The Benefits of Intentionality
By Heidi Jorgenson
According to our MAP Growth Assessments in the spring of 2025, the Nevada-Utah Conference scored below the Pacific Union average in all but four grade levels in the area of reading. As a result, our conference chose to focus on developing these skills with our staff and students during the 2025-2026 school year. This was also in alignment with efforts from the Pacific Union to help reinforce the science of reading and implement a new phonics and phonemic awareness program for early literacy.
During the August 2025 in-service, our lower-grade educators received training in the implementation of UFLI Foundations and the upper-grade educators focused on strategies for building vocabulary. Throughout the year, the teachers met in professional learning communities to inspire, support, and collaborate with each other.
Additionally, teachers met as a team at their local school to analyze MAP data and create a plan for intervention. The staff at Summit Christian Academy, for instance, created a Literacy Lab program in which students were grouped across grade levels to receive instruction on areas that would help them grow. Elise, a sixth-grader, said, “Every Monday-Thursday, the third- through eighth-graders go to Literacy Lab after first recess. At first, for me, I thought Literacy Lab was just a waste of time until we started learning about phonics, grammar, reading, and spelling. I can visibly see in myself that I have personally improved in Language Arts overall. I no longer see it as some boring school activity; I actually look forward to it.”
With intentionality, we saw the reading scores from across our conference grow. As we look at our MAP Growth data from spring 2026, our conference-wide reading scores have improved. The majority of our grade levels are achieving at or above the Pacific Union-wide averages.
With intentionality come the benefits of better serving the students God brings into our care. Our teachers were intentional in reviewing the data and adjusting their practices to meet the needs of our students. Our students were also intentional as they engaged in their learning experiences and used the tests as an opportunity to show what they know.
God at Work
in Nevada-Utah Conference Youth Ministries
By Michael Jenkins Jr.
The first half of 2026 has been a season of growth, discipleship, and engagement for the youth and young adults of the Nevada-Utah Conference. The year began with Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE), in which clubs from across the conference studied the book of Isaiah, chapters 1-33. Two Nevada-Utah teams advanced through the area, conference, and union levels before earning first place honors at the North American Division PBE event in Florida.
In February, youth leaders and teen leaders gathered for Teen Leadership Training (TLT), equipping young people with practical leadership skills and a deeper commitment to service. Youth Week of Prayer programs were also held in Reno, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas, with young people actively participating in preaching, worship leadership, and outreach.
Sports ministries continued to provide opportunities for fellowship and connection through conference-wide volleyball and soccer events held in Nevada and Utah. These gatherings brought together youth from multiple churches in a Christ-centered environment where friendships were strengthened and new relationships formed.
The spring season featured the Northern Nevada Pathfinder Fair and the Nevada-Utah Conference Pathfinder Camporee at Zion Ponderosa Ranch in southern Utah. Hundreds of Pathfinders, Adventurers, staff, and volunteers participated in honors, outdoor skills, worship services, community building, and spiritual growth experiences.
In June, the conference hosted its second Pathfinder and Adventurer Camporee of the year at Weber Crossing Campground near Henefer, Utah. The event was well attended and provided a memorable weekend filled with outdoor activities, fellowship, spiritual growth, and fun. Pathfinders, Adventurers, families, and volunteers gathered from across the conference to enjoy camping, worship, and community while strengthening their relationship with Christ and one another. The camporee proved to be a tremendous blessing and a highlight of the summer season.
In May, Adventurer Clubs across the conference celebrated World Adventurer Day under the theme “Walking With Jesus,” highlighting the important role Adventurer ministry plays in nurturing children and families.
As summer began, Youth Rush literature evangelists served throughout Nevada, sharing hope-filled literature and growing in faith through ministry. We praise God for His continued blessings and look forward to what He will do through the young people of the Nevada-Utah Conference during the remainder of 2026.