Girls Camp

I had the opportunity to go to Girl's Camp in July. As someone who never went to girl's camp as a youth ( I lasted 3/4 of a day), and never wanted to go to girl's camp as an adult, this was a HUGE struggle for me to go. I stepped in as a 4th Year Counselor for one of my best friends, who had an accident in the family, and wasn't going to be able to go. There were a lot of personal reasons why leaving my family for a 6 days was a big struggle for me, not to mention the fact that I was going to be a 4th year counselor, had 4 days to prepare, and had NO clue what I was supposed to be doing. But, it was an amazing experience and I felt my Heavenly Father uplifting and supporting me throughout the week.

The 4th years were able to go on a high adventure overnight activity. On Monday we went white water rafting, which was so much fun. I've done it a few times, but for some of the girls it was their first time. One of the highlights was getting out of the raft and swimming down swimmer's rapid. We had to keep our feet in front and bottoms up, so that you could navigate yourself through the rapid, and not get hit by too many rocks.

That evening, we didn't get to our campground until really late - like 10pm late! There were a couple of hitches during the day that slowed us down, but it ended up making it a very memorable experience. We camped under the stars. We didn't realize how beautiful it was where we were camping because it was pitch black when we got there, but we woke up to beautiful scenery.

Tuesday we took the girls rock climbing. SO much fun. For some of these girls this was a huge achievement to get over fears of heights, and to trust your belayer. This is our great group of girls and the wonderful priesthood that went with us.

After these two great days, we headed to Camp Bountiful to meet up with the rest of the girls camp crew. I was lucky to have one of my other best friends as the other 4th year counselor, who is amazing. Our cabin and table were gorgeous.

We went on a short 3 mile hike one day. For some of these girls this was a big accomplishment as well. One of the best things at girls camp was being able to gently push and motivate these girls and show them they are capable to doing things they didn't think they could do.

I learned about capers (daily chores) and that you sing camp songs while doing them. I also realized that this is where the mom in me had to come out to make sure everyone pitched in and participated during capers.

I also learned about the pranks different years play on each other. One night we got toliet papered.

And lastly, I learned about what a huge thing the trolley races were. Last year certification beat the priesthood, and it is now an on-going battle to see who holds bragging rights for the rest of the year. Certifcation needed an extra person, and I got to be it! So much fun. The competitive side in me totally comes out for stuff like this. In the end, certification beat the priesthood for the 2nd year.

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go to girls camp. Under different circumstances, I probably never would have gone, ever. But it ended up being a huge testimony strengthener. I know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers, and will do His part, if we will have the faith and the obedience needed. Thank you to my wonderful 4th year girls, and the wonderful leaders I served with. I am so lucky to have spent a week surrounded by wonderful influences and examples to me.