This is the time of year when things change. Not only are the days growing longer and kids getting antsy to be free from school, but it’s also graduation time. For youth leaders this means some girls graduated into the next age group, and others move on to the next stage of life.  

Graduating and moving on means honoring those girls by preserving memories made throughout their time in our clubs, youth groups, and small groups. Here are a few creative ideas for creating something girls can treasure for years to come. 

Framed Pictures

Something as simple as a framed picture can be incredibly meaningful to the girls who are moving on. A frame like this one or this one are great, timeless ways to display a picture of your group. 

Another idea would be to create a customized frame for your girls. The younger girls in your group could make a frame like this or this that would serve as a really special way to display the picture. 

Video

Slide shows and video clips are always a really great way to take a walk down memory lane with your girls. If you’re having a formal graduation celebration for your girls, surprising them with a video or slideshow of memories could be really meaningful. Talk to parents and leaders to compile pictures from girls growing up, with friends from the group, and doing fun activities.  

If the girls are graduating from high school, it’s always fun to compare baby pictures with girls’ senior pictures, too. This could also be a great way to announce to the congregation or youth group the girls’ plans after graduation. 

Written Note

Some of my most treasured possessions are notes and cards I’ve saved from meaningful people throughout my life. Writing something special to your students or allowing all of the girls in your group to sign a card will be a great way to let the girls moving on know how special they were to your group.  

Displaying the card with a picture in a frame like this one could be a really special reminder of her time in your group. 

Memory Book

If you or parents in your group are into scrapbooking, creating a memory book for your girls is a really special gift to give to girls. If you’re not particularly crafty, try making a photo book digitally  like this or this. These books can be created digitally. The websites are user-friendly, and if you’re ordering more than one book, you’ll usually get a pretty hefty discount. 

Not only is this a great way to share pictures, but it’s also a great opportunity to write a special note to your girls. These books will be a great way to showcase memories. 

In the fall, there will be a new class moving up and a new normal will emerge, but now is the time to honor girls who’ve developed relationships, achieved goals, and grown up before our very eyes.