Girls Camp 2008

I don't know why it's taken me so long to post about Girls Camp! I thought that I had, and then realized I was confusing that with the talk I gave in Sacrement Meeting the week after camp. I am so glad that I was able to find this talk!! Enjoy...

I do have to say that I was pretty worried about going to camp. I was okay when I was asked to be the camp director, back before the wards split, but I was terrified when I found out that that actually meant I had to go to camp!

I don’t quite know what the problem was: I mean, I grew up camping with my family; I made my way through girl’s camp in my youth, and survived; John and I take our children on camping trips as often as we can; so I’ve been around camping all my life; but maybe the thought of being out in the woods with all these crazy girls was the deal breaker…

And honestly, I know now that that is exactly where I was meant to be! I came home, not just to the delight of my soft bed, but to the fact that I am going to attend girl’s camp every year for as long as I can.

For those who don’t already know, the theme for this year’s camp was Like the Stars, and it was inspired by the youth theme of being Steadfast and Immovable. The stake leaders and staff did such a great job connecting these themes and making the girls feel like they were “stars”, like they are meant to let their light shine and not hide it.

The scriptures teach us in Matthew 5:14-16 …

There was such a special spirit at Camp Zion, and it was felt from the moment we drove into the campground.

When we arrived, the youth leaders and stake leaders were there to help us unpack and get things where they needed to go, with fun and energetic music blaring throughout the campground. We camped as Levels instead of by wards, which worked out better than anybody expected. Many leaders had reservations about this, believing that we wouldn’t bond with our individual ward girls, but that wasn’t the case. It allowed the girls to bond and make friendships with others their own age. I was honored to be a tent mom with the 1st year girls! And I hope that I can do the same next year, not only because they have the easiest hike, but it will be my daughter Kerianne’s first year at camp!

We all met each morning and evening for flag ceremony and devotional. This was a great time to be fed spiritually, and to reflect on our country and our freedoms. We had D.E.A.R. time each day, which stands for “drop everything and read”. We were able to discuss gospel topics, such as service and testimonies, and to have a good 15 minutes of personal scripture study. It was awesome to teach these young girls the importance of scripture study, and to show them they can do it even in the great outdoors!

We also had a fabulous cook, who prepared all of our meals. There was a snack shack that offered many different snacks and treats, and fun little trinkets. We definitely did not go hungry at camp!

We gathered one evening for what is called “singing trees”. We met together for a short program, and then walked to a grove of tall trees. Each ward was assigned a specific tree, and we all stood at them in the dark. Now, try and picture this in your mind: It is completely silent, you’re looking out through the darkness, when suddenly a tree warmly lights up out in front of you. It is all you can see. Then you hear a hymn being sung by what sounds like angels. Then darkness again. Then, off to your left, another tree lights up, and angels begin singing. And it continues on. It was mesmerizing! Definitely a tear-jerker (for me at least!).

We had a fun time together as wards on Thursday, making crafts and playing games. It was fun to have members of the bishoprics come up and spend time with us. They were tortured and forced to dance and be crazy! They were able to have dinner with us and join us for that evening’s spiritual program. But, before the program began, we experienced a huge rainstorm. Well, it actually rained for only a few seconds and then it turned to hail. It hailed and down poured for about 30 minutes, which forced us to have the program inside the lodge instead of out at the amphitheater. And it was amazing! A choir of girls and leaders read messages and performed songs from the Jenny Phillips collection of this year’s theme. I was so honored to hear my sweet Kaisha sing a solo – it took all I had to keep some sort of composure through it! She was nervous, but it truly did not show. There was a short slideshow – and then we all sang the final song together. I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the entire room.

Afterwards, many shared their testimonies and then we separated outside into wards for our own testimony meetings. It was so neat to be with Brother Savoy, and hear some of his experiences and his testimony, and then to share with each other. Bro. Savoy was obedient and brought us a yummy treat to share! It was a perfect ending to a great day. We did miss having Bishop Randall with us, though!

On Friday we cleaned the campgrounds, and cleaned our assigned areas, and then headed for home. Friendships were made at camp, not only between the girls but between the tent moms, which will continue to grow here at home. Girl’s camp is an inspired program. It is a place where young women gather to feel the spirit, build testimonies, learn skills, build friendships, serve others, and have fun. I would say that this definitely happened up in the hills above Tucson.

I am truly blessed because of my experiences at camp this year. There really was nothing to be nervous about! I know that the calling of camp director was extended to me out of inspiration, and not desperation! And I am also excited to now be serving with these ladies in Young Women’s. I have served for so long in Primary that I was just expecting to land there. But I trust in the Lord and know that I am doing what He wants.