Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Service Boot Camp: Welcome New Recruits

Pin It



I had the most bizarre thought today. I couldn't believe I even thought it.

I caught myself thinking, "Gee, I'm glad it's February.  I just love February."

Now, you need to understand that February can be a really wicked month around here:  freezing, below zero temps, sometimes for weeks at a time and absolutely no sun. 

So what has changed my mind about February this year?

Well, beside the fact that Winter has graciously forgotten to show up in Central PA (it was 60 and sunny here yesterday!), our family is also embarking on our third year of Service Boot Camp in February.

This mandatory, month-long training exercise in serving others has really changed my outlook to the point that I have actually grown to love this time of year and all of the promise that it holds.


And what is even more exciting?  We've got some brand-spanking new recruits in Boot Camp this year who are taking this challenge pretty seriously!


ROLL CALL!


First up, we have the Young Women of the Arvada 3rd Ward!  Their platoon-leader Dana Storrs has really got them all riled up for a month of service.  She created the fiercest little recruitment letter using this post and adding her own flare and the message to "Arise and Shine Forth".  She layed it all on the line for her soldiers and even had them sign an enlistment contract!!!  Reportedly, as soon as Dana read the words, "Are you IN or are you OUT?!" one of the girls hollered out enthusiastically, "I'M IN!!!"


Next, the girls created a paper-chain (in YW value colors) with service prompts to guide them in their efforts to serve others each day in February.  (Click here to download the paper chain/service prompts and here to access the Service Boot Camp Contract!  You can download it in Word and change the ward name!)  The YW also made journals and cookies to have on hand while they serve.


I am inspired!  Dana has done a beautiful job with this, and is allowing me to share her work with you!  I am going to make a similar chain to help keep me marching to the service beat as well!  Thank you, Squad-leader Dana!


Next up, we have Lieutenant Lexie, who along with her children, kicked off their month of Service Boot Camp by throwing a "Feel the Love" party.  They even invited their entire ward to participate!  I am looking forward to hearing updates from Lexie, Dana, and the brave YW of the Arvada 3rd Ward as the month progresses.


So what do you say?  Are you ready to serve your cares away in Service Boot Camp this month?  Well what are you waiting for???  Grab a button and sign on the dotted line...or just leave a comment and remember to report back every once in a while to let us all know how its going!  We're all in this together!
Service Letter & Contract

12 comments:

  1. Well I just returned from putting on a poetry reading program for our local writers group. We had 5 in the group reading their poetry Voices of Women and 7 in the audience. A lot of effort for little reward, my husband says and I have to agree. But it is fulfilling my goal of helping others find their voices...

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great idea to enlist young women! I'm late, but I'd still love to join! Off to make our service chain...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Those YW sound AMAZING.  What a fun experience for them.  I have been looking forward to this for weeks - you know I am IN!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. As I was reading your post I was waiting for what "THEME" for service was going to be.  I never found it..HMMM what do I do now.  Well, as I started thinking I realized the possibilities are endless. All I have to do is make an effort every day to do something small...like open a door or make a phone call.  I can do it!And I want to do it.  February is a hard month for me to.  I'm going to make a hershey kiss advent-like reminder. I will see it every day and remind me to serve someone.  If I do it, I can eat the chocolate.  It sounds silly but with all the day to day chores and activities it's easy to loose site of goals and others who may need us.
    Thanks JC

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is just what I needed.  I'm IN.  I know I'm a few days late, but I read this post yesterday afternoon, and by the end of the day I already performed my first service. What a great way to live, spending time everyday doing some act of service.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Welcome aboard, Susannah!  You will be so happy you did this!  It's a lot of fun!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I know, no theme this time around! :)  Except follow the spirit! :)  I can't wait to see your hershey kiss service advent!

    ReplyDelete
  8. And we know that is a noble goal that you are proficient in!  Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Christina BartholomewTuesday, February 07, 2012

    What a cool idea!  Thanks for the comment on my blog.

    ReplyDelete