Girls Camp

It's been 14 years since I've been to Girl's Camp.  I was a brand new in the Church and filled in for two days for someone at the last minute.  Needless to say I didn't know what was going on or really get much from the experience.

So fast forward to 2011 and I feel like it is my first time at Girls Camp.  It also happens to be my oldest daughter's first time too!  We are newbies together!!



Ashley and I in our Italy "La Familia" t shirts and fedora hats

The theme for our camp was D.O.V.E---Daughters of Virtue Everywhere.  It was held at a boyscout camp in Lafayette, Indiana.  Some more experienced adult leaders have called the place, "Camp Hilton."  This probably has something to do with air conditioning, even in the cabins!  Nice!!

Bags we gave everyone from our ward

My assignment at camp was in the kitchen.  I was one of three ladies who prepared three hot meals and snacks each day for about 160 campers.  All I can say about this is HARD WORK.  The best part really was getting to work with friends.  I was basically on my feet all day.  I was however in a nicely equipped kitchen with air conditioning although it still got hot working with huge convection ovens.  The reward for all that cooking is that we get to sleep in the main building in our own room with beds, a/c and a shower!!  I wasn't really roughing it.

the fabulous kitchen crew on crazy hat day:
Leilani, Jenny and Julie



Although, I really didn't have any free time from the kitchen, there were times when we finished up for the day and I could go out and visit the girls or join in the evening campfires.  I even got to go on a hike with Ashley's group.  I saw Ashley every day but didn't spend too much time with her.  I think it was the perfect balance of "close, but not too close."  Ashley of course, loved camp!  She had so much fun and just loved being with her friends and passing off requirements.  It was great for me to see her SO happy!

I definitely left with a greater appreciation for many things:
-the blessings of the Gospel
-the amount of work that goes into Girls Camp
-how important camp is to the Young Women
-how important it is to honor the gifts we have been given
-a good pair of shoes that save your feet when you are standing on concrete all day
-a shower - (it was soooooooo hot during the whole week and very humid.  Once you stepped outside your where drenched in sweat.  The heat index was over 100 degrees on a couple days.)