Girls Camp 2012

The third week in June started bright and early for us.  After months of planning and preparing it was finally go time!  Getting the girls and their gear into the buses and and trucks was kinda like playing Tetris, and how it all fit was kinda like the story of the loaves and fishes, nothing short of a miracle!

When we arrived in camp with all the senior girls and leaders it looked a bit like a ghost town

but set beautifully in the pine trees

 After a full days work we had the place all decked out!

My sister Tara was in charge of the decorations and signs among other things this year 

Don't think I'm being a biased big sister when I tell you she did a dang good job of it too!

Our cabins were nothing fancy, but they got the job done

This awesome group of girls who are seniors in high school this fall helped run the camp.

and were lead by the Camp director Kirsten and her two assistants

and we were under the direction of these awesome ladies in the Stake Young Women's Presidency

When the buses arrived Tuesday morning our awesome girls were ready to welcome their younger crew members

It's always fun to see them arrive with their big happy smiles and even more fun when you end up twinning!

Once everyone is there it's a sight to behold! 

Our senior girls were true beacons of light as they shared personal experiences and testimonies of Jesus Christ and the joy that comes from following His light.

They wanted to impress upon the younger girls the importance of being a good friend and family member, help them to recognize their unique gifts and not be so critical of themselves and others, challenge them to stand up for what they believe in even if they are the only ones courageous enough to do so, and finally to encourage them  to gain their own testimonies.

There was time to spend studying the scriptures, writing in journals, and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

There were musical numbers and an outpouring of the spirit.

There was time to spend with good friends

and time to make new ones

There were times we were just hanging by a "thread"

There were times for striking poses

and shakin your booty when you think no one will notice

There were times to act crazy

And dress even crazier!

There were times to get off of your feet

or even sit for a bit

There were times to look tough

And times when you needed an extra hand

Or a reminder to stay anchored amidst the chaos

There were times we all went a little crazy

And there were times that all we could do was smile.

It was busy, it was fun. It was hard and it was rewarding.  The girls were filthy but their hearts were pure as they wrapped up camp on Saturday and committed to keeping that light of Christ burning bright upon their arrival back home.

But first, these girls needed a nap!