This summer, BYU–Hawaii hosted the annual “For the Strength of Youth” (FSY), a program created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for youth aged 14 to 18. This week-long event, which includes devotionals, games, team-building, and other exciting activities, helps youth connect with Heavenly Father and strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ while making friends and discovering their individual worth.
BYU–Hawaii first started hosting the program's predecessor, Especially for Youth (EFY), in 2006. Today, the university hosts approximately 350 youth each week for three weeks. Most youth come from Oahu and the neighboring Hawaiian Islands. To support them, FSY now includes 42 counselors and 55 staff members working behind the scenes to make each week impactful and spirit-filled.
The 2025 FSY theme “Look unto Christ” is based on the scripture from Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, which reads: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” The theme inspires youth to focus on the Savior Jesus Christ as a source of strength, hope, and guidance.
This year, three current BYU–Hawaii students have joined the FSY team as coordinators and counselors, dedicating their summer to guiding and uplifting the next generation.
Grace Christensen: Leading with Purpose and Prayer
Grace Christensen, a senior from Texas majoring in history education and minoring in political science and criminal justice, believes that serving as an FSY counselor and coordinator has been one of the most impactful ways she has lived out BYU–Hawaii's mission of integrating learning, leadership, and service.
“I love that the event is all grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it has taught me how to lead prayerfully with purpose," she shared. The experience has helped Christensen grow in humility and patience as she works with youth from different backgrounds. Through this service, she has developed a more profound love and appreciation for people and their stories.
Christensen first heard about FSY from her friend right after returning home from her mission. She didn't want to be idle and sought to do something that was an extension of her mission, and this opportunity provided that for her. "FSY felt like the perfect fit. It gave me a sense of purpose and direction during transition, and I'll always be grateful for that," shares Christensen. This is her third year with FSY and her first as a coordinator. As a coordinator, she leads a learning session and oversees a leadership team that ministers to and supports counselors, whereas a counselor leads a group of youth and guides them in daily activities.
FSY has allowed Christensen to learn in ways she didn't expect; it has strengthened her ability to think on her feet, solve problems under pressure, and handle difficult situations with a calm and grounded approach. "Overseeing over a hundred youth isn't easy; everyone has something they'd rather do. It's our job to ensure they are having a great time and learning ways that could help them build connections and strengthen their testimony of the Savior," says Christensen. She believes experiences like this are vital for BYU–Hawaii students, as they push growth beyond the classroom and shape individuals into capable disciples of Christ.
Ayden Nicholz: Self-Doubt to Spiritual Growth
Ayden Nicholz, a senior from Texas majoring in health and human science with minors in music and professional writing, believes that being an FSY counselor has been one of the most formative experiences of his life.
As a counselor, he helps youth learn how to receive revelation and become Christlike. The FSY experience has given him a sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of BYU–Hawaii’s mission to prepare students from Oceania and the Asian Rim to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, as he served youth from Hawaii.
At first, Nicholz was hesitant about becoming an FSY counselor because he didn’t see himself as someone who would fit that role. Even after signing up, he still felt out of place during much of the training. However, he trusted the Lord and felt it would be worthwhile. “After just one week, I discovered how special it is to connect with a youth group and witness their growth as friends and disciples of Christ,” shares Nicholz. The shared meals, the laughs, and the strengthening of faith for each of the youth is something Ayden cherished.
One of Nicholz’s most memorable moments was during the Friday night activity. After the “take it home” showcase and dance, he gathered his group for a short devotional; this allowed the youth to share their testimonies, personal goals, and plans to continue strengthening their connection to Heavenly Father. One of the youths shared a family heirloom that his elders passed on to him as a token of how the gospel continues to bless him and his family when they continue to practice the gospel and its teachings. That example emphasized that the gospel does sustain life and connects families over generations. Nicholz deeply felt that example because it deepened his desire to someday do the same by becoming a loving husband and a present father. “Through tender and joyful moments with the youth, I’ve realized how much I care about nurturing and supporting children.” He shares. Afterward, several youths came up to Nicholz in tears of joy, expressing their gratitude for the week and the connection they shared.
Gabriella Thompson: Learning to Lead Like Christ
For Gabriella Thompson, a junior from Idaho majoring in social work and minoring in film, her journey with FSY started while she was still serving her mission in the New Zealand Auckland mission. "I was looking for something purposeful but grounding that could help me transition back to 'normal' life. FSY gave me that," shares Thompson. The opportunity confirmed her desire to work with people and that she wants to pursue a career in social work. The students she works with—especially the youth from Hawaii—remind her why people matter most.
Serving as an FSY counselor with Hawaii's youth has been one of the most eye-opening and meaningful experiences of her life. "Coming from a different place, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I quickly realized how special these young people are. Their warmth, strong sense of family, and how they live the gospel with quiet strength really stood out to me," shares Thompson. The role has taught Thompson how to lead like Christ—by listening more, loving deeply, and meeting people where they are. Thompson has witnessed how miracles can unfold in simple moments, and she has felt the Spirit in unexpected ways.
One of the significant lessons that Thompson learned came from a young man she initially struggled to connect with. He kept to himself and didn't engage much with the rest of the youth, and Thompson wasn't sure how to help. But everything changed when she had a chance to sit down with the youth and hear his story and testimony.
"That moment humbled me. It reminded me that everyone's gospel journey looks different, and it taught me the kind of patience that goes deeper than just waiting—it's the kind of patience rooted in love and understanding," shares Thompson.
FSY has pushed BYU–Hawaii students to grow in numerous ways. They have gained a deeper appreciation of the gospel and how to lead like the Savior. "These youth carry so much light, and I feel blessed to be part of their journey, even briefly," shares Thompson. Whether leading devotionals, solving challenges on the fly, or offering quiet support, BYU–Hawaii students have been driven to expand their boundaries. In doing so, they've discovered a more profound sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to striving for excellence, not just in leadership, but in how they love, listen, and minister as disciples of Jesus Christ.
