Thanks to the Deseret Newsfor making us aware of this announcement.
On July 17, 2019, theChurch announced a new "Children and Youth" program to replace Boy Scouts of America and Personal Progress within the Church, a program that will be rolled out this September in a special worldwide satellite broadcast.
As part of this new program, the Church announced Friday that the Church's global For the Strength of Youth (FSY) program (which is modeled after BYU's Especially for Youth program) will be expanded to stakes in the United States and Canada.
"In 2020, young men and young women in selected stakes in the United States and Canada will have an opportunity to experience the FSY program, designed to help strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ," the Church announced. "The Church will sponsor FSY conferences in all stakes in the U.S. and Canada every other year. The FSY conferences will include more than 200 sessions each year, starting in 2021 and 2022. Young, single adults will have an opportunity to volunteer as FSY counselors."
With these changes, what will become of EFY? The program recently announced through social media:
"We are excited to be part of the changes recently announced by the Church! "Beginning in 2020, BYU will no longer administer traditional EFY sessions in order to assist the Church in facilitating FSY. In the United States and Canada, FSY Conferences will be provided by the Church and held locally with the support of BYU. Areas outside of the United States and Canada will continue holding FSY Conferences as they have in the past. "BYU will continue to offer EFY Special Edition sessions at Church historical sites (Nauvoo, Palmyra, Independence, Salt Lake City) as well as EFY Express Sessions as they have in the past. "More information will be shared as it becomes available."
About these new, inspired changes to youth programs in the Church, the First Presidency said, "The principles taught in this effort for children and youth represent a higher, holier way to encourage the rising generation to follow Jesus Christ and apply his gospel in all areas of their lives. This major effort will include gospel learning, the privilege of service, personal development, and exciting activities."