Family Day at Cumorah Academy is more than an event — it’s a celebration of unity, creativity, and connection. On this special day, our campus transforms into a joyful world tour where students, mentors, and local families come together to explore cultures, play, and build lasting memories.
What if you could visit six countries in just one afternoon? That’s exactly what happened during Family Day. At Cumorah Academy, students are divided into groups named after inspiring heroes from sacred scriptures — names like Nephi, Moroni, Esther, and others. Each house also adopts a color, and for Family Day, each house represented a different country. This year, families from Naceradec received special passports with Cumorah’s logo and a world map — ready to be stamped as they visited each cultural “country” hosted by the student houses.
From the moment guests arrived on campus, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Students decorated their spaces with national flags, colors, and games that reflected the unique spirit of each country. But more than just an activity, it was a vibrant expression of the values we hold dear at Cumorah: family, service, creativity, and meaningful connection with the local community.
Family Day at Cumorah Academy: Where Culture Meets Creativity
Let’s take a walk through each “country” represented at Family Day:
Ruth – United Kingdom
Ruth House brought the energy of the UK with traditional games like British Bulldog, piggy in the middle, and wellie wagging — a hilarious boot-throwing contest. Bryce, a student originally from the UK, led the games and shared his excitement with others: “It feels like home, but better. We’re sharing it with friends who feel like family.”
Esther – Japan
Esther House invited everyone into the delicate and artistic world of Japanese culture. Tables were lined with origami paper where children and adults folded animals like wolves and frogs. Others learned how to write their names in Japanese characters. Bruno, a Brazilian student, laughed as he shared, “We’re the best! Look at the kids making their own animals and learning Japanese writing. They love it!”
Isaiah – Ukraine
Isaiah House brought Eastern European charm with musical chairs, balloon games, and creative activities. Visitors received stamps with the Ukrainian flag. Estef, a student from Spain, said with a smile, “It’s beautiful to see so many people joining in. We’re building bridges with joy.”
Nephi – Mexico
Piñatas, the traditional game “put the tail on the donkey,” and the lively game of Lotería made Nephi House a festival of color and laughter. The sound of children giggling as they broke the piñata echoed throughout campus — a true celebration of joy and cultural sharing.
Moroni – Brazil
No celebration is complete without music and dance, and Moroni House delivered just that. Students played Brazilian football, made delicious brigadeiros (chocolate truffles), and danced to a popular Brazilian song “Olha a Onda” (Watch the Wave). Esther, one of our Brazilian students, led the group dance: “It’s perfect to get everyone together. You just follow the rhythm, and suddenly, you’re not strangers anymore — you’re dancing friends.”
Interns – United States
Our amazing interns — Faith, Cindy, and Shelby — hosted a basketball clinic, a Nerf battle in the gym, and a country music session in the principal’s room. They invited families to sing, dance, and enjoy classic American fun. Their energy was infectious, reminding everyone that connection doesn’t require language — just joy and a willingness to play.
Community, Connection, and Joy at Family Day at Cumorah Academy
Aside from the six houses, other students painted faces for the children — turning them into lions, butterflies, and superheroes. Ingrid, from Brazil, was part of the face-painting crew. “We’re so happy — and the kids as well! Their smiles are the best reward,” she shared.
Throughout the day, the common thread was clear: connection. Students weren’t just presenting games — they were building memories with people they had never met. The beauty of Family Day lies in its simplicity and heart. It’s about kindness, service, and creating a space where everyone — regardless of age or background — can feel like they belong.
You can feel their joy and experience in the clip below:
Ready to Add Stamps to Your Passport?
If you’re someone who believes in the power of education, community, and cultural exchange — Cumorah Academy is the place for you. More than just classes and assignments, our experience is about shaping lives, building character, and inspiring students to reach out and uplift others.
Each semester, our students come from all over the world to grow not only academically, but also spiritually, emotionally, and socially. They learn leadership through service, confidence through creativity, and purpose through action. If you’re ready for a life-changing adventure rooted in faith and friendship, your passport to transformation starts here.
So… ready to collect some stamps and make a difference in the world? Come join us at Cumorah Academy — where learning becomes an adventure, and family extends far beyond borders.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Photos by Julieta Ramirez
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
