More than 150 youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of ages 16-18 gathered from Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Gig Harbor, Bremerton, Silverdale and Neah Bay to enjoy a Spring Formal at Troll Haven Bandy Farm in Jefferson County.

The event was planned and promoted by the youth themselves.

Planning started in the fall, with choosing a theme. Committee members reported that it took all their first meeting to find an idea that spawned creativity for music, décor, foods and fun. The theme started as “Tangled” — based on the movie — but in the following months it evolved into “Once Upon a Time.”

Some of the highlights of the day included having the adults set up the decorations and food at Troll Haven so all the youth could participate in special activities with their friends. Another highlight was entering the castle to the smell of freshly-baked cookies, taking “buddy” photos in the barn, castle and orchard, and then entering the main hall — decorated in twinkling lights, for a magical evening of music, food, friends and fun.

Azlynn Judd of Sequim, one of the youth committee members, said an important leadership experience she gained was in trusting the other groups to complete what they agreed to do, and the importance of collaboration at the monthly meetings. Most of the youth planners had some experience with creating multi-stake events in previous years.

Other members of the youth planning committee included Jack and Kaitlin Watkins, siblings from Neah Bay; Julie Hales, Nathan Basden, Nora Ulbrich and Gideon Kirkland from Port Angeles; Azlynn and Aason Judd, siblings from Sequim, and Amanda Bell from Port Townsend.

Youths who participated in this event hold combined youth activities several times each year, taking turns planning events throughout the region including Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties.