From left, Aspen Durfey, 18, a graduating senior from Clymer High School and a returning participant of the FSY program, along with FSY newcomer Lucy Elliss, 13, from Maple Grove High School, both enthusiastic about the upcoming conference, scheduled to take place from July 7 to 12 at Frostburg State University in Maryland. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

A group of youth and adolescents from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Jamestown will participate in the national conference known as For the Strength of Youth (FSY) 2025.

According to churchofjesuschrist.org, the Jamestown Ward building is located in Jamestown, New York at 851 Forest Ave. The Church and the Jamestown Stake’s FSY conference will be held from July 7 to 12 at Frostburg State University, Md.

“We have 18 youth from our Stake who will be attending FSY, and 11 of them are from Jamestown Ward,” said Tiffany Ognibene, the Jamestown New York Stake Young Women President.

One church member who had previously attended FSY shared valuable insights with a newcomer to the retreat. “Don’t be shy; just dive right in. The effort you invest will directly impact what you gain from the experience,” advised Aspen Durfey, 18, a graduating senior from Clymer High School.

FSY newcomer and member of the Jamestown Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 13-year-old Lucy Elliss from Maple Grove High School stated, “I can’t wait to try the ice cream machine; I’ve heard it’s fantastic.”

FSY conferences are five-day events featuring a variety of activities, devotionals, and classes aimed at deepening faith in Jesus Christ. These gatherings provide opportunities for youth to develop spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually. FSY conferences have been successfully conducted in many locations outside the United States and Canada for several years and are modeled after Brigham Young University’s Especially For Youth (EFY) conferences — Ldsliving.com.

Sam Ognibene, a member of the Jamestown Ward and the Stake Clerk for the Jamestown New York Stake, confidently affirmed, “We fully cover all expenses for the kids to attend. The Salt Lake Headquarters takes care of transportation costs to the conference. It’s our mission to ensure that every youth who wants to participate can do so; as a church, we eliminate any financial obstacles.”

According to summercamps.com, families looking to enroll their children in a religious-based summer camp can anticipate a weekly expense of around $890. This figure reflects the specialized programs and spiritual activities commonly offered at such camps.

Furthermore, a comprehensive look at the nationwide costs associated with overnight summer camps indicates that families should budget approximately $1,256.56 for a full week of a residential camping experience in the United States. This fee typically encompasses a range of amenities, including lodging, meals, and recreational activities tailored for various age groups. In more granular terms, parents can expect to invest roughly $179 each day for their child’s engagement in a residential summer camp, retreat, or seminar. This daily rate often covers a variety of enriching experiences, from outdoor adventures and team-building exercises to educational workshops and personal development sessions. Overall, the costs associated with summer camps reflect the quality of programming and the memorable experiences that children gain during their time away from home.

“As a church, we hold it as our duty to nurture and guide our children in accordance with the commandments of God the Father,” said Sam Ognibene. “Being a Christian church is integral to our identity; it’s reflected in our name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Youth from other faiths are welcome to attend FSY if they meet with the Bishop and agree to follow the standards that are in for The Strength of The Youth Guide.

For more information about the upcoming FSY or any of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints youth programs, contact the Jamestown Ward at (716) 487-0830.