There is really no fanfare given to kids who earn this award at church. There is a certificate at the end of the book signed by our Bishop and Primary President, but there is no presentation or pin. That’s okay. The true measure of a person is not the fanfare and decorations they’ve received, but the qualities they have developed.
Here is what a child (age 8-12) must do to complete this award, and it’s significant:
- Pray daily to Heavenly Father.
- Read the scriptures regularly.
- Keep the commandments and live gospel standards.
- Honor parents and be kind to your family.
- Pay your tithing and attend tithing settlement.
- Attend sacrament meetings and Primary regularly.
- Write your testimony
- Memorize the Articles of Faith (13 paragraphs) and explain their meaning
- Complete 24 activities under the following categories: Learning and Living the Gospel; Serving Others, Developing Talents.
- Complete 5 requirements under the Preparing for the Priesthood category.
- Have an interview with a member of your bishopric.
Here are many of the activities that Daniel completed to earn his award:
- Explained how the sacrament helps you renew your baptismal covenant. In a family home evening, he taught us about things we can do to remain faithful.
- Gave a family home evening lesson about Joseph Smith’s First Vision. Discussed how Heavenly Father answers sincere prayers.
- Marked verses of scripture about the Holy Ghost.
- Read a recent conference address given by a prophet. Decided what to do to follow the prophet, and did it.
- Prepared a pedigree chart and shared a family history story.
- Learned to sing “Choose the Right” and explained what agency is and what it means to be responsible for his choices.
- Read and discussed the parable of the good Samaritan and planned a service project to help a family member or neighbor.
- Wrote a letter to grandparents expressing appreciation and explaining what he respects about them.
- Planned, prepared, and served a nutritious meal.
- Learned to practice good manners and courtesy.
- Entertained young children with songs or games he made himself. Showed he knows how to care for and protect a young child.
- Planned a parent-child activity (helped plan and carry out the Blue and Gold banquet).
- Read the twelfth article of faith and discussed what it means to be a good citizen and how actions affect others.
- Learned to play a song from the Children’s Songbook on the piano.
- Wrote a poem about a gospel topic.
- Made an item from wood and displayed it.
- Visited a concert.
- Planned a physical fitness program and participated in it for one month.
- Learned about and practiced good nutrition, good health, grooming, and modest dress.
- Learned about the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.
- Read the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood and what it means to do his duty to God.
- Read scriptures about education and discussed its importance in strengthening priesthood holder for service in home and family and the Church.
- Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” and made a list of things to strengthen his family and make a happy home.