Girls Camp 2013

Girls camp.  Ahhhhhh, the memories.  They all came flooding back this week as I attended, for the first time, as an adviser.  I was hopeful that since I had never been a trouble maker that karma would come around and our girls would bring, full circle, the kindness and spirit I felt as a young woman at girls camp.  I was not disappointed.  

We headed out Tuesday morning, the 10th, bright and early.  17 girls 2 leaders and two camp directors all caravaned up Ogden Canyon to Camp Atoka.  Along with all the girls, came their stuff.  All the sleeping gear, tents, food and such to keep us going for 4 days.  Whew.  Luckily our amazing camp director (Millie, on the bottom left with the lei around her ankle) and Ruthie (not pictured?! how did that happen!?) is an amazing planner and kept us occupied, fed and happy for the entire four days.  We were spoiled for sure.

(I took lot's of pictures but there are a lot more on other cameras of course, and they are somewhat out of sorts... sigh. bear with me)

Our first craft planned by the amazing Mama Millie, lanterns made by each girl.  To be lit at the testimony meeting on the last night.  Very symbolic.  As they share their light both figuratively and literally with their lanterns.  Each one as individual as each one of these beautiful girls.

Serena, Sariah, Whitney, Audrey, Gabby, Sydney and Hailey.

 Lauren, Taylor and Rilie.

 Our theme this year has centered around shoes as "sole sisters" Loved it.

 After our introductions to the other wards, as it is a stake camp this year, we each made a flag representing our ward and the shoe and color we were given.  Miss Ruthie and her beaming smile kept us fed this year.  YUM. Is all I have to say.  She spoiled us with the best camp food I've ever partaken of!

 Minus Millie, plus me and the whole group.  Obviously our shoe was the dance shoe and our color was lime green. It was all too appropriate for our ward.  Lovers of all things lime green and dancers at heart.  Our mantra was "give time, talents and means to build the kingdom of God"

 We introduced our ward with a "stomp" of sorts each year a different stomp.  1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and YCL's (youth council leaders) It was awesome.

 Best Buds. Sydney and Gabby.

 I love that most of the girls were so willing to be silly and fun for the camera.... some were a bit camera shy. The irony of this one is that Shauntel, the one covering her face, is an international gold medalist in tae-kwon-do!  Not too shy to take down another girl in competition but won't have her picture taken... silly cute little girl! 

 Oh, Krista Sue.  The life of the party.  Always.  Full of energy and love.  Camp just would not have been the same without her.  I love you Sue!

 Miss Ruthie... she kept us fed like princess'. A wonderful cook and so much fun to be around.

 Miss Bailey in her feeties... love it.

 When Bishop Marler and his counselor Brother Jessup arrived, we had a special game for them to play.  Shaving a balloon is harder than it looks, teehee

 Bishop was the first to pop his balloon...

 And Brother Jessup's wife Cari, a girls camp vet, cooking us up some amazing donuts... ummmm YUM!

 Another group shot with all the girls plus the bishopric and the stake leaders from our ward.  THE. BEST. Steak leaders and bishopric a girl could ask for.

 All in all girls camp was a huge success.  I learned so much about the girls and each of their personalities.  And they got to know me.  We learned that our girls are fun crazy and wild but always respectful.  Never once did I question our girls involvement in a couple of , let's just say, unsavory activities at camp.  I know each of them well enough to know that even the beehives, the 1st year newbies had respect for our leaders, each other and the camp ground.  So proud.  I already have such love for these sweet, beautiful girls.  Each of their testimonies has strengthened my own.  Before camp, the girls all told me that the last night, Thursday, would be the best because that's when we share testimonies.  And it absolutely was.  As we gathered around the fire to have testimony meeting, the spirit of God was as bright and present as the fire burning in the pit.  What a joy and challenge it has been to be these girls adviser.  I have learned a lot about myself and each one of the girls.  I look forward to many more activities and girls camps with these lovely ladies.  Thank you for being you girls.  Never change that.