Once we were loaded up, we we began the 2 hours trek south. The drive down was filled with anticipation for the fun that lay ahead. We are blessed with such amazing girls. They are so obedient. We asked for no cell phones and a few other things and guess what.....not one girl tried to break a single rule or push the limits. Such stalwarts this bunch. Blessed beyond I say.
So our theme was based on 2nd Nephi 31: 20 "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ........" We adapted the message to music and all the symbols to play music. I will explain more as we go along. The first day we set up camp, 3 tents in total, arranged the camp site and had our first devotional by one of the YCL's With each devotional we studied and discussed a conference talk and then had a fun activity to reinforce the principle just taught. The first activity we made a sugar scrub with lemon extract to remind us that life may give us lemons but we can learn and grow and make something good out of them.
We had time to play volleyball, badminton and learn dance routines. Brooklyn and Malia both dance competitively, so they instructed a few on how the dance world works. It would not be girls camp with out facials fully equipped with cucumbers as well
I only took videos of the girls shooting. Sorry no photos ;( We were taught gun safety, and then allowed to shoot at clay pigeons. We shot rifles, shotguns, 22's and 38's. I even got to shoot and guess what....I hit the target. Corby will be so proud. After "cafe Rio" pork salad we settled in for Family Hone Evening followed by a movie shown on a projector outside. We watched "Parent Trap" We ate popcorn, candy and enjoyed the stars of a small town sky.
Tuesday morning we headed to the lake. It was a dusty ride there and back and the sun shone brightly. The lake was gorgeous and we basically had it all to ourselves. The view was breathtaking I tell ya
Sometimes my phone was taken without my knowledge and selfies took place
May I introduce our camp director Miss Michonne McGovern. Only the world's best camp director/friend/leader and lady I have met. I don't have the words to describe this amazing lady. She has been an answer to so many unasked prayers. The only issue is she moved here from Gilbert, AZ and is living with her mom and dad, who are in our ward, while their home is being built out in Herriman. I have tried with all my might to convince her to stay in our ward but she thinks living with parents in a 1500 square foot home with 4 children and 4 adults just isn't her style, crazy huh. I love Michonne or as siri refers to her "Michin"
We had two canoes to our disposal and the girls took full advantage. Some girls chose to not get in the water but everyone had a grand ole time.
Especially when one of our priesthood sons found a snake and threw it at the girls in the canoe. The shrilling and shrieking was hilarious
 |
| Jayra, she is 12 and joined in on camp last minute as well as her older sister Sherelle who is 15 |
Nizhoni is the newest member to our ward. Her father is marrying a lady in our ward so after July 29th she will be with us full time.
After a delicious lunch enjoyed on the beach, we headed to our camp. The ride back might have been a bit adventurous as I used a bike path to turn around. We felt like we were on two tires at one point and the paint on the yukon might be nonexistent with the scratches and scrapes but we arrived back to camp safe and sound.
Later that evening we had another media (rewind) button devotional and played a game with water balloons and towels discussing repentance and having to start over again....Also Rachel(shown below with tongue hanging out) and Natalie joined in on the fun. Natalie is the 1st counselor and Rachel the secretary
The girls each had chores we rotated through each day. Brooklyn was first to volunteer to cook up the chocolate chip pancakes. We ate like queens as we should have. So much great food and even a dishwasher to wash the dishes, rough I know.
Wed our stake leaders came for a visit. They got enjoy the life sized game of Life and helped make individual pizzas for lunch.
We divided the girls into two groups and they each had a die to roll. We used paper as a ledger instead of money and taped baby bottles on their clothes or red dollar signs if they were in debt. It was such a great game! We ended the activity with another media button "Stop and Think"about decisions. So so fun! Our poor Jayra ended up with 10 children and lost her job several times. Rough start girl but in the end she had the most money.
Our final activity of the evening was the "power" media button. It started to rain so we moved indoors for this activity. Michonne had the temple turned backwards so you could not see what it was. She gave out several sheets with instructions and let the girls go to town figuring out how to complete this project. It took well over an hour but it was such a powerful teaching opportunity. We discussed how we might not see the purpose in following instructions or why steps must go in a certain order but when you can see the whole picture you get it. The spirit was strong on many levels during this activity. I loved seeing the girls pair up and help each other and encourage others when some were wanting to give up.
 |
| left to right: Malia, Morgan, Holly, Jayra, Sherelle, Ashley, Brooklyn, Karri, and Nizoni |
Wednesday we had planned to do "Random Acts of Kindness" but the weather wasn't cooperating so we took dinner to two different families and visited with them for a little while. We also painted some letters for the family who so graciously allowed us to take over their property for 4 days.
We prepared for our bishopric to come join us for a dutch oven dinner and the traditional testimony meeting.
Malia is so creative. She found these cute baby sticks and created her most favorite animal on the planet.
Rachel is our fire expert, she got an amazing fire ready for the testimony meeting.
Dutch oven chicken and potatoes solidifies camp.
We opted for hoodies instead of t-shirts. Our hoodies had the play button on them and several other media buttons. The design was adorable and they are comfy as well. I might regret posing for this photo at some point but the girls dared me and so it is what it is.
And just like that...... all the months of prep...... camp is over. It was an extraordinary week and I hope that the lessons taught will have an impact on these girls lives whom I have grown to love so deeply.
