Favorite Week at Camp Ever

I think these are in chronological order but my explanations might not seem that way. This was my first year serving as the director of camp. It was heavy. In spite of the extra weight, all these months later I share my observations on what made this my favorite year ever and why I will keep going back.

First, I got to work with the best people ever at camp. I wish I had close ups of all the level leaders and our stake staff who took care of food and solved all the problems in the background. They sacrificed in big ways for me and I learned so much watching them do their work.

I figured out that CB and JC could be sisters. Which means that Staci could be also be in that family since she and CB have such similar features. We celebrated my discovery with a quick photo and Courtney made it memorable. Some of my favorite camp friends came back to help me and I won't forget their genuine love and willingness.

This year I worked closely with Garth and Martha who know my Aunt and Uncle thousands of miles away and many years ago in Alaska. Once we made the connection I worked harder to live up to our family name.

 At camp we let life get really simple. Lasagna cooked on the fire. Scripture sharing to calm down at night. A common hymn and quote to unify. The conveniences that we left behind at home are eagerly anticipated, but we get by just fine, and there's peace in that realization.

At camp we love who we serve. At camp we do a little experiment with service everyday and every time the outcome is the same. Kindness wins at camp.

At camp we get over what's normally considered gross. Things like mice in the shower, beetles on lanterns, and clogged toilets. We try not to step on the tiny toads in the bathrooms and on the roads at night. Sweat is manageable and not a reason to change clothes. Greasy hair goes with the territory.
Camp is about letting teenage girls be leaders: they call the shots and we stay off the stage so they can be the memorable ones.

Camp is about preparing spiritually. This year we worked hard at this early and I learned that spiritual preparation is just an upward spiral. Before camp, Courtney and I prayed and searched scriptures, we discussed and brainstormed. Then we challenged the youth camp leaders to do the same with us, and then we went to camp and asked all of campers to do the same with us. Our ultimate hope was that they'd leave camp and do the same things at home.

The least predictable things create unity at camp. This year it was the crazy thunderstorm on the second day. It broke all tension and insecurity and re-formed individuals into teams. We had more rain through the week, and a torrential downpour on Saturday making our exit complicated. Just before we drove away the last of the leaders embraced--we were sweaty and soaked and I couldn't imagine being on a holier team of women.

At camp we work together. Women volunteer their time, leaving behind responsibilities and families. Teenage girls leave their comfort zones and summer jobs. Hike day is my favorite day at camp, but Friday comes in at a close second. Everyone has the cooperation piece down.

We haul stuff with a buddy. We listen to each other. We sing aloud. We go along with silly skit ideas. We stand in the smoke of a charcoal fire to make sure that our group eats. We discuss and debate options. We worry about each other as we hike. We huddle together in rain and lightning. We pray for each other's needs. We hug and congratulate and compliment. 

There aren't any spots for soloists at camp, just spots for team members.

Last, but not least, at camp we speak the truth. Our theme "Go Forth Boldly" was my favorite camp theme ever. It has stayed with  me because it is the prophetic imperative from the words of Joseph Smith. Boldness is a spiritual gift and an attribute of Jesus Christ, and when He is as central to an event as He was during our week of YW camp, things are bound to work out.