Embracing life with all its unpredictable twists and turns is the message organizers of the Young Single Adult Summit are hoping to convey at this year's Salt Lake conference Aug. 7-9.The theme for the three-day summit, "Come What May And Love It," is borrowed from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's October 2008 General Conference talk, and event organizers say young singles in the church can benefit from that wisdom."A lot of stuff happens in life, and you just got to say 'bring it on,' and love whatever comes your way, because life doesn't always follow your ideal plan," said Traci Ostler, a co-chair on the committee organizing the summit.Speakers, workshops, concerts, service projects and dances pepper the agenda for the conference.Saturday's keynote address will be given by Jill Stevens Shepherd, who served in Afghanistan as a medic with the Army National Guard and was the 2007 Miss Utah in the Miss America pageant. Sunday's fireside will be given by Jane Clayson Johnson, a former broadcast journalist who worked for both CBS and ABC and authored a book about motherhood.There are 28 workshops offered, covering topics ranging from dating and marriage to self-confidence. A number of workshops will center on money management, which many singles are concerned about, Ostler said."We feel like that's something that weighs on the minds of young single adults, especially now," she said. "That was really important to us."Ostler said organizers estimate about 5,000 people will attend from 69 stakes in five regions. While it's being organized specifically for Bonneville, Granger, Murray East, Holladay, and Sugar House regions, Ostler said all young singles are invited."We'd love them to come. The more the merrier," she said.As with past summits, this year's will include a service project.Ostler said the conference's theme is personified in a little girl named Lauren Crane who suffers from a central nervous system disorder, and a fundraising service project will be held in her honor. Diagnosed with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, Lauren has relied on a breathing tube since 10 minutes after her birth."Basically, her brain doesn't tell her to breathe," said Ostler, who is a registered nurse and recently completed nurse practitioner school. Despite her health problems, the 18-month-old brings joy to those she's surrounded by and is constantly smiling, Ostler said."Lauren is just the most pleasantly tempered child. She is the epitome of 'come what may and love it,'" she said.A 5k "Run for Lauren" will be held in on Saturday. Donations will be made to help fund a trip for Lauren and her parents to attend a CCHS conference in San Diego. Experts from around the country attend the event, and the Cranes will be able to network with them as well as other families who have children with CCHS. Donations will also be accepted online at www.ysasummit.com/pages/donate, and Ostler said organizers hope to raise $10,000 for the family.The summit begins Friday night with a dinner, luau and outdoor concert. Registration is required and is $17 if completed online at www.ysasummit.com before Aug. 3, and $25 at the door. The fee covers Friday and Saturday's activities; Sunday's fireside is free.
E-mail: mfarmer@desnews.com