"Sea" what is really up at Activity Days
Idea by Cinda Nethercott / ga09262007


 

 

This idea can be used pretty much for any organization.  I wrote it originally for an Activity Day "review" night (or whatever those twice yearly meetings are called where all the Activity girls meet together. It was really fun and the leaders looked hilarious with floaties and masks on. I was the lifeguard. It is so easy to decorate for a Beach theme and this idea would be great to use in Young Women's, too.
 

 

The Beach

(Have the 5 leaders come in dressed in life jackets, floaties, snorkel, tubes, masks, flippers on feet)
 

Lifeguard: Like life, a beach can pose dangers, great beauty, and happy times.  It can also put sand in places that sand was never meant to go.  The sun, which makes the water look so blue, can make us red and sore.  There are constant changes in life and at the seashore…

 

*The waves change in size and in intensity.  So do temptations.

*The winds change directions. So should our lives if we are heading the wrong way.

*The clouds can come.  So can confusion or struggles.

*The currents can strengthen.  So can we be strengthened in our testimonies and abilities.


There is a flag system at a beach that warns us of dangers or gives us the all clear.  In the gospel we have been blessed with our own warning system.  We have feelings, the influences of the Holy Ghost, parents, testimonies, prayer, and scriptures that all affect how we judge situations.  These things help us when conditions in our lives change, when a decision is to be made, or when we struggle with pretty much anything.  Remember, like a lifeguard, we are always watched over by a Heavenly Father that has our best interests in mind.  If we obey his rules- or “flags”- we should stay clear of dangers and have joy in our lives and fairly calm waters. 


We need to learn however, how these flags can bring us wisdom and safety.  Here is the beach warning system:

 


Leader 1- *Water closed to public flag

Sometimes a beach is closed because of storms.  Often it may look like there isn’t any obvious danger and we may be tempted to ignore the warning.  We may not know that there are hidden dangers such as currents beneath the waves that could pull us under and out to sea.  Obey the warning and be safe.
 

Leader 2- *High Hazard flag

There are always cresting waves at the shoreline.  They are beautiful and may look like a lot of fun but high surf can mean trouble even for a strong swimmer.  Do not test your swimming skills. It is difficult to know how powerful the ocean truly is.  Obey the warning and avoid the danger.
 

Leader 3- *Medium Hazard flag

It is not possible for us to always see the weather that is approaching.  This flag means that a change in conditions is expected.  Obey the warning and be prepared for what may come.
 

Leader 4- *Low Hazard flag

Calm surf is the perfect time for fun and great memories with family or friends.  This flag means we can have fun and enjoy ourselves while we exercise caution and watch for dangers.  Obey the warning and be alert.
 

Leader 5- *Dangerous Marine Life flag

It can be a horrible thing to find out too late that there is danger lurking in the water.  We are always subject to unseen dangers.  Once a danger is identified, we should promptly obey the warning.  Obey the warning and be wise.
 

 

Lifeguard:  These flags have proven very effective.  Warnings like these flags may save someone and so could a good deed or simple act of kindness…

There is a story of a child who would walk along the beach and look for starfish that washed up on shore after a storm and were dying in the sun.  The child would pick them up and throw them back out into the water as far as possible.  As the child did this one day a passerby asked why this child bothered since most likely they were dead anyway and it wouldn’t make a difference in saving any of them.  The child replied as another starfish was hurled far out to sea “Oh yeah? It sure made a difference to that one.”

We may never know the power we have had upon someone or something else but we have greatness in us when we are obedient to warnings or spiritual promptings.  Little deeds may have a saving influence when someone is “washed up” or ready to give up.  No matter what conditions we find ourselves surrounded by- YOU- no matter what age- can make a difference to someone and to who you want to become.

We are hopeful that when you come to Activity Days you are reminded of your potential when following gospel principles.  Our testimonies can grow and as friends we can “buoy” each other up.  We hope that the efforts of your leaders can and have made a difference in your testimonies and love of the gospel. 

 

This page was  last  updated: 
September 26, 2007

 

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