Girl's Camp

During the first week of July I went to Girl's Camp at Camp Bountiful.  I went as a first year leader along with two other ladies.  It was a long hot week, but I'm grateful for the opportunity.  I enjoyed getting to know the Young Women of the stake and making new friends.

During the week I was faced with a few challenges.  For starters the first 3 days were over 100 degrees with little relief from the heat at night.  I also struggled to sleep and at most got 2-3 hours a night.  Toward the end of camp I had crazy energy and I don't really know how I function. 

The worst part was missing my family.  I called Ava daily and cried just about every time.  I also talked to and text Rich.  I am so grateful for modern communication and wonderful parents that took good care of Ava.  The best day was when they came to pick me up and being able to give them both big hugs.  I even cried upon our reunion (I know I'm a wimp).

The week was rough, but it was fun and will always hold special memories.  First, the ladies and young women I worked with are awesome.  I am grateful to have spent a week in wonderful company.  I found strength and inspiration from them.  The girls are definitely special spirits destined to do great things.

I also enjoyed the quiet nights (even though I couldn't sleep).  We were surrounded by God's beautiful creations and it was extra special looking up at the stars at night.  The last night we slept on the meadow under the stars and it was so peaceful.  I was surprised I enjoyed sleeping under the stars and it was probably the best night of sleep while I was there.

It was a great week and I had a lot of fun.  There were a lot of spiritual moments too.  It was great being able to serve the Young Women, but I feel I got a lot out of it too.

Girl's Camp 2013 Theme:  Like a Lighthouse Sure & Steadfast

First Year's Boat Name:  SS Second Star to the Right

This is my group on the last day.

Our boat name was the SS Second Star to the Right.

I came up with the Neverland theme.  It was inspired by watching Tinker Bell movies with Ava.

Nobody slept in the cabin.  Each campsite has one cabin used for storing gear and changing.  All the girls and leaders sleep in tents.  I brought my own tent, so I could have some quiet time at night.

I made this sign with glow-in-the-dark paint for the sail.  The words say "Faith, Trust, & Little Bit of Pixie Dust."

One of my co-leaders made this awesome center piece for our table.  She used her kids toys as the figures and had all of the Neverland characters represented.  It was awesome!

I put together these welcome bags for each of the girls.  The boat was a nametag.  Inside I made a peter pan hat and red flower hair barrettes to represent the fairies.  There were also small journals and pens for the girls to record their experiences.

This is early the last morning when we slept on the meadow.  The chair in the front of the picture is what I slept in all week.  It is a zero gravity chair that I used as a cot.

This is one of my breakfasts.  I just took a picture because I don't really like anything on my plate.  I just ate it because I knew I needed the energy to survive the day.  I really tried to be healthy and keep my body fueled while there.  I even ate peanut butter on bread several times because I wanted the protein to hike around.