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Kami Smith grew up in Arizona, Kansas, Utah, and Idaho in an active Latter-day Saint home. She suffered abuse as a young child and had a troubled youth with anxiety and addiction, but found her way back with the help of loving leaders, earthly parents, and heavenly parents. Her story can help us as we lead and help troubled youth. 
Highlights
5:00 Abuse at a young age 12:00 Experience with therapy 16:00 Struggles as a teenager 18:40 Recognizing her abuse 21:00 Advice to leaders of rebellious teens 24:00 How to create safe places for youth to have real conversations 35:00 Shame and guilt Kami felt 37:30 More advice to leaders 42:15 Dad’s prayer to know what to do- love is the answer 48:00 Love even though you don’t agree with their choices 49:45 Kami’s addiction 53:00 Kami’s experience with Anasazi wilderness therapy 55:00 Kami’s turning point Anasazi Foundation Instagram: hey_kamismith
This was an awesome interview. Thank you Kami! This interview was mentioned in our Ward Council meeting by our Young Woman’s president. I listened to it yesterday while working out and really feel every Bishop and youth leader should hear it.
P.S. I’ve been an avid listener and supporter for LeadingSaints since the beginning and so when our YW President said, “Has anyone heard of the Leading Saints Podcast?” in our Ward Council, I just smiled. It’s getting out there Kurt! 🙂
Thank you for a great interview!
I really liked what you were saying about creating safe spaces for youth and being vulnerable with them and asking them questions. I’ve really wanted to do this with some youth in my ward, however, I have a question about how to do this.
I am in the Young Men’s organization in my ward, and we have very strict rules about not being alone with the youth. I don’t know if it is this way in every ward in the church, or if my bishop is just really advocating for it. I understand how big of a protection it can be, both for the youth, but also for the leader. Protection from real problems, but also protection from accusations.
I know I have different strengths, interests and personality type to the rest of the young men’s leadership, and I am glad I can provide balance and contrast. Even when they called me, they specifically said I would be able to reach certain young men the others may not be able to, and help them feel included.
That being said, I’ve been instructed to never be alone with them. At any activity or long trip there must always be at least 2 leaders present, and we can’t even pick up youth or drop them off from activities unless there are either multiple youth or multiple leaders present at all times. Multiple people make it far more difficult to have real conversations.
Is that the same for others out there?
How would you or others suggest we have real conversations with youth?