Leading Saints Podcast

How I Lead “High Adventure” Experiences with Youth | An Interview with Ned McArthur

Apr 16, 2025

Ned McArthur, a Fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurology, shares his extensive experience in youth leadership and high adventure activities. He emphasizes the importance of these adventures in fostering character and spiritual growth. Ned discusses proactive parent communication and engaging youth in planning their activities. Personal anecdotes highlight the camaraderie built through these experiences, along with the significance of finding spiritual moments in nature. His insights inspire leaders to create meaningful and transformative outdoor experiences.

51:53

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Episode guests

Ned McArthur

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

High adventure activities are essential for fostering character, spiritual growth, and resilience among youth in a supportive environment.

Proactive communication with parents enhances youth programs by bridging home and church activities, ensuring families are engaged and supportive.

Deep dives

Effective Youth Leadership Strategies

The presentation offers valuable insights into how to effectively lead the youth through the Children and Youth Program. It emphasizes the significance of youth-led groups, allowing young individuals to take ownership of their activities. By identifying and leveraging the strengths and capacities of youth, leaders can create a more engaging and supportive environment. This approach not only promotes leadership skills among the youth but also fosters a sense of community and belonging within the group.

Intro

3min

Encouraging Volunteerism and Sharing Unique Experiences

2min

Exploring High Adventure: A Journey in Youth Leadership

5min

Embracing Proactivity in Community Service

2min

Empowering Youth through Adventure Planning

14min

Enhancing Parent Communication in Youth Programs

4min

Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Adventures

22min

Ned McArthur is a fellow of the International Board of Functional Neurology, was in private practice as a chiropractor in Orem, Utah, for 25 years, and now works with Integrated Pain Specialists, a multidisciplinary pain clinic in South Jordan, Utah. He served a mission in Dallas, Texas, and has served in the Church as an elders quorum president, ward executive secretary, ward mission leader, Young Men president, Varsity Scout leader, and youth Sunday School teacher. He currently serves as priests quorum high adventure specialist, as a Primary teacher, and a temple worker.

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Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Moses 6:63, 1 Nephi 18:3
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Highlights

Ned explores the importance of high adventure activities in developing character and spiritual growth among youth. He shares his journey in youth leadership, emphasizing the need for proactive communication with parents and the significance of creating a supportive environment. He highlights the planning process for high adventure experiences, including engaging youth in decision-making and preparing them through various activities. Ned also discusses the spiritual aspects of these adventures, encouraging youth to find Jesus in their experiences. He shares personal anecdotes that illustrate how these activities foster camaraderie and personal growth.

02:51 – Exploring High Adventure Activities
05:08 – Ned’s Background in Young Mens Leadership
10:10 – The Importance of Proactive Leadership
12:13 – Developing a High Adventure Program
16:05 – Planning Party for Youth Activities
20:52 – Preparing for the Backpacking Adventure
24:36 – Budgeting for High Adventure Activities
26:10 – Effective Communication with Parents
30:02 – Engaging with Parents for Support
32:10 – Finding Jesus in High Adventure
38:43 – The Power of Prayer in Activities
42:15 – Building a Supportive Culture Among Youth

The award-winning Leading Saints Podcast is one of the top independent Latter-day Saints podcasts as part of nonprofit Leading Saints’ mission to help Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. Learn more and listen to any of the past episodes for free at LeadingSaints.org.

Past guests include Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, Reyna and Elena Aburto, Liz Wiseman, Stephen M. R. Covey, Elder Alvin F. Meredith III, Julie Beck, Brad Wilcox, Jody Moore, Tony Overbay, John H. Groberg, Elaine Dalton, Tad R. Callister, Lynn G. Robbins, J. Devn Cornish, Bonnie Oscarson, Dennis B. Neuenschwander, Kirby Heyborne, Taysom Hill Anthony Sweat, John Hilton III, Barbara Morgan Gardner, Blair Hodges, Whitney Johnson, Ryan Gottfredson, Greg McKeown, Ganel-Lyn Condie, Michael Goodman, Wendy Ulrich, Richard Ostler, and many more in over 800 episodes.