosen “love of God” for the word in most of the sessions of Conference–well, maybe not. That would have caused quite a sugar rush.

#12–maybe one or two of those guys in suits should tell the DQ people about the gospel . . . just an idea!

By: living in zion

living in zion — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:33:07 +0000

Our town’s DQ is experienced with the Priesthood meeting rush 2x a year. They don’t understand it, they just know in the spring and fall they will get hit with a hundred guys in suits and ties at 9:15 pm on Sat. night.

By: m&m

m&m — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:07:01 +0000

We do the tent thing, too.

And lots of snacks.

I sometimes miss gathering with the saints, though. When I lived elsewhere, before the days of internet, there was something special about that, too.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:19:06 +0000

We do conference Bingo, but next year I think I’ll try the “word of the session” where the kids get a piece of candy if a particular word is said. I usually plan projects I can do at home while I listen. We let the kids get out all their toys. There are train tracks and legos everywhere right now. My husband makes dutch babies for breakfast on Sunday morning.

We keep telling the kids that when they are old enough, we’ll take them to UT to see conference live.

By: Natalie

Natalie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:43:52 +0000

Pajamas and blankets for the am session (next year I am SO doing the king benjamin tent, and we don’t even have kids), major baked goods extravaganza during the pm session, and a big long walk at the end of the day.

I know a lot of families that swap their 72-hour kits out during conference weekends (eat the old and replace), and families that swap out their summer/winter wardrobes after saturday afternoon sessions.

By: Kylie

Kylie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:41:04 +0000

My kids have voted in favor of tents, $, and food DURING the session (to keep everyone awake and alert) instead of before. Excellent ideas.

By: Matt Rasmussen

Matt Rasmussen — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:34:26 +0000

With the advent of BYUTV nine and a half years ago, we started watching conference at home rather than going to the building. This worked out for us and everyone else so our boys didn’t disturb anyone. Since the 1st sessions start at Noon EST, my wife makes these heavenly quesedillas just before the session and we eat them with chips and salsa as lunch while watching the Saturday session. We get waffles for the first Sunday session. We quietly color, do puzzles or play Legos with the boys during the rest of the sessions.

By: Cameron

Cameron — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:55:16 +0000

^4 that’s great with the tent!

When I was young, my Dad bribed us if we took notes. 25 cents per speaker/position and 10 cents for each point he covered. Even then, it barely convinced me to listen instead of drawing dinosaurs or video game ideas.

When my brothers and I were older (i’m the oldest of 5 boys), my Dad spontaneously decided we would go kick field goals at the local middle school after Priesthood session and the obligatory DQ stop. We only did that a few times before I left on my mission, so I’m surprised it was such a memorable tradition. Inspiration can be random at times, but I am so grateful for it.

By: Alison Moore Smith

Alison Moore Smith — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:51:48 +0000

We’ve got an ages old and really popular article called Making General Conference Memorable on Mormon Momma. I’ve got a huge PHP issue I’m trying to work out, so the dates are totally whacked and the commenting isn’t going to work correctly until I fix it, but you can still read it — belated those this may be.

And why am I not watching that last session right now? We have the DVR on pause while the kids finish their King Benjaminish tents in the family room.