Leading young women can be a challenge. A particular challenge comes when you have an extremely small young women’s group. This could be in a particular age group or in the entire young women’s program. It is important that you look at ways that you can make this a positive experience for the young women in your program.
You may consider combining age groups in order to have more interaction and friendships form. You may just need to combine the Beehives with the Miamaids or the Miamaids with the Laurels. You may also want to combine the entire program. It is important to have your girls form friendships with each other.
You may also want to focus on reaching out to the less active and making them feel welcome. You can also encourage your young women to invite friends to attend the activities as well. If you encourage the young women to have a welcoming and open environment the visitors will be more likely to want to come back.
You may also consider combining your activities once a month with a nearby ward. This would only work, if you live fairly close geographically. This will require approval from both bishops, and possibly the stake president. The extra effort may be worth it, to allow the girls to form more friendships with each other.
As leaders it is important to make sure that as many girls attend the activities as possible. You may also need to make sure you have at least two leaders in attendance at all times. This can help to protect you and follows similar guidelines for the scouts.
While it may seem more difficult to plan and prepare activities for a larger group, small groups can be difficult as well. However often close bonds form between the girls. It is an opportunity for testimonies to be strengthened and strong and lasting friendships to be formed.
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