GiRLs CaMp-2008
Heroes of the HEart
June 28-July 2
Camp LaMiA (West Camp)
The whole camp battling it out with the shaving cream!
The whole camp battling it out with the shaving cream!All right- I was BoRn to go to Girls Camp! I have WAY too much fun (even as a leader).
It was held at church-owned cabin sites up in the white mountains in Pine, AZ. We had the smallest camp available (about 50 girls went, not including the leaders) and it was on some good hills! I got a serious workout (it is too bad they fed us so good). I have had to go through some withdrawals coming home-they fed me, loved me, and the spirit was there! My kids cried having to leave the babysitter (I am not sure that says much about me!) I was one of the four leaders over the YCL's (the 5&6 year camp girls(their last years)-who are leaders in training so to speak). We had the largest group of girls there and they are PHENOMENAL spirits. They helped camp go without a hitch!
Here are some givens about camp:
1. I have RARELY been so DIRTY in my life. After an obstacle course/race gone bad (b/c the leaders WON)--we ended up in a SERIOUS shaving cream FIGHT! With a game of capture the flag (Nephites vs. Lamanites) on a mountain SIDE immediately following (I just let the shaving cream dry in my ears). Add in the constant sweat from walking the Hillsides to our cabins and some sun, as well as shower stalls that only come to your shoulders, and muddy floors. Throw a five mile (5 hour) hike and some repelling in there, and PoOF! You got one dirty momma! But as our girls said-it makes you appreciate your shower so MUCH more when you get home!
Janae Gordon helping "cinch" the win in the obstacle course against the girls!
For the obstacle course-We had to quick step it through some tires, jump over a bed of a truck, run through a parachute, shave a balloon and pop it (which turned into push ups)- only to run all the way back through the same way you came! Despite our competitive and athletic Girls (since the leaders aren't-ha ha)-the leaders pulled through with the WIN! Old hurt knees, bad backs and all!
Tandy Taylor (Camp Director) scaling the truck
Her partner in crime-Natalie Taylor (asst. camp director -and the family whom I answer phones for) showing she's still got it after 6 kids and over 40-wahoo!
The high council rep-Charlie Backus- pulling through for the team!
Sister Nickle in the blue shirt (the Gazelle) Leaping over the truck-I don't think she even touched the bed of it!
The girls certifying in the Ramada-passing off requirements for each of their years-- involving first aid, wilderness survival, etc.
My YCL's and I were in charge of getting the 2nd years passed off-we did it!
2. You are never too old to strengthen friendships at camp! It is a given that the girls bond in a way that they really can't anywhere else (unless they get to serve a mission w/ their friends) being with them 24-7 does something to your friendship. Of course, an added bonus to camp for me, was having 2 of my friends (Janae and Nicole Gordon) there as well. I can safely say I feel like our friendships were strengthened at camp somewhere between the 5 mile hike, skits, laughing until we cried, sharing towels (by accident), dancing, taking pictures, playing games w/ the girls, getting NO sleep..... it happens!
Janae, Nicole, and I on the five mile hike
The whole hiking crew
The five mile hike took allot longer than anticipated (5 hours). I have yet to go on a hike at girls camp that did not. I got to be one of the 'sweepers'-helping the girls that were towards the end of the group. I was so proud of them for making it, when some of them were VERY sure that they could not do it! I am not gonna lie... it was a good mountain climbing hike, and I was grateful some of them took it slow.We found this awesome butterfly bush (covered in butterflies), and I think sang this hiking song(Janae taught us) at LEAST 40 times! Left , Left , Left, Right, Left--I left my husband and 42 kids at the brink of starvation without gingerbread...I thought it was right, right-You get MY DRIFT!
The beloved butterfly bush with our little 'pack of characters' we hiked back most of the way with!
3. Young Women are amazing! Like I said, I was over the YCL's and they never ceased to amaze me with their acts of kindness. Each one was assigned a girl at camp that they were suppose to 'keep an eye on' b/c we had so many YCL's, this was easily done. I cannot begin to tell you the kind acts of service I saw these YCL girls do w/ no prompting from us. Nor hear their devotionals, testimonies, and love for one another. The future is in good hands with these girls being the next leaders and mom's. I was in LOVE with them!
Our YCL's performing Zero to Hero from Hercules (with the words changed) for skit night
4. Last but certainly not least, I have rarely laughed so hard or been so tired. I do have to say skits are one of my favorites because I get to 'bust a move' and let loose. I am afraid I did. When we played a game later that evening where the girls were mimicking me-I realized I could be mistaken for a genuine psycho-but as I said, "I can be crazy b/c my kids aren't here!" One day I will be able to embarrass my kids--just not yet!
And since we had 24 girls and leaders in one cabin (that was NOT made for that many) the leaders slept out on the deck under the stars (so pretty!)--however, that was the only place to hang out-so we could not pull out our beds until the hanging out was done. I averaged about 2-4 hours of sleep a night, and I wonder why I still feel like I need naps a week later.
Singing one of our camp songs together w/ the Bishops for Bishops night!
Nacho Libre and Incredi Girl making their appearance at skit night
Girls camp involved so many more programs and devotionals than I have mentioned. It was like every creative and fun idea I have heard of was wrapped up into a few days at camp. The spirit was there. I smile every time I think of camp. I am glad I took my "mom off" vacation days for this-worth iT!
Just a side note: Dan got a bad case of strep throat while I was gone. His mom rescued him and then our friend covered the rest. I was so grateful for his willingness to still go it alone, and others sacrifice w/ the care of my children. It kept damage control to a minimum when I returned to being a mom of 4!!!
Here are some givens about camp:1. I have RARELY been so DIRTY in my life. After an obstacle course/race gone bad (b/c the leaders WON)--we ended up in a SERIOUS shaving cream FIGHT! With a game of capture the flag (Nephites vs. Lamanites) on a mountain SIDE immediately following (I just let the shaving cream dry in my ears). Add in the constant sweat from walking the Hillsides to our cabins and some sun, as well as shower stalls that only come to your shoulders, and muddy floors. Throw a five mile (5 hour) hike and some repelling in there, and PoOF! You got one dirty momma! But as our girls said-it makes you appreciate your shower so MUCH more when you get home!
Janae Gordon helping "cinch" the win in the obstacle course against the girls! For the obstacle course-We had to quick step it through some tires, jump over a bed of a truck, run through a parachute, shave a balloon and pop it (which turned into push ups)- only to run all the way back through the same way you came! Despite our competitive and athletic Girls (since the leaders aren't-ha ha)-the leaders pulled through with the WIN! Old hurt knees, bad backs and all!
Tandy Taylor (Camp Director) scaling the truck
Her partner in crime-Natalie Taylor (asst. camp director -and the family whom I answer phones for) showing she's still got it after 6 kids and over 40-wahoo!
The high council rep-Charlie Backus- pulling through for the team!
Sister Nickle in the blue shirt (the Gazelle) Leaping over the truck-I don't think she even touched the bed of it!
The girls certifying in the Ramada-passing off requirements for each of their years-- involving first aid, wilderness survival, etc.My YCL's and I were in charge of getting the 2nd years passed off-we did it!
2. You are never too old to strengthen friendships at camp! It is a given that the girls bond in a way that they really can't anywhere else (unless they get to serve a mission w/ their friends) being with them 24-7 does something to your friendship. Of course, an added bonus to camp for me, was having 2 of my friends (Janae and Nicole Gordon) there as well. I can safely say I feel like our friendships were strengthened at camp somewhere between the 5 mile hike, skits, laughing until we cried, sharing towels (by accident), dancing, taking pictures, playing games w/ the girls, getting NO sleep..... it happens!
Janae, Nicole, and I on the five mile hike
The whole hiking crewThe five mile hike took allot longer than anticipated (5 hours). I have yet to go on a hike at girls camp that did not. I got to be one of the 'sweepers'-helping the girls that were towards the end of the group. I was so proud of them for making it, when some of them were VERY sure that they could not do it! I am not gonna lie... it was a good mountain climbing hike, and I was grateful some of them took it slow.We found this awesome butterfly bush (covered in butterflies), and I think sang this hiking song(Janae taught us) at LEAST 40 times! Left , Left , Left, Right, Left--I left my husband and 42 kids at the brink of starvation without gingerbread...I thought it was right, right-You get MY DRIFT!
The beloved butterfly bush with our little 'pack of characters' we hiked back most of the way with!
3. Young Women are amazing! Like I said, I was over the YCL's and they never ceased to amaze me with their acts of kindness. Each one was assigned a girl at camp that they were suppose to 'keep an eye on' b/c we had so many YCL's, this was easily done. I cannot begin to tell you the kind acts of service I saw these YCL girls do w/ no prompting from us. Nor hear their devotionals, testimonies, and love for one another. The future is in good hands with these girls being the next leaders and mom's. I was in LOVE with them!
Our YCL's performing Zero to Hero from Hercules (with the words changed) for skit night
4. Last but certainly not least, I have rarely laughed so hard or been so tired. I do have to say skits are one of my favorites because I get to 'bust a move' and let loose. I am afraid I did. When we played a game later that evening where the girls were mimicking me-I realized I could be mistaken for a genuine psycho-but as I said, "I can be crazy b/c my kids aren't here!" One day I will be able to embarrass my kids--just not yet!And since we had 24 girls and leaders in one cabin (that was NOT made for that many) the leaders slept out on the deck under the stars (so pretty!)--however, that was the only place to hang out-so we could not pull out our beds until the hanging out was done. I averaged about 2-4 hours of sleep a night, and I wonder why I still feel like I need naps a week later.
Singing one of our camp songs together w/ the Bishops for Bishops night!
Nacho Libre and Incredi Girl making their appearance at skit nightGirls camp involved so many more programs and devotionals than I have mentioned. It was like every creative and fun idea I have heard of was wrapped up into a few days at camp. The spirit was there. I smile every time I think of camp. I am glad I took my "mom off" vacation days for this-worth iT!
Just a side note: Dan got a bad case of strep throat while I was gone. His mom rescued him and then our friend covered the rest. I was so grateful for his willingness to still go it alone, and others sacrifice w/ the care of my children. It kept damage control to a minimum when I returned to being a mom of 4!!!
11 comments:
SUCH FUN PICTURES Alicia!! It looks like you captured the moments wonderfully. I'm glad you had such a great time--I bet you guys were AWESOME leaders! I've never been a huge fan of going to Girl's Camp, but it sure looks like you guys had fun!! =)
A 5-mile hike?! Are you kidding me?! I'm dying trying to get a ONE mile run in the mornings! I wish I was in YW I think it would be awesome! What a FUN experience for you!
Ok, you're making me jealous! Wish I could've been there to have the fun. BTW did you like the poster?
I can't wait till I get to go back to girls camp I loved it!
Ok you got me started on the hiking song and I remember part of it and it went...." did I do right, right, right by my country and right by my
what??? help its making me nuts? please finish the song..?
Lisa-I cannot find your email-it goes like this: right, right, right for my country, woopsi-daisy left, left
Looks like so much fun....I'm sure you were a great role model for all the girlies!!! Oh, and by the way....absolutely in love with the beautiful photo of Dacie. What an angel!
Wow! I LOVED going to girls camp. I wonder when I will ever get to be a leader and go. The powers that be probably know how undisciplined I am and that's why I have still never had a calling in YW! I've been in just about everything else, except elder's quorum and bishopric! Sounds like you all had a blast!
Sooo fun! I too am thankful for the experience. I really think the leaders had more fun. It was a great camp and I am soooo glad you were there. It would not have been the same without you. BTW thanks for smiling during my talk. I was so nervous and am grateful for the support of good friends.
It's true. You were born to go to girls camp. It looks like you ahd a ton of fun. Love ya!!!
I love Girls Camp and I am glad you got to go...I think I have more fun as a leader than I ever did as a YW! yes, you did get a good workout... I am all too familiar with the smaller camp...the hill leading up to it is a BEAR!!!
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