Our ward recently had a new shift in YW leadership.... a whole new presidency (same advisers). With the change, came a slightly new direction for YW in Excellence night. The vision was to create an experience... a pioneer trek type experience to be more exact.
As you entered the gym, you could tell this was going to be a special night.
We literally set the stage for the girls to share their experiences by setting up 3 scenes.
This doesn't give you the full impact. We dimmed the lights and then "lit" the battery operated candles and lanterns. Also to add to the effect we had cricket, bird and stream sounds playing. With the dim lighting and nature sounds it was an awesome display.
Each class (Beehives, Mia Maids, Laurels) had selected 2 girls to speak about their trek experience or a trek pioneer story that made an impact in their life.
The girls were also asked to write a paragraph about their experience and how they would, "Go Forward with Faith".... how would they choose to use their trek experience to better their lives today?
The girls gathered in the over-flow area, as the parents were seated in the gym. When it was time to begin, the girls came in singing "Come, Come Ye Saints" walking up through the isle to the stage (holding battery operated candles), to begin the program. 
Shared trek experiences, a special musical number, a personal pioneer connection from our new YW president, remarks from our Bishop and a delicious apple crisp served for dessert... a successful evening.
