**** I know that by now camp seemed like it happened ages ago and I am finally getting around to blogging about it, therefore making it official ;)*****
So what the heck is a 4th year adventure???
An overnight activity where the girls get to participate in "high adventure" activities. They will have opportunities to try something new, test their bravery and learn to work as a team, feel the spirit and by golly have a GREAT Time! I think we we accomplished all the above :)
We started planning this adventure back in January and were more than ready to go by go time! Our campout was May 31st. We, Zito's & Kemptons left on Monday, May 30th...Memorial Day to claim our spot in the mountains and start setting up camp. I have to share a Tender Mercy that we experienced. I was nervous we would have a difficult time getting a place to camp. Before camp, Leonard & I made 3 trips up north before camp to scout the perfect camping spot. Plan A, B & C failed we happened upon the "perfect spot". In fact is was so "perfect", that there were many campers were camping there and it must be a favorite to many. We felt so good about this place. Like a breath of fresh air! I was nervous that our "perfect spot" would not be available because we were heading up on Memorial day and the mountains are packed with campers. We did a lot of praying that we would be able to camp in the place we felt so good about. We were prepared to beg and bribe any campers that might be there to pack up and move out. Turns out as we made the turn off Young Rd... There was not one camper around! I knew this was a blessing from our Heavenly Father. It might seem coincidental to some, but I know it was the beginning of many Tender Mercies the Lord provided for us as we served Him and his sweet Daughters of God :) I also like to call these tender mercies, Camp Miracles :)
We had so much fun spending a day with the Kemptons setting up camp! I love those guys :) We absolutely FROZE to DEATH that night we camped... it was 38 degrees i think! brrr! I hope it warms up for all these girls joining us!
What did we do with our kids???? We had to farm them for the entire week! Thanks to my good friends who helped out and to my awesome parents who helped all 7 days! I know you will receive blessings ;) I couldn't have done this without all of you!
An overnight activity where the girls get to participate in "high adventure" activities. They will have opportunities to try something new, test their bravery and learn to work as a team, feel the spirit and by golly have a GREAT Time! I think we we accomplished all the above :)
We started planning this adventure back in January and were more than ready to go by go time! Our campout was May 31st. We, Zito's & Kemptons left on Monday, May 30th...Memorial Day to claim our spot in the mountains and start setting up camp. I have to share a Tender Mercy that we experienced. I was nervous we would have a difficult time getting a place to camp. Before camp, Leonard & I made 3 trips up north before camp to scout the perfect camping spot. Plan A, B & C failed we happened upon the "perfect spot". In fact is was so "perfect", that there were many campers were camping there and it must be a favorite to many. We felt so good about this place. Like a breath of fresh air! I was nervous that our "perfect spot" would not be available because we were heading up on Memorial day and the mountains are packed with campers. We did a lot of praying that we would be able to camp in the place we felt so good about. We were prepared to beg and bribe any campers that might be there to pack up and move out. Turns out as we made the turn off Young Rd... There was not one camper around! I knew this was a blessing from our Heavenly Father. It might seem coincidental to some, but I know it was the beginning of many Tender Mercies the Lord provided for us as we served Him and his sweet Daughters of God :) I also like to call these tender mercies, Camp Miracles :)
We had so much fun spending a day with the Kemptons setting up camp! I love those guys :) We absolutely FROZE to DEATH that night we camped... it was 38 degrees i think! brrr! I hope it warms up for all these girls joining us!
What did we do with our kids???? We had to farm them for the entire week! Thanks to my good friends who helped out and to my awesome parents who helped all 7 days! I know you will receive blessings ;) I couldn't have done this without all of you!
WOO HOO! it is 9 am and our girls ...(all 26 of them...including 7 of our AMAZING YCL girls! love each one of them :) have arrived! They all worked hard setting up their tents and starting to make our little area of the forest like home sweet home! We are also joined by 7 Fantastic Young Women Leaders!
Once camp was set up we sat around the fire pit and ate our sack lunches and breathed in that glorious cool mountain air... We then played a get to know you game... a 4th year camp certification!
These are our Potty Tents... Very proud to report that Amber and I put these bad boys together and they worked like a charm. We were gonna tow up port-a-johns but we opted to simplify. The bucket potties were great. Thanks to Susan Cluff who shared a very valuable tip to me.... put kitty litter in the bottom of the bag and it helps absorb and keep down the smell! It was great advice and one thing I will always remember!
Our High Adventure Activity was an afternoon at Willow Springs Lake to go CANOEING!!! This is a new adventure for the girls in our stake and we were THRILLED beyond Measure to take this bunch out on the lake. I think only a couple girls have ever canoed... this is where the bravery part come in to play. These girls & leaders were so looking forward to this adventure... me too!
Leonard & Robert got all the gear to the shore and Amber was giving safety instructions :)
Leonard & Robert got all the gear to the shore and Amber was giving safety instructions :)
Time for group pics of my happy girls :)
We are READY!!!
Off we go!
These girls were AWESOME!!! Took a little getting use to steering and paddling as a team and then everyone was canoeing like old pros :)
The Kemptons.... awww aren't they such a cute couple??
The Zito's.... Happy as can be! I love the Great Outdoors!
We all made it safe and sound to shore where we spent some time....
Learning how to master our Rock Skipping Skills and see how far you could throw & Target throwing... there was Chocolate on the line ;)
After that we tried our hand at fishing for Crawdads..... We were told this place is crawling with them... but we found out that rumor was NOT TRUE... we had fun trying :)
We then got back in the canoes for some friendly canoe racing and then as safely as we set off... we all safely returned! Wow... I would have to say that Canoeing was one AWESOME ADVENTURE!
Thank you girls for being safe and not flipping the canoes :) couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! Actually another Tender mercy a.k.a Camp miracle :)
Thank you girls for being safe and not flipping the canoes :) couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! Actually another Tender mercy a.k.a Camp miracle :)
Once back at camp the girls tried their hand at some Archery
And one of my favorite games... water balloon volleyball! It was a BLAST!!! Thanks to Amber for filling up all those water ballons! YOU ROCK!
Robert kept the firewood stocked and Leonard helped Rachel start her first camp fire... Next was Dinner... with the Mystery Meat BBQ style... good thing everyone was hungry... gulp! It reminded me of Ernest Goes to Camp... you know the part where the camp cook serves everyone bubbly goo.... That's kinda what our BBQ Beef looked like! .... I'll have more salad please :) LOL!!!
A Camping Favorite & MUST.... Camp fire.... Robert took the girls Star Gazing and my hubby shared a sweet tender devotional about how the Lord will guide you in your life especially in finding your eternal companion... Leonard totally surprised me by telling the girls how we met and how he fell in love with me and how God answered his prayers through the gift of the Holy Ghost in knowing that I was to be his Eternal Companion. It was very touching and it brought tears to my eyes.. I love that Man of mine and I am so grateful for his good example he is to me and marrying him was the best decision I ever made. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day... oh, but I can't forget the smores and roasted starbursts :)
So there you have it... 5 months of planning and it is over in a blink... The girls were so wonderful. We did not have one problem... no drama, just a plain good time. Everyone pitched in where needed and it was so memorable. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve and learning and growth I recieved from planning it!
In the morning we pack up and head up the road to Camp Shadow Pines as we continue our Journey..... Our QUEST FOR THE BEST!!!
So there you have it... 5 months of planning and it is over in a blink... The girls were so wonderful. We did not have one problem... no drama, just a plain good time. Everyone pitched in where needed and it was so memorable. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve and learning and growth I recieved from planning it!
In the morning we pack up and head up the road to Camp Shadow Pines as we continue our Journey..... Our QUEST FOR THE BEST!!!
My dear Kaitlyn, Welcome to Girls Camp... Here you will learn and grow so much... You'll get to meet new friends & bond with the girls & leaders in our ward. You will get to take lots of cool classes. Your Testimony will grow. You will be strengthened. You will laugh, cry and laugh some more. You will sing silly songs, get to dance, play games. You might get embarrassed by your mom & dad while at camp :).You will eat and eat and eat some more. You will learn all the camp rules and not break any of them :) You will stay up late and get up really early. You will have time to reflect. You will develop new talents and be tested and challenged. You will get to serve others and feel Our Savior's Love for you! You will get to know you are a Daughter of Heavenly Father who LOVES YOU & KNOWS YOU! You will understand why your mom LOVES being here at Girls Camp! It is an experience you have to have for yourself. So much goodness it is almost overwhelming at time! But I wouldn't miss it for the world :) Here is to a Wonderful and memorable First Year of Girls Camp my dear! I love you and it was so fun being at camp together.
I hope you made as many great memories as I did!
I hope you made as many great memories as I did!
Girls camp started off with a BANG.... actually a CLOPPITY, CLOPPITY, CLOP...
Amber's "baby" at camp was putting on the Certification Rally. Otherwise known as... RUN THE GAUNTLET!!! She did an AMAZING JOB!!! I got to be her faithful servant. Each ward had to gallop to diffferent obstacles through out camp requiring them to display their first aid and knot tying skills they have learned to certify for girls camp... each ward had a ward flag that had to remain upright and flying high through their quest and they had a stick horse they had to ride while galloping to each challenge... to make the horse galloping more realistic each team had plastic cups they were to clap together making the cloppity, cloppity clop sounds! It was a hoot! in the end they had to battle a knight ( priesthood with jousting noodles) to save the QUEEN... Erica Anderson, Our Stake Camp director! It turned out great and a HUGE Pat on the back to Amber for a FUN certification activity! Now that we are DONE with our major stuff at camp we get to be the worker bees and help where we are needed. Oh what a relief.... and boy oh boy I need a NAP by now! :)
There is no time for napping at our girls camp! no way jose!
Amber's "baby" at camp was putting on the Certification Rally. Otherwise known as... RUN THE GAUNTLET!!! She did an AMAZING JOB!!! I got to be her faithful servant. Each ward had to gallop to diffferent obstacles through out camp requiring them to display their first aid and knot tying skills they have learned to certify for girls camp... each ward had a ward flag that had to remain upright and flying high through their quest and they had a stick horse they had to ride while galloping to each challenge... to make the horse galloping more realistic each team had plastic cups they were to clap together making the cloppity, cloppity clop sounds! It was a hoot! in the end they had to battle a knight ( priesthood with jousting noodles) to save the QUEEN... Erica Anderson, Our Stake Camp director! It turned out great and a HUGE Pat on the back to Amber for a FUN certification activity! Now that we are DONE with our major stuff at camp we get to be the worker bees and help where we are needed. Oh what a relief.... and boy oh boy I need a NAP by now! :)
There is no time for napping at our girls camp! no way jose!
The evening program was the TOWNE FAIR... lots of fun games, hair braiding... that's where i was at :) face painting and such. Kaitlyn rocked the Minute to Win it Games! The fav was wearing a pedometer on your head and shake it to make it go go go! can u say BRAIN ACHE??? :)
Leonard even got to join in the fun with the minute to win it games... Erica killed the guys! She is the QUEEN for sure!
Day 2... crafts & Human Foosball... Leonard even got in the action :)
Day 2 was also HIKE DAY... It was mandatory for ALL to Enjoy the hike... I must admit... this is my first hike at camp... all the years I have been I was always involved with preparations for other activites at camp and missed out on the fun! I was pleasantly surprised. All the YW presidents were stopped at certain places along the trail and we got to hear them share with us a spiritual thought and their testimonies.. it was very nice!
My ward... PARKWOOD WARD!!! Their YW value they represented was Choice & Accountability. Hence the Awesomely Orange shirts... They were dubbed the CTR CRUSADERS...I think their shirts were the COOLEST! I sure love being a member of this ward. So many good good people!
Silly Pics are the BEST!!!
Me and my YCL LEADER BFF... Amber! I love ya girl ~ you Dazzle for sure! :) The Stake Staff were the Dazzling Duchesses! fun hu?!
Not only were Amber and I the 4th year adventure leaders, we are also YCL Leaders... so we got to stay and play all week serving and leading our YOUTH CAMP LEADERS :) The Ycls value they represented at camp was Good Works, we were Yellow! We were dubbed The BENEVOLENT BABES!!! I totally thought it was so fitting for these gals! Each ward and YCLs had a flag & wooden sword we got to decorate.
I volunteered! I knew it had to involve lots and lots of BLING!!!
I volunteered! I knew it had to involve lots and lots of BLING!!!
I special ordered yellow rhinestones from Canda to make the look just right! It did take a bit of time to make our sword and flag look so stunning, but worth every minute :)
Here is a far away pic of the stage and all the beautiful and creative ward flags in all the YW value colors. Also displayed is the ward swords on the Knights of the Round table. All united in one cause!
Here is a sneak peak of all our YCLS... Leading the girls in some fun camp songs :) I really enjoyed getting to know these girls and they were all great leaders. Thanks for sharing your good examples to all of us! mmmmmuuuahhhh!
ohhh ohhh! it is my FAVORITE Night at camp.... SKIT NIGHT, other wise known as "Merriment Night"! Tia & Susannah were great MC's... The story tellers of the evening. Each ward wrote their own fairy tale that had to do with making a princess better and revolve around each wards YW value... They were all great and creative.
The Stake Staff always start off the evening with our own skit... Did I tell you I HEART skits ;)
I wish my hair really did grow like this curly mess! it makes my cheeks look little! I like that ;) hee hee!
I wish my hair really did grow like this curly mess! it makes my cheeks look little! I like that ;) hee hee!
Back stage with my good pal Annette.. another YCL Leader... she is obviously the Princess! She is rocking my Senior Prom dress! Yes, you read that correctly! I did bring up my senior prom dress I think it is coming back into style. I think I may hang on to it for a few more years, Kaitlyn may want to wear it :) LOL! Any how, Erica, Annette, Me, & Jenny... We look awesome and are ready to put on a show.
*** Ps~ that moo moo is also mine :) what a gem hu?
*** Ps~ that moo moo is also mine :) what a gem hu?
Our skit was titled.. "The Sword in the THRONE"... isn't our throne a.k.a toilet so AWSOME?
The story line is that a group of Duchesses comes across a sword in a throne (a toilet) while on a jaunt in the woods. After the caper queens, with all their fabulous drama, clean the toilet, several of the duchesses try to remove the sword, but aren't able to because they are trying to be something that they are not.
After these Duchesses try to unsuccessfully pull out the sword - one dazzling duchess who is true blue to who she is, will step forward to give it a try and of course the sword will come out and the birds will sing (tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet). *** I just love Melissa Hawkins to DEATH.. she is the amazing brains to all this good stuff! so stinking creative! WOW! she never ceases to amaze me!****
The sword reads - "if you want to razzle dazzle be true to you"
The other duchesses throw their shoes, wig, dress (worn over clothes of course), wipe off the makeup and throw the wipe and whatever else they have into the toilet and 'flush' everything away.
Then we sing our song. which is Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars... the words were changed to be appropriate for camp! :) Then we ran out to the girls and hugged who we could!
Cuz you are AMAZING JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!!!
The story line is that a group of Duchesses comes across a sword in a throne (a toilet) while on a jaunt in the woods. After the caper queens, with all their fabulous drama, clean the toilet, several of the duchesses try to remove the sword, but aren't able to because they are trying to be something that they are not.
After these Duchesses try to unsuccessfully pull out the sword - one dazzling duchess who is true blue to who she is, will step forward to give it a try and of course the sword will come out and the birds will sing (tweet tweet tweet tweet tweet). *** I just love Melissa Hawkins to DEATH.. she is the amazing brains to all this good stuff! so stinking creative! WOW! she never ceases to amaze me!****
The sword reads - "if you want to razzle dazzle be true to you"
The other duchesses throw their shoes, wig, dress (worn over clothes of course), wipe off the makeup and throw the wipe and whatever else they have into the toilet and 'flush' everything away.
Then we sing our song. which is Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars... the words were changed to be appropriate for camp! :) Then we ran out to the girls and hugged who we could!
Cuz you are AMAZING JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!!!
My YCLS ran out and gave me the best group hug ever! I love all these girl! They Are AMAZING JUST THE WAY THEY ARE!!!! That hug made day :) I was feeling the love :)
Parkwood ward's skit was so so cute about Choice and Accountability! Kaitlyn was the Princess trying to choose the right! I have never seen her shine like she did on that stage! She is a natural. She made this mama very proud! Another hidden talent I didn't know she had!
Talk about Hidden Talents.. The priesthood Skit was as usual, so funny and very creative... u can thank Spencer Ray for that one :) I wish I would have brought my good camera to camp, rats all the pics i got are fuzzy! it was ACTION PACKED!
Pres. Petersen was on a Quest to find valiant Knights to join him to protect the YW at Camp Shadow Pines. They all had to Prove themselves to join his noble quest. Sir Spencer Ray from the Parkwood realm known as a ribbon sword fighter, Sir Anderson from the Land of Patterson was known for his ferocious hopscotch skills, Sir David Ray from the kingdom of Hampton he was known for mad tissue juggling skills, Sir Zito also from the Parkwood Relam he had a very special talent as an AIR HULA HOOPER.. it is like air guitar but much more dangerous and harder to master :) last but not least Sir Asbury and Sir Barker, whos bond was so tight, towns people thought they were twin brothers who give quite the smack down being masters of the ancient art of Kung Fu... Luckily for each of these Knights they passed their test and were given the Baseball Caps of Knighthood!
There skit was classic and we were all very entertained.
Leonard was also hiding secret talents from me. He also made me so proud! I do have a video of the skit but Leonard would kill me if I posted it, so i will have to hold back and keep it to my self. What happens at Camp Skit Night stays as camp. :)
Pres. Petersen was on a Quest to find valiant Knights to join him to protect the YW at Camp Shadow Pines. They all had to Prove themselves to join his noble quest. Sir Spencer Ray from the Parkwood realm known as a ribbon sword fighter, Sir Anderson from the Land of Patterson was known for his ferocious hopscotch skills, Sir David Ray from the kingdom of Hampton he was known for mad tissue juggling skills, Sir Zito also from the Parkwood Relam he had a very special talent as an AIR HULA HOOPER.. it is like air guitar but much more dangerous and harder to master :) last but not least Sir Asbury and Sir Barker, whos bond was so tight, towns people thought they were twin brothers who give quite the smack down being masters of the ancient art of Kung Fu... Luckily for each of these Knights they passed their test and were given the Baseball Caps of Knighthood!
There skit was classic and we were all very entertained.
Leonard was also hiding secret talents from me. He also made me so proud! I do have a video of the skit but Leonard would kill me if I posted it, so i will have to hold back and keep it to my self. What happens at Camp Skit Night stays as camp. :)
Day 3 - was packed to the brim with great classes and crafts!
I love my little Princess! I got to hang out with Kaitlyn on the last day of camp! We are so busy running from one activity to the next. I was so happy I could hang with my girl for a bit! This is the only pic I have of us here! and I LOVE IT!!
Friday Night... Bishop's night.... Fun games planned for the bishops and counselors to battle it out and cut loose a bit! Leonard was a troll and was being attacked! Good Times!
The Friday evening program is always a special evening. This year the YCLS & Bishops put on an elaborate play if you will for us all.... it reminded me of the Easter Pageant. It was very special about Seeking after the Savior in our life. We can seek his presence in the Holy Temples on this earth. It was very nice. Countless hours went into putting it together. The spirit was so strong. Our testimonies were strengthend and it was very memorable! I know the Savior Lives... I know he Loves me and I will live my life in a way to live with him again. Believe, Hope & Seek!
After the evening program, each ward meets to have testimony meeting! The YW in our ward impress me so much! It was very nice listening to their personal testimonies of the gospel. We build each other up and strengthen each other when we share what we know to be true! It was such a special night and a great way to end the evening! I love Parkwood Ward and will miss it greatly!
This year was a bittersweet year at Girls camp for me! This is our last year going to girls camp in the Skyline Stake! Kaitlyn's 1st & last year here in this stake, with these great people and friends!
Our family is moving. We just bought a home not far from where we live now.
Right before we left to camp we put an offer on a home and wasn't positive we would get it for sure or not. I chose to not tell anyone about our possible move while at camp because I did not want the focus on me. The focus needed to be on those girls and it was a great camp. I tried to push the thought of me not being here again far far away! It would make me too sad. So I didn't think about it. It helped keep my emotions in check.
I say bittersweet because we are so so excited about moving to a new home and are excited for a new change but so sad at the same time. We have lived here for over 10 years and feel very comfortable here. We have such a good ward, a good stake and so many dear friends. It will be hard to leave. The good part is that we are 5 minutes away. So we aren't gone for good! Heck, we will probably bump into each other at Walmart or Hobby Lobby :)
Thank You Skyline Stake for being a wonderful group of people! You have helped make me who i am. Serving with you and learning and growing together! It has been such a pleasure!
We bought the house but are renting back to the previous owner as he is trying to get his new house bought. So that puts us moving in our new home in September... Lots of time to look for the perfect carpet and try to sell our home we are living in now! It has been a whirlwind, now you might understand why i haven't blogged in forever!
I'll be posting pics of our new home soon stay posted :) Let me know if you know anyone interested in moving to a great ward & neighborhood!! Freshly painted and kitchen cupboards to die for ;) LOL!
Wow! That was a LOOOOOOONG Post! Phew!
