OFY vs. EFY vs. FSY: What's the Difference?

If you're a Latter-day Saint parent trying to figure out summer plans for your teen, you've probably come across a few different programs: OFY, EFY (now BYU Expeditions), and FSY.

They all sound similar, and they all focus on helping youth grow spiritually. But they're actually quite different in how they do it.

Here's a breakdown of each program so you can make the best choice for your family.

FSY (For the Strength of Youth)

FSY is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's a five-day conference typically held on college campuses across the country.

Nearly 120,000 youth attend FSY in the United States and Canada each year. The program includes devotionals, classes, and activities, and it's led by young single adult counselors.

Each stake is assigned either an even or odd year to participate, which means your teen can only attend FSY every other summer. Youth need to be approved by their bishopric before registering, and they can attend beginning the year they turn 14 through age 18. In some cases, youth may be able to get bishopric approval to attend in off years — it's worth asking.

FSY is a great program with a strong spiritual focus. The biggest drawback for many families is the every-other-year schedule, which leads a lot of families to look for other options during the gap years.

EFY / BYU Expeditions

EFY (Especially for Youth) has been around since 1976 and has served close to a million attendees over the years. As of 2026, EFY has rebranded to BYU Expeditions.

The program is run through BYU's Division of Continuing Education and offers several session types, including Adventure, Church History trips, and campus-based sessions.

BYU Expeditions takes place on college campuses and at Church historical sites. The experience is structured with devotionals, Gospel study, speakers, dances, and scheduled activities.

It's a more traditional, campus-oriented approach to youth programming. For teens who enjoy that kind of setting, it's a solid experience.

One thing to keep in mind is that BYU Expeditions is a paid program organized through BYU, so it has a campus feel to it. If your teen thrives in that kind of environment, they'll probably enjoy it. But if your teen is the type who'd rather be outside than sitting in a conference room, it may not be the best fit.

OFY (Outdoors for Youth)

OFY takes a completely different approach. Instead of a campus or conference center, OFY puts teens in the mountains. It's a five-day outdoor adventure near Rexburg, Idaho, run by the nonprofit organization Teton Experience.

OFY is independent from BYU, BYU-Idaho, and the Church, but the Gospel is at the center of everything they do.

At OFY, teens aren't just hearing about trusting God from a speaker on a stage — they're doing activities that require them to actually trust and take a leap of faith. Navigating rapids on a white-water rafting trip. Getting through a high ropes course by leaning on their team. Trying tomahawk throwing and arrow tag for the first time and discovering they're capable of more than they thought. Each experience is designed to bring Gospel principles to life, then reflect on what it taught them about trusting God.

Gospel principles are woven throughout the week — in campfire discussions, morning devotionals, daily scripture study, group testimony moments, and Christ-centered leadership training.

That's what makes OFY different. It's faith put into action. Teens aren't just sitting and listening — they're living the principles they're learning and discovering how those principles apply when things get hard.

OFY also offers something campus-based programs can't: reduced noise and fewer distractions. Phones are used for scriptures and photos during appropriate times, but the focus stays on nature, connection, and growth. For teens who are constantly surrounded by digital distractions, that kind of reset can make a real difference.

So, What's the Difference?

All three programs share the same goal of helping Latter-day Saint youth strengthen their faith.

But they go about it in very different ways.

FSY is Church-run and available every other year based on your stake's assignment (with possible exceptions — ask your bishopric). It's a great experience, but the schedule isn't flexible.

BYU Expeditions (formerly EFY) is available every summer and offers campus and historical site experiences. It's structured and speaker-driven, which works well for some teens — and yes, there are dances too.

OFY is available every summer and offers something neither of the other programs can: a fully outdoor, adventure-based experience where the Gospel is taught through real challenges and real trust in God, not lectures.

For teens who learn best by doing, who need to unplug, and who want to build lasting confidence and a stronger testimony at the same time, OFY is a standout option — whether they're seasoned campers or complete beginners.

Final Thoughts

Every teen is different, and the right program depends on what your child needs.

But if you're looking for a summer experience that combines real adventure with real spiritual growth — one that will push your teen out of their comfort zone and help them learn to trust their Savior in a whole new way — OFY is worth a serious look.

Give your teen a summer they won't forget. Learn more and register at outdoorsforyouth.org!