Girls Camp '16

Girls camp is over, and my girl is back. Although Lexie is exhausted she had a ton of fun. She always makes the best out of girls camp, and the friendships she builds with the girls grows stronger every year. 

Especially since it was her last year attending girls camp in the Cherry Hill Stake.  

This years theme was "There's No Place Like Home." 

When I asked her what exactly the theme entailed she tried to explain it the best way she can to me as to how the theme connected to the gospel, but she said the leaders did a great job, and she had an amazing week. 

One of her favorite parts was when they went on a hike, and how in the beginning of the hike each spot they passed represented a burden. Burdens such as sexual sin, eating disorders, family issues, betrayal, self esteem issues, porn issues, drugs. There were so many burdens, and as they passed each one more rocks were being put inside their backpack which caused it to be heavier. There even came a point where leaders had to somewhat help the girls carry it, and at the end the girls carried it themselves all the way to the finish line. Lexie said it was a very spiritual hike because of what it represented, and how there were so many tears being shed. The point of that whole experience is that it is indeed hard to carry all those burdens, and even though there are people there to help you along the way, the ultimate key in relieving those burdens is relying on The Lord at all times so He can ease off those pressures. 

Girls camp is an amazing program, and I will forever be grateful for having been a part of it last year. My time spent at girls camp last year was interesting, and I had a nice time. My favorite part was seeing the girls having a great time, smiling, being themselves, and building their testimony. 

// Selfie by Ashley. //

It sure helps when you have amazing leaders like Sister Jensen. Lexie rode up to camp with her, and her daughter Ashley. Love this family with all my heart! 

With all the negativity, and horrible things that are going on in the world today it's so important to remind our girls the goodness there is in this world. Just as Dorothy had a happy ending in the wizard of oz, and meeting friends along the way like the lion, tin man, and scarecrow, that we can all learn and grow, and choose the right path in this life. 

 // The girls had a color run, and they all had a blast. //  

So grateful for girls camp, and we're excited to see what our new ward brings to the plate next year when Lexie attends a whole new camp with a whole new different group of friends! 

I also love this video that the church put out when it comes to the values of the young women. Such a sweet video! 

GIRLS CAMP '15-ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE.

There's something about the outdoors that brings a bond between my Heavenly Father, and myself. Being surrounded by this beautiful creation called nature uplifts my spirit in every aspect (even when there's bugs, and being covered with bug spray!)

This year was my first year ever to experience girl's camp. Although I love the outdoors I'm not much of a camper, and the fact that we stayed in a cabin was fine by me. I can't say I loved it because I'd be lying but I will say this...I loved the spirit that it brought among the young women, between my daughter and I, and between me, and God. I love the spirit that it brought among the level leaders. I saw a lot of hugs, smiles, and high fives exchanged. I saw in them a maternal part that they didn't leave behind with their own children. Sure they left their young children behind with loved ones to watch over them so that they could embark on this adventure, but what they didn't leave behind was that maternal love.  

And that's what girl's camp should be all about. Love, and spiritual growth. 

For the past four days I have witnessed amazing level leaders expressing a Christlike example of love and kindness to their young women. As a mother it is amazing to see that especially when two of them are looking after my daughter.  I've known some of these young women for a few years, and it is truly amazing to see the spiritual glow they exhibit during camp, and when they return home from camp. I love the camaraderie that girls camp brings, and the friendships that are made. I myself made new friends along the way, and it is always so nice to sit among sisters whom you can truly feel the spirit, and laugh with. 

It is so nice to see the joy and happiness on these girls faces while being surrounded by friends among nature and everything that is good, and that is something that we all need. It truly brings them closer to God, and I know that for me, being here for the first time I really felt an even closer connection to God. Especially with all the devotionals that were given. Listening to them assures me that no matter how imperfect I am, this church is true, and I'm just so grateful to be a part of it. 

What I witnessed this week was nothing but pure joy and fulfillment among these young girls...

 ^^^ ear to ear smiles due to successfully accomplishing their overnight hike in which you can view a snippet of them returning on my Instagram here. ^^^

^^^ can i just tell you how much we love this girl Josa. She's such an amazing girl with a beautiful heart, and an awesome will to be strong! ^^^

 ^^^ There was a time for the girls to have some fun! ^^^ 

^^^ And a time to serve. ^^^

Girls camp is something I wasn't raised with as a youth, and I'm just so grateful that my kids are part of such a wonderful program. I never had the opportunity to attend girls camp with Sierra, but having gone to girls camp this year with my other daughter Lexie was an unspeakable happiness because I love watching her grow spirituality.  Just knowing how she knows how much the Lord loves her, and hearing her bear her testimony and just being around others who share the same standards as her brings me a sense of relief, and gives me a greater hope that I'm doing right by the Lord in raising her the way he'd want me to. So grateful she has the gospel in her life to help guide her through those sometimes rough days in high school, and overall "life." I'm so grateful that Lexie, and all the other youth in the church attended church camp before school starts so that they can be strong, and endure all that this new school year will bring.

Because believe me...they will all need that! 

^^^ Yes...that's me in my camp get up, dark circles under my eyes due to lack of sleep, and shedding a few tears (of joy!) Don't think bright green is my color, (hence the black and white photo), but because I love myself, and my kid I'm posting this pic! Girls camp this year was truly an interesting adventure for me, and an experience I'll never forget! ^^^

"Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless before god at the last day." 

                                                                          (D&C 4:2).

Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! 

Girls Camp '14

Dropping off Lexie, and seeing all the other young women from our church getting ready to head off to girls camp last week was a beautiful sight to see. I wasn't raised with any of the youth programs in the church because I was 20 when I joined, hence missing out on all the church activities the youth had. So every year when girls camp comes along I get excited for my daughter to attend...and so does she. This year we had a lot of first timers going and I could see the excitement on their faces. I'm sure they had butterflies in their stomach, and even if they did, I certainly didn't notice. 

This year I was so excited knowing that I would attend simply because I am the secretary in the Stake Young Women program, but to no avail (couldn't find a sitter for my two youngest.) I know...bummer huh? Still...that didn't stop me from driving up on the last day of camp along with another sister to attend testimony meeting, and to see if we could somehow jump in and serve. 

Although  it was the last day of camp I felt nothing but a strong spirit of fun, and love among all the young women. These girls range from the ages of 12-18, and observing them in their actions, and words was overwhelming to me. They were all having a good time, singing while eating dinner in the mess hall. I kind of felt like I was in a G scene  (without the males) of Meatballs the movie! I didn't really see anyone looking all miserable, or alone. I even got a "hello", and not one, but two hugs from two young women whom I thought weren't too fond of me. Okay...even it it was the spirit that helped them be polite to me it felt nice knowing that the spirit of Christ is helping them, and they were kind to me even if it was just for that day. 

Attending testimony meeting for the first time at girls camp brought a lot of tears to my eyes. I wished I would have gone to camp when my oldest (she's 19 now) attended, but I never thought to do that. Hearing all the testimonies of these young women were courageous, and some of them really resonated with me. I will never know how it feels to be a teenager, and a mormon with all the beliefs we have, and being the only member in school. These kids have it tough, but are strong. They have to be. I'm so happy for those who hang on and continue to strive each day to stay on that path of righteousness, and even though there will be a lot of ups and downs, there is a way to overcome them, and stay happy. And that is through hanging on to the iron rod of God...with a lot of faith! 

After listening to their testimonies this past weekend, one thing I felt compelled to do was ask a few of our young women via Facebook, and texting what their favorite part of camp was. It was so nice reading their responses, and could feel their love through this great thing called social networking! 

"What was your favorite part of girls camp?" 

"Getting to know my level one girls"-Ashley

"The hike"-Cimmaron

"Catching up with all my friends."-Allyana

"The mini testimony meeting that their level had." -Jade

"The hike & Lehi's dream."-Lexie

"Level time with my girls, and swimming in the pool!"-Randi

"The songs, and swimming in the pool, but not the spiders." -Grace 

"Everyone's spiritual experience at Lehi's dream, and bonding with the girls!" -Talia 

"Forming friendships, and laughing hysterically with the girls!"-Hannah

"Getting to know my level one girls, and having devotional with them every night."-Flor

"Lehi's dream, and the food!"-Lucy

"Lehi's dream, and testimony meeting."-Jasmine

"Lehi's dream. It was amazing how the spirit got to us while we were trying to hold on the rope, and trying to not let   go of the gospel, trying to get to the tree of life!"-Itzelle

"Family home evening with our Bishop on the last day, and being that I am a fourth year, hearing the girls cheering us on coming up from our overnight hike!"-Georgi

What awesome responses! I wish I could have asked this question to all of the 130 young women who attended camp, but I know that they were all spiritually enlightened! 

I'm so pleased with all the young women, and how they all interacted with each other for that one day I was there. Seeing their smiles, and receiving hugs from them felt so good. It made me feel loved, and appreciated, and every one needs hugs today! So grateful for the friendships that my daughter has made with the young women in our ward. Lexie tries so hard to reach out, accept, and love everyone unconditionally. 

I pray many blessing upon these girls with all that they have to look forward to in their futures. I know that by reading their scriptures daily, and developing a stronger relationship with the Lord will strengthen their spirituality, and help them make it in this thing that we sometimes struggle with called...Life. 

I love, love all the young women in the stake including this gem of mine. I have such compassion for everyone. Please know that I'm here for you anytime you need anything! Stay strong in the gospel, seek good things, but most of all...never forget who you are. 

A beautiful daughter (s) of God! 

Happy Monday! 

100 years of girls camp

Today is the last day of July, and in one month summer will be over. I can't believe it, and to tell you the truth I am not ready for the girls to go back to school. They have been so busy throughout the summer with church activities and summer homework that I feel I haven't spent enough time with them!

One great thing upon returning from such activities such as EFY, SOAR and girls camp is the camaraderie they bring when they return. I am so grateful for these summer programs in the church because it truly does help our children grow spiritually, and helps them to become stronger as they get older.

This was Lexie's first time at camp and Sierra's fifth year at camp. Sierra was also a youth camp leader, and in her second year really enjoyed it. All the girls hiked six miles a day, sang hymns, learned camp songs & the YCL's helped prep for lunch on certain days for the younger campers, and prepared skits that dealt with the theme which is this scripture in the Pearl of Great Price (Book of Mormon.)

"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of

one heart and one mind..."

~Moses 7:18

One thing I look forward to when they come home besides a beautiful attitude of gratitude are all the homemade crafts they bring home. They always make something while at camp, and I was really impressed with what they made this year.

They made headbands out of three strips of fabric, and hair ties (no sewing involved, and so easy to make!)

 lanterns made out of mason jars,

bottle cap necklaces and each bottle cap had a meaning of all the things they did at camp. My favorite ones are the scriptures, and the one that says "STOP IT" (which is my favorite talk given by President Uchtdorf!)

They also made bags out of an old t-shirt which in this case Lexie made one out of her Boston t-shirt...

before she said goodbye to her favorite tee

and after it was made into a bag.

In spite of the poison oak Lexie got (which she is recovering from okay), spiders, daddy longlegs, lack of sleep, sore feet from hiking six miles a day, being out in the wilderness with a camp so spread out was an amazing experience for her. Lexie's favorite part of camp was having devotional everyday, and testimony meeting. She really felt the spirit during testimony meeting, and shared hers as well.

We are so glad to have them home, and hope to enjoy the last month of summer as a family. Time goes by so fast when you're having fun!  

Scenes from YW Girls Camp

CABIN NINE FOREVER!

Camp Shankitunk, Upstate New York

Girls camp has come and gone for the year but there are many more to come. This was Sierra's first year as a YCL (youth camp leader), and SHE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!

She really enjoyed making new friends from the stake. She is such a leader, and loves to fellowship all the young women who made it to camp this year. She never excludes anyone! 

Her newest loveliest friends...Ali

ASHLEY...

Goofing around the camp...

Funny Faces...

IN THE KITCHEN COOKING...

One of the results...

Strawberry chocolate covered NACHOS!

THE SKIT...

Sierra as MISS MEEK...

SWIMMING...

Setting up camp...

 Making a lean-to tent out of a tarp...

 sleeping...

Immunity bracelets...

Three things Sierra will miss the most...

Her favorite level in which she developed bonds of friendship with new girls, testimony meeting,

and the beautiful view from the mountain hike...

Cats of my tribe

cabin nine looking fine

all the time

super fly

TESTIFY.

**all photos taken by Sierra's friends...not me.