Last fall, while on a trip to Meridian, Idaho to see five of our grandchildren, along with their parents, I took the opportunity to visit with my 14-year-old grandson about his Scouting progress. We talked of recent camps, merit badges, and activities. As I discovered he had not yet earned the Genealogy merit badge, I kindly invited him to find a time where we might spend an hour or so together to work on it. He was able to free up a little time from friends, hockey, and schoolwork so we were able to make great strides in accomplishing the selected goal over a weekend. This hopefully instilled an increased desire in him to pay attention to family history.

During the same period of time, he and many of his friends were involved in preparations for the cultural celebration connected to the Meridian, Idaho Temple Dedication. Although it was a huge time commitment, the outcome and overall experience was a very positive one indeed. Our family members were able to be heavily involved with the Open House, Celebration, and then attend the Dedication. This past weekend the Young Men and Young Women of his ward were invited to attend the temple to perform baptisms for family names recently researched. What a blessing and positive experience this was for them.

In a letter from the First Presidency on October 8, 2012, we are reminded:

We especially encourage youth and young single adults to use for temple work their own family names or the names of ancestors of their ward and stake members. Priesthood leaders should assure that young people and their families learn the doctrine of turning their hearts to their fathers and the blessing of temple attendance.

In future conversations with youth, whether it be with children, grandchildren, or youth in your own “ward family,” I hope we all will show an increased interest in them, in what they are doing, and in having open discussions with them about family history experiences. It may be about recent temple experiences, journaling, the origin of their name, researching family names, a favorite ancestor, or looking through photos together. So much good can come from demonstrating positive, genuine care and concern for our youth and their individual well-being.  –Glen Steenblik