My day at Girls Camp

Tuesday was a very special day for me. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one day of my church’s annual girls camp, for girls 12-17 yrs. It’s known for being one of the best weeks ever for the girls. Tons of fun, silly songs and skits, friendship making, and spiritual growth. I was burning out from motherhood trials, and this day was just the dose of medicine I needed. I count it as a tender mercy from the Lord that he gave me Tuesday. So thankful for Shaun being home with the kiddos.

I was asked to be the photographer, and as always, I love my job. It was so much fun to capture so many funny and beautiful shots.

The last time I went to this particular camp was back in 1991, when I was a little spunky, socially clueless, tomboy 12 year old. As I walked down into that camp, I vaguely remembered the same mountains, rocks, and surroundings from so long ago. What a turn of the tables to now be one of the camp leaders, and see all these cute 12 year olds around me.

I want to share some glimpses of this day:

My “Dances with Wolves” roots kick in whenever I see one of these:)

Such a neat view when you’re laying down on your back pointing the camera up!

Me looking like a goofball papparazi, with my friend’s camera, along with mine, around my neck.

Rounding up all the girls in the big arena, with the older girls down on the floor, singing silly camp songs and having a blast.

Here’s to give you an idea of the amount of girls at camp! Pretty large crowd of fun. (Thank you, Jessica for helping me get this shot! I know your reading this, ha ha:)

Wonderful, spiritual lessons from kind church leaders, out in the beautiful woods. Does it get any better?

Some of the awesome chefs, totally goofing off and being so darn cute!

The wonderful head chef made these darling aprons for her crew. Each year, she plans and prepares  amazing meals for the mass amount of girls. I heard she baked 200 bread bowls for soup night. She’s amazing.

Now this is a very special part of the day that I just had to share. There were a few little spiritual talks that the girls went to hear. We split up into groups, and rotated around. This particular talk was incredibly well delivered, and so very, very touching and spiritual. The girls were asked to come up, and put blindfolds on. They were then told various commands, such as ‘stay standing if you’ve ever walked out of a movie that was inappropriate’ or ‘if you’ve asked someone to stop swearing’, or ‘if you’ve ever ate lunch with someone sitting alone at school’. Those who had not done these things would take their blindfolds off, and quietly go sit down.

 

As the crowd slowly diminished, and a few girls were left standing, the leader would ask them how they were feeling, to which they replied ‘Alone’, not knowing how many girls were standing up there. The leader emphasized that sometimes when we make the right choice, we feel alone in the world.

The leader said ‘Stay standing if you’ve ever gone to church alone without your family’, and only one girl stayed standing. Another leader brought up a stand, and placed that beautiful picture of the Savior there. The leader continued to speak about how when it feels like we are alone choosing the right, there is always one person who will be by our side. She then told the girl to take off her blindfold, and see how that person was. Oh, writing this now makes brings the spirit again of that wonderful, teaching moment. So tender.

The rest of the day was just as fabulous. Knowing that it was my only day that I could come to camp made me treasure each moment greatly. If only I could take that attitude with me each day, and I could have much better mothering days. That is my goal.

After the classes, the girls had some ‘grove time’, time to find a place in nature, open your scriptures, take notes, and be still. Listen to the spirit speaking softly to you. Feel the love your Heavenly Father has to you. Feast upon the word. Knowing that this was a quiet moment of studying that rarely happens at home, let alone out in nature, I grabbed a chair, and ran for the hills.

I was so thankful I had scriptures on my phone, and I sat for a bit and was able to read and ponder them. I was reminded of how good it felt to truly read the scriptures, to search the footnotes, to slowly read a verse out loud, and let it sink deep into my soul. I think that’s how you have a real scripture study, and it leaves you feeling so enriched. I stopped and listened to the birds and sounds of the mountains, and thought about my sweet husband and kids back down in the desert. I walked away from that moment with renewed strength to be a more patient and loving mom.

My favorite pictures I took. I hope you can see better what I am describing of ‘grove time’ through these shots. Seriously, sometimes life gives you these moments that cannot be bought with money, and last in your heart and mind forever. Thanks for reading this post:)