four days; four dates

My truly-adorable niece Lizzy has echoed the opinion for several years that all the cute boys are in Utah.

We decided to prove her right.

 photo EI3C6233copy_zps5b702359.jpg
Mormon youth are advised to wait until age 16 to date according to For the Strength of Youth (forever and always hereafter referred to as the FSOY). In addition to the age restriction, our teens are counseled to date in groups. It’s fantastic advice, but requires a fair amount of organization for 16 year old boys: find friends who want to go on a group date, plan an activity, ask out the cute girl from math class (and when she says ‘no’, call the girl from Biology, then English, then the grocery store…ok, anyone!)
We ask a lot of our youth, and I believe in return we can help them out a bit. By organizing a series of simple and inexpensive group dates for Lizzy’s sweet sixteen visit to Utah, we gave a huge group of kids the opportunity to meet new people, practice basic dating etiquette and glean ideas in a completely non-threatening environment (no planning or scary phone call involved).
Originally, I named the endeavor “Dating 101.” But Hans found that ever so slightly insulting (some boys have no trouble planning or calling). So as we created the Facebook group to invite his friends (of all faiths– not just Mormons), we coined it “four days; four dates.”
 photo EI3C6038copy_zps45cd560b.jpg
Day 1- hike and cookout in the canyon
Day 2- ice blocking and movie in the park (our county provides free movies in the park every Friday night)
Day 3- downtown photo scavenger hunt (everyone said this was the most fun. They simply made a list of items or people to find and “capture” with phone photos– a man with red pants, orange construction cones, something that costs $29 etc.)
Day 4- Games and ice cream at Hans’ house. No name drawing, just a big Sunday night gathering.
 photo EI3C6200copy_zps445f45d6.jpg

The rundown: meet at Hans’ house at 7 pm, all girls names go in the popcorn bowl and the boys choose a name. The name you choose or are chosen by is your date. Of course everyone will talk and get to know each other, but that person must be your first priority: get to know them, sit by them, open the door etc.

Hans, Lizzy and our friend/planning partner Jessi, went on faith that the numbers would be even and with a few last minute phone calls, they succeeded each night. 
Note I say Hans, Lizzy and Jessi– I stepped out of the picture– except to take a few pictures– after helping them set up the initial outline. It was important for them to take charge, and they did a great job. If I’d hindered them by lecturing on proper behavior or leading ‘get-to-know-you’ games, I think the effort would have fallen flat. 
 photo EI3C6228copy_zps190e4742.jpg
Hans endured a fair amount of girl giggliness as they planned and called. But I think he enjoyed it. Because Lizzy arrived the day after we returned home from Europe, she spent several nights at Jessi’s house until Hans accused Jessi of “stealing my cousin.” 
 photo EI3C6216copy_zps69f9a7c2.jpg

Saturday night, we brought home four extra 16 and 17 year olds from the Parker Bradford Memorial Hike. I was impressed these kids would jump in the car with us and sleep in my basement on a last minute invitation. Everyone was thrilled to have participants from Singapore, Switzerland, California, Pleasant Grove, San Diego and, of course, our own East Millcreek. And I must say, cute boys (and girls) come from every corner of the planet, not just Utah.
 photo EI3C6240copy_zpsac651ae2.jpg

We’ve never heard of anyone planning a similar event, and were unsure of how it would be received, but everyone invited was flattered and enthusiastic. Friends who hadn’t been to our house in years showed up and I think even those who weren’t able to come were happy to be invited. For several of the kids participating this was their first date. I love to think “four days; four dates” set the precedent for happy camaraderie, simple, inexpensive activities and genuine fun. Let me know if you try it in your area– I’d love to hear your ideas.
July 29, 2013

RELATED POSTS

9 Comments

  1. Kit Linkous

    July 26, 2013

    How fun!!! Where were Hans and Lizzie when I turned 16? We miss you guys!

  2. annie

    July 26, 2013

    This is so great. My daughter turned 16 a few months ago and she’s the oldest of her group of friends, so she is waiting for the rest to turn 16. I would love an activity like this to introduce easy dating. I sometimes worry that our youth don’t get enough relationship experiences, then before they know it, they’re home from missions and getting pressure to get married. How can they know who they want to marry when they’ve hardly dated? That being said, I fully support FSOY, it’s just a little tricky in actuality to pull off.

  3. jen

    July 27, 2013

    that looked like it was soooo fun!!!!

  4. Michelle

    July 27, 2013

    Love this!

  5. andrea

    July 27, 2013

    I LOVE this idea. Going in my file!

  6. Lisa

    July 28, 2013

    My favorite thing about these photos has to be the photo bombing from Mary and Gabe. What a great dating idea…loved this!

  7. Angie

    July 28, 2013

    Fantastic idea!! When mine turn 16 and we travel for the summer to see grandparents in Utah we will have to do the same thing! I found your blog through your comment on a post by my dear friend Catherine Arveseth’s blog. Surprised to see kids from our Singapore ward in the pics as we are living here now and know the Bradfords. Small, small LDS world isn’t it? This is one for the mental files! Thx for sharing.

  8. ellen

    July 30, 2013

    What a fun idea. I’d love the photo scavenger hunt list if you would share it…

  9. Kerri

    August 8, 2013

    I really adore this idea. I would love to help implement it around here.

Comments are closed.