I had the opportunity to go to girls camp this year! :) It wasn't planned, but there were some other leaders that had things come up that made it so they couldn't go- and I was available so I went! I found out on a Sunday, we left for Florida on the next Tuesday, and returned two Fridays later. We got home around midnight, on Friday. Saturday I unpacked, and repacked, we went to church on Sunday and then Monday morning I headed off to camp! Quick turn around, but lots of fun. :)
After the week at camp I was asked with some others to speak in Sacrament meeting about my experience as a leader at camp- here's the talk that I gave-
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters,I LOVE Girls Camp. The bugs, the dirt, the bug spray… French braids, canoeing, hiking, campfires, firesides- all of it. I was one of those girls that they had to gently tell me I had gone enough years- as I pleaded with my leaders into letting me come up for ½ a week for my 7th year as a camper. So- imagine my delight when I got asked if I could come to camp this year as a leader. I had the opportunity to work with the first year girls at camp. We had a cabin of 11 first year girls who were full of excitement and energy. Some of my thoughts at first were: “I will never be able to keep up with these girls” “I worry about __________ and if she will feel welcomed and find a friend” “will they really sit down and do a devotional and journal time without complaining?”
On the first day when I arrived- they handed me a camp manual- in it they have a section “to Young Women Leaders” It starts with this: “At Young Women Camp, young women ages twelve to eighteen have the world of nature as their classroom. They can experience the wonder of God’s creations and learn skills that will help them become more self-reliant and able to live comfortably in the outdoors. Camp also provides a time for young women and their leaders to develop lasting friendships as they work and play together. Through shared experiences they can draw closer to their Heavenly Father and strengthen each other in living the gospel”
As the week went on my thoughts changed. I found strength in my co- leaders. I didn’t have to keep up with these girls alone- we were able to keep up with them together. When I felt like I was falling short they were there to step in and help. I didn’t have to do it alone- I was part of a team.
The girls that I worried about on the first day? They dove in. They became examples to me of making new friendships, trying new things and pushing their own comfort boundaries to grow and learn new things. They listened and participated as the YCL’s taught them new skills, and led them through activities.
The devotionals- the girls not only listened, but participated. The spirit was felt. I witnessed how one girl didn’t wait for devotional and journal scripture time to read her scriptures, but when we had down time in the cabin she would pull them out and read from them- while still paying attention to the conversations around her. An example to all of us that scripture study doesn't have to only be during the “assigned times” or “quiet” times.
There isn't time enough to tell all the stories that I observed that week. I felt like a proud mother there- not only witnessing my own daughter and acts of service, but also witnessing the girls from our ward, and others as they served each other.
From carrying a first year from the bathroom back to her cabin after her shower so her wet shoes wouldn't get all muddy. The YCL who was amazing- making sure our girls all felt happy and part of the group- even though it was her first year at camp as well.
Just as I experienced the sweet spirit as a young woman attending girls camp growing up- I felt that same spirit as a leader. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to attend girls camp this year. We truly have amazing girls who are learning and growing spiritually. I've always contended that many times we are asked to do things- not only for the skills we bring to an opportunity, but for what we learn as we serve others. I’m grateful for the lessons I was able to learn at girls camp. For the reminder of priorities I need to move around in my life and for the strengthening of my own testimony.
Bear Testimony:
In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
