Oh Wow! Each time I have sat down to email all of you regarding this year's camp, I couldn't get through it without crying. I have been so full of gratitude for the committment, hard work and dedication you all put forth into not only making camp successful but to letting the young women know how much you loved them.
This past week, I felt the love of our Heavenly Father for our young women so strongly. We had wonderful weather and a beautiful spirit. I know that many precious daughters sparked the beginnings of testimonies, friendships, memories and spiritual experiences that they will never forget.
The various hikes were wonderful. We walked the trails, rested in breezy, shaded areas and pondered over powerful scriptures such as the baptisms of Alma the elder, Joseph Smith's account of his experiences in the sacred grove and the account of Gethsemane. And we learned a ton about the trees and plants along the way-- who knew Tori was so gifted!
The workshops during the day given by Jen and Sarah, Amy, and Candice were powerful and uplifting. So many of the young women have commented on these workshops and how their testimonies and committment to the gospel has strengthened as a result of them. And just in case you are wondering (we've had a lot of email requests), Amy does have more beads for those who lost theirs or didn't get one!
Tubing, flying through the air like a squirrel, swinging down the zip line and conquering the fear of heights with the climbing wall were confidence building. I can't believe how brave some of those girls were and how they were committed to getting to the top of that wall!
The various hikes were wonderful. We walked the trails, rested in breezy, shaded areas and pondered over powerful scriptures such as the baptisms of Alma the elder, Joseph Smith's account of his experiences in the sacred grove and the account of Gethsemane. And we learned a ton about the trees and plants along the way-- who knew Tori was so gifted!
The workshops during the day given by Jen and Sarah, Amy, and Candice were powerful and uplifting. So many of the young women have commented on these workshops and how their testimonies and committment to the gospel has strengthened as a result of them. And just in case you are wondering (we've had a lot of email requests), Amy does have more beads for those who lost theirs or didn't get one!
Tubing, flying through the air like a squirrel, swinging down the zip line and conquering the fear of heights with the climbing wall were confidence building. I can't believe how brave some of those girls were and how they were committed to getting to the top of that wall!
The survivor games by Michelle were so much fun! I didn't eat the crickets myself but I did try a beet at camp and for that I feel like a survivor! It was SO funny to see the girls getting marbles out of the ice bucket and then running to the hot sidewalk to warm their feet!
We wrote HUNDREDS of letters to our missionaries! Michelle said that one of her favorite things as a missionary was to receive lots of letters so I hope that each missionary gets a few of our letters and knows how much they mean to us and how proud we are of them serving their missions!
The food was wonderful and mealtimes were fun! We were always so HUNGRY! That was the best food I have ever eaten! Once Leigh wakes up, I want all of the recipes...especially the banana split pudding and the lemon cake...oh and the pineapple cake...well ok all of the desserts!! I made dirt pudding last night for dinner!!!
The nighttime skits were funny and fun and united the girls with laughter and friendship. The yellow suit that the leaders wore in their modesty skit will forever be remembered and may even become the modesty dress for someone to wear if they "forget" to dress modestly at camp!
The nighttime skits were funny and fun and united the girls with laughter and friendship. The yellow suit that the leaders wore in their modesty skit will forever be remembered and may even become the modesty dress for someone to wear if they "forget" to dress modestly at camp!
The spiritual portions later in the evening, the talk by Vinnie, the video clips from the apostles and particularly the testimony meeting were inspirational, encouraging and strengthening. Our young women are developing into lovely, strong sisters in zion. These testimonies from these precious daughters of God were powerful and awe-inspiring.
I was able to experience and see so many special moments as these girls grew in the gospel and shared time with each other. They laughed, talked, cried and supported each other. Many of these girls are the only Mormons in their school and they appreciated the time with so many others of their faith. Strong friendships were forged with all of us.
Even us as leaders talked, laughed, stayed up late sharing experiences. These were all memories I will never forget.
Again I cannot express to you enough the deep and abiding gratitude I feel for all you. I was both humbled and honored to work with you all. I felt the Savior's love for you and it was very powerful. My testimony and commitment to the gospel strengthened.
So thank you, thank you very much. All of the hours, weeks and months of planning came together and it was worth every moment. I loved the inspirations that came as we planned and I have so appreciated the many wonderful and sweet blessings that have come to me personally. We were all so very blessed.
I want to share with you my love and respect for several sisters that spent countless hours in planning and preparation for camp: Michelle, Leigh, Jen, Sarah, Amy,Tina, Sally, Christine, Jennifer, Vinnie, Terri, Estella, Candice, LeeAnn, all of the lovely, creative, hard working, willing to help and FUN cabin moms, the Ward Camp Directors, the kitchen assistants, the young women presidencies and leaders.
I love you all! THANK YOU for making this year's camp a success!
