Girls Camp

So I went to girl's camp on Wednesday and I actually enjoyed myself much more than I thought I would! And I know that's not the nicest thing to say, but it's true. Going as a leader was definitely different... I didn't have to participate in all of the activities, I got a chair whenever we sat, I could come and go (although the Stake leaders kept getting after me for doing this before I told them I was a leader...) and it was just a fun experience.

I first was worried about the hike, but since my car is wrecked I had to catch a ride. And my ride couldn't go until noon, so we missed the 10 o'clock hike! I was actually really grateful as my body doesn't do well in heat and this summer is SO HOT! And that mixing with my incredible ability to pass out, I didn't think I would be able to handle it very well. And it ended up being extra good as I heard from multiple leaders how difficult the hike was. Yea for me missing it not on purpose!! :)

But what was amazing was our evening devotional. They had a gal named Meg Johnson come speak to us. She was in an accident at age 22 and became a quadriplegic. And you'd think her talk was on trials and hardships and "if I can do it, you can do it" but no. She briefly explained what happened but then that was pretty much it on that subject. She did share some learning experiences from her accident that applied, but also ones from before her accident. I was impressed that her message didn't dwell on what happened at all. She focused on how we are all princesses of our Heavenly Father, and with that how we should act. It was AMAZING and I was so GRATEFUL that I lucked out to be in charge of the best day at girls camp. I learned so much from this amazing woman.

After that devotional, we had a "Follow the Iron Rod" activity/walk. After spiritual thoughts from the stake president, we were blind folded and told to follow the rod while people tried to get us off. The Camp Director came up to me and said "Oh one of your girls got hurt! You need to hurry and come with me!" At first I felt a little panic, but then realized what she was doing! I was surprised that they were trying to get the leaders off too and they were good in what they said. When I reached the end and they said I was done, I didn't believe her lol She basically had to take my blindfold off for me. I then lead all of my girls into a room with a lit up tree and it was so fun to see their faces as they walked in. We have many girls who have never had an experience like this and it was so rewarding to see them. I gave a thought about the tree and after they each got their fruit, we went back to camp and talked about it. One of my girls commented that through the whole time, she was thinking about all the things she was doing wrong and that she needed to repent and make better choices. Now that is BEST thing a leader can hear. We have many girls in our ward that come from hard backgrounds and struggle and it is so amazing to see them watch and grow in the gospel. Girl's camp truly was an amazing experience for just me personally and I am so grateful that I was able to go (even though I wasn't so excited in the first place).