Having girls camp in July is almost "just right." It's not too cold, it's not too hot, you have plenty of water but no snow. But there's something about being next to the lake where all the bugs are that make it a big of a challenge. (Not to mention the horribly steep hill you have to haul all the gear up and then back down.)
But this camp was "just right" because I had both my girls with me. This would only happen for two years, and I count myself blessed that I get to be part of that. Our stake theme this year was "Choose Your Adventure." Since we were assigned the color green, our ward camp director (Kristen Preston, who is one of the most amazing women I've ever met) chose "Adventures in the Emerald City." She worked tirelessly to pull off a spiritual, enjoyable and fabulous camp experience.
Ellie even got to help out by preparing breakfast to pass off some of the cert requirements.
There were the usual stake activities that included devotionals by members of the stake presidency, as well as activities where you could serve others or just have fun.
Bailee Sigman always takes the time to braid the girls' hair around day 3. Here she is braiding Ellie's while Maggie looks on. Her work is amazing!
On the second to last day, we set up an afternoon spa where each girl could have a manicure and pedicure, facial and massage. It allowed each leader to connect with each girl on a one-on-one basis. And they all decided it should become a new tradition. Even though it took four or five hours, it was worth every minute.
The last day was spent in the canoes. I have always hated them, so I volunteered to stay out and take pictures. (Maggie didn't get in them either.) But Ellie is plenty competitive and found herself in a couple of the races. I love the fact that she's in these races, wearing the life jacket--and her tutu.
Camp is so much less stressful when you're not in charge. We had our share of ups and downs, girls skipping out, getting sick, and sent home, but the spirit always overrides all the negative events through the week.
But this camp was "just right" because I had both my girls with me. This would only happen for two years, and I count myself blessed that I get to be part of that. Our stake theme this year was "Choose Your Adventure." Since we were assigned the color green, our ward camp director (Kristen Preston, who is one of the most amazing women I've ever met) chose "Adventures in the Emerald City." She worked tirelessly to pull off a spiritual, enjoyable and fabulous camp experience.
Ellie even got to help out by preparing breakfast to pass off some of the cert requirements.
There were the usual stake activities that included devotionals by members of the stake presidency, as well as activities where you could serve others or just have fun.
Bailee Sigman always takes the time to braid the girls' hair around day 3. Here she is braiding Ellie's while Maggie looks on. Her work is amazing!
On the second to last day, we set up an afternoon spa where each girl could have a manicure and pedicure, facial and massage. It allowed each leader to connect with each girl on a one-on-one basis. And they all decided it should become a new tradition. Even though it took four or five hours, it was worth every minute.
The last day was spent in the canoes. I have always hated them, so I volunteered to stay out and take pictures. (Maggie didn't get in them either.) But Ellie is plenty competitive and found herself in a couple of the races. I love the fact that she's in these races, wearing the life jacket--and her tutu.
Camp is so much less stressful when you're not in charge. We had our share of ups and downs, girls skipping out, getting sick, and sent home, but the spirit always overrides all the negative events through the week.
