Girls Camp

 About 8 months ago, I was called to be the ward girls camp director.  For the first time in over ten years (thanks for COVID), we were having a ward girls camp.  So, that meant I was in charge of everything.  I needed to find a location, plan the food, find a theme, make t shirts, plan activities, create spiritual opportunities etc. for over 30 girls.  I'm not going to lie, it was a big job.  I think the food took 80 % of my time.  But, I had lots of advance notice, and I have plenty of free time to devote to the planning. 

The goal is to have the YCLs (the 16-18 year old girls) do the majority of the planning and then the leaders execute/support as much as needed.  Thankfully, I had a group of amazing YCLs who came to meetings and had lots of great ideas.  I was so impressed with these girls and their desire to make camp fun for everyone.  They were dependable, hilarious, thoughtful, fun and....I didn't get a single photo of them.

Our camp theme came from Alma 26:12 "I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things"  We used the euphemism "when pigs fly" as a theme.  With God, anything is possible-even flying pigs. Each girls deocrated a piggy bank with wings as a "mailbox", we had a stuffed pig that "flew" (on a fishing line) for our closing devotional.  I gave a devotional about how our trials or weaknesses (pigs) can become miracles (flying pigs) when we allow our Heavenly Father to work in our lives.  

For our adventures, we went to slide rock, hikes, did mountain biking (again some bike/injury drama), archery (so so fun!), a service project (we planted some plants for the homeowner who was giving us a great deal on their rental), had an amazing race night, dance party, spa night, testimony meeting, and lots of crafts.  I think it was a smashing success.  

I was really proud of how all the girls were helpful and kind to one another.  I started the week fully expecting some drama and we had none (except when the fire dept. showed up and told us we couldn't have a fire in the firepit).  The girls were willing to have great spiritual discussions.  They were fun and cooperative.  I made it a point to not dictate phones or clothing rules and camp was proof to me that we can let the girls make their own decisions and it is not a detriment to their spiritual experiences.  

Honestly, it was a busy and hard week (I had a headache for 4 straight days because I couldn't sleep) and I wish I had been able to enjoy it a little more.  But, it was so satisfying seeing months of planning come together to create a wonderful experience for these girls.  I was filled with love for them as I planned and as we hung out at camp.  They are wonderful teenagers!  I want to hug them all whenever I see them. Also, the leaders were pretty great too.