top of page

Exciting Beginnings: The Nauvoo Discovery Program Kicks Off Winter 2025 with a Full Week of Events for Participants.

Writer's picture: Sandra S. MarlerSandra S. Marler

The Nauvoo Discovery Program (NDP) has commenced its Winter 2025 semester, bringing together YSA and Online College Students from various backgrounds for enriching activities. Designed to promote personal development and community, the NDP offers the promise of unforgettable experiences. One year after its first semester, new participants have returned, enthusiastic to engage in their courses, learn from each other, make positive contributions to the community, motivate one another, and deepen their testimonies of Jesus Christ.


The Nauvoo Discovery The Mission Statement is: We aim to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ through the Spirit of Nauvoo, to encourage a paradigm of life-long education through study and experience, and to have a positive influence on the community of Nauvoo and our fellow students.

Orientation for The Nauvoo Discovery Program Winter 2025


Orientation kicked off on Monday, January 6th, with a warm welcome for the eager participants who had already arrived. The agenda included a welcoming lunch and a presentation by Rachel Clayton, the Operating Manager. Rachel emphasized the excitement of discovering the vibrant Nauvoo area, nearby landmarks, and one's own potential for growth. Logistics were addressed, and participants received their welcome packets and merchandise, followed by a building tour and dessert. The move-in process was successful, other participants have arrived, and everyone is prepared and ready for adventures.




Throughout the week, students were encouraged to break free from their comfort zones and immerse themselves in new experiences! They attended engaging council and committee meetings, participated in a therapy workshop, visited the inspiring Nauvoo Temple, explored the charming areas of Nauvoo, shopped at their brand-new grocery store, mingled with local YSA, and warmly welcomed fellow incoming NDP participants. There were local YSA activities to attend also including Family Home Evening, Institute, Volleyball, YSA Branch Church, and choir. The local YSAs are always welcome to attend NDP activities.

The activities, and friendships experienced here are sure to make great memories for all involved. We are still accepting Applications for the Winter 2025 semester.  Apply Today!



Exploring Old Nauvoo


A standout moment of the week was the immersive field trips to Nauvoo's historical sites of:


  • The Smith Family Homestead

  • The Mansion House

  • The Red Brick Store

  • The Temple City Tours

    • The William and Caroline Weeks Home

    • The Edward and Ann Hunter Home

    • The William and Esther Gheen Home

  • A Good old Nauvoo Wagon Ride with a tour guide

  • The Main Street Trade Tours

    • The Printing Office

    • The John and Leonora Taylor Home

    • The Combined Post Office and Merryweather Dry Goods Store.



Focus on Well-Being


This week NDP conducted an Emotional Awareness workshop led by a licensed therapist. Attendees discovered that words can impact us, yet they also learned the importance of not allowing them to have an effect.




Food and Fun For the Nauvoo Discovery Program and Local YSA


NDP attendees and local YSA came together and relaxed for an enjoyable evening with a Pizza, PJ, and Party Palooza.



There is plenty more to explore in the Nauvoo and surrounding areas. The NDP Council and Committees are mapping out their adventures and helping hands to the community.



Did you know?


Because there have been two Nauvoo Temples they can be referred to as: 

Nauvoo 1 The Original Nauvoo Temple 

Nauvoo 2 The Current Nauvoo Temple

Especially where records are concerned.


Nauvoo Temple Dedications:

Nauvoo 1, The Original Nauvoo Temple, was dedicated on May 1, 1846, by Orson Hyde (A member of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.)

Nauvoo 2, The Current Nauvoo Temple, was dedicated on June 27, 2002, by Gordon B. Hinkley (The then President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.)



Nauvoo 2 The Current Nauvoo Temple. A view in the morning from the north side facing west.
Nauvoo 2 The Current Nauvoo Temple

We are not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints but recommend clicking on the following link for interesting photos of The Original Nauvoo Temple, Its Architectural Drawings, and early Nauvoo Photos: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/exhibit/early-images-of-historic-nauvoo?lang=eng



 

To learn more about The Nauvoo Discovery Program Contact Us and visit our Website

To Subscribe to the NDP Blog visit: https://www.ognauvoo.com/ndp-blog

If you know someone who might be interested in The Nauvoo Discovery Program for YSA ages 18-35 please share our Website with them.

If you know of a Senior Couple who would like to volunteer in the program please share our Website with them.


Thank You & Have a Nice Day :)


230 views0 comments

Comments


The Nauvoo Discovery Program

1110 Ripley Street

Nauvoo, Illinois

62354

800-527-7185

Contact Us

 

© 2023 by Nauvoo Discovery Program

​

 a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

“The programs offered by Nauvoo Discovery are neither made, provided, approved nor endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or opinions expressed, implied or included in or with the programs offered by Nauvoo Discovery are solely those of Nauvoo Discovery and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

bottom of page