Happy Trails to Me and Me

Posted by c jane/Courtney K. | July 11, 2007 | 47 Comments

Oh Segullah! It’s been so long since I’ve posted my heart here. Let’s reacquaint. I am c jane. You are Blog Segullah.

Now that we know each other better I feel like I can just open up and tell you that Girls Camp is next week and I am up to here in anxiety. Up to here!

You know how mothers these days are helping their kids not to say the word “hate” (unless they are talking about Lucifer) and instead ask them to say “I do not prefer”? Well, I do not prefer Girls Camp. In fact I hate it. And Lucifer. They are just about equal.

You know if I am going to leave my home and husband for a week I’d rather be in Europe or Barbados (I’d even take the Congo at this point) then in the high tundra of pine country with a pack of wild teens. For those of you not having the pleasure of living in Provo and its tag-along little sister city Orem, we head up to a place called Camp Shalom which is roughly 700 billion acres of vast vastness owned by the church. There is a lake, but no swimming. We wear pants to the ankles, disallow pregnant leaders of any shade of gestation, no boys, no girls that may be mistaken for boys and discourage the capture of potguts (woodchucks) for camp pets. At Camp Shalom, we mean business.

Though it is hard to say what that business is, you know? Why do we go to camp? Does ward bonding occur in between the constant petty fights? Will the young women really use the once dire skill of compass when GPS is so readily available? How long does that feeling around the testimony campfire stay around after they get home to Wendy’s bacon cheeseburger?

I don’t know.

But tonight we cleaned out the ward Girls Camp closet with our young women. You would of thought it was Christmas. They were singing and giggling and remembering last year when”¦ as they cleaned out coolers and scrubbed pots. And as the evening progressed, I noticed that my anxiety went away for awhile.

I may not understand this whole Girls Camp concept, but it’s not about me. It is about the girls. And I go (long pants no swimming Cheeto eating Gulp!) for them.

That’s all I got.

Category: CJane Speaks!

Comments

47 Responses to “Happy Trails to Me and Me”

Leisha
July 11th, 2007 @ 8:04 am

I enjoy camping. I enjoy it a lot. I do NOT enjoy Girl’s Camp. I did not enjoy it as a girl and I did not enjoy it as a leader. As a girl I went to Girl’s camp in the muggy, snake-infested, near-swamplands of Houston, Texas (Camp Liahona…any one?) As a leader, we attended what I called “Camp Shanty Town” filled with brightly colored, spider-infested shacks lining murky, algae-lined ponds. I would love to be all positive and warm and fuzzy about Girl’s Camp, as I’m sure there is a deep meaningful reason behind it (that I’m not getting) I look forward to hearing from others who have had life changing experiences due to girl’s camp. For me, I see it as 5 weeks stolen from my life that I will never get back. But, I DO love camping!
Lindsey
July 11th, 2007 @ 8:28 am

I hated it as a young woman. I hate it now. And because I happen to not be pregnant or have the breastfeeding excuse, I’m going up for a day. (And I’m not even in the YW.)
Carlye
July 11th, 2007 @ 8:32 am

Girls camp… ah, how I loved it. I think it depends on the stake you are in. I grew up in Oregon and began my Girls Camp years there, oh the bliss! Cabins, a lodge, spiritual high, knee length shorts, swimming WAS allowed with time set aside almost daily! When I was 14 we moved to a place where they stayed in tents and only cooked with fires. Me? Ya, right. No! I FLEW back to Oregon each summer after that… partly to visit friends and partly to go to Girls Camp. Each year I returned home with a greater dedication to do better and with a stronger testimony. So, for everyone out there with Girls Camp woes, if just for someone like me, please keep it going.
Alyssa
July 11th, 2007 @ 8:33 am

i have yet to embark on girls camp as a leader (thank you primary calling!) but i do remember it as a young woman and I remember practically idolizing my leaders and i loved the ones that got really into it because you know what? i knew it was a purely unselfish act to come to girls camp and for that i knew they loved me :0) and hello who doesnt love smores :0)
Megan
July 11th, 2007 @ 8:40 am

Good luck. I spent 5 years at Camp Shalom. The bathrooms are the worst, the cabins are a bit scary, but I loved each and every week. That means a lot coming from me too seeing as I HATE camping and have only been one time (overnight) since and don’t plan on it again. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Wendy
July 11th, 2007 @ 8:47 am

I love Girls’ Camp! I confess! And I’m not a die hard camper. I repeat, NOT.

Though perhaps I experienced some of the pettiness as a YW, I remember very few negative camp experiences, and many wonderful, fun, happy, and yes, even testimony-building/life-changing experiences. I still have camp pictures (we took a huge, whole group pic every year in Calif.), love notes and souvenirs in my cedar chest, and I don’t save many things out of sentiment. As a leader (at Mia Shalom), we definitely had more positive experiences than drama each of the 2 1/2 years I’ve gone. Stress free? Hardly. Still, I love going as a leader.

I only got to go to Shalom for two days this year, but it was the first week they opened, and we had snow (I heard ten inches after I left…?). Even though it was cold and miserable (and not void of drama), we had a wonderful time. The first day of snow (my last day there), most of our girls had a great time, sledding on garbage can lids, tromping around the lake, playing indoor games–they were such troopers and so creative! The rest of camp stayed cold and the girls’ have enjoyed likening to the Willie and Martin Handcart companies (minus the deaths); even the girl who was in tears because she couldn’t go home with me on Wednesday has great things to say about it now. They say it was their best year yet. Tonight is the “camp reunion” and I think the girls are excited.

Was camp life-changing for the girls? How can we know? There is still a lack of unity in my class . . . but not a lack of love and kindness. I don’t know if there’s a way to tell whether or not all of the spiritual lessons lasted more than that week . . . but I suspect for many, they did.

I wonder if I have taken my positive experiences for granted? I’ve worked with great girls in the two wards I got to go to camp. GREAT girls. More kind than petty. More inclusive than hurtful. More fun than I could have imagined.

(Is this where I bear my testimony about Girls’ Camp?)

I love it!!
Stephanie Nielson
July 11th, 2007 @ 9:02 am

Camp Shmamp

this is why i hate camp. its called “pat”
http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/2005_09_01_archive.html
Cari
July 11th, 2007 @ 9:15 am

You know, it wasn’t until my husband started going with the boys on all these trips that I realized just how much work goes into these camps. And it wasn’t until I was Beehive Advisor and was asked to just make sure the girls get on the bus on time (OH MY GOSH THAT WAS HORRIBLE!) that I realized how difficult a group of girls can be. So many emotions! AHHHH! So, I guess I’m saying “Hat’s Off” to you and all the other leaders who are willing to brave Girl’s Camp. I do know, from personal experience and from a mom’s viewpoint, that it is a good experience for the girls and that even though they are petty and bratty at times, they are gaining from the experience. (And I’m not just talking about the gaining one experiences when eating food like Cheetos!) Good Luck! Hopefully it’s cooler in the mountains!
liz
July 11th, 2007 @ 9:21 am

I actually really love Girls Camp, as a young woman, and as an adult leader. I think it’s worthwhile, and obviously the Church does too. What I don’t understant is the pants to the ankle rule! Huh? I have no idea why modest shorts or capris would not be acceptable. Our girls camp in Oregon was all about swimming, and we never wore pants, so I guess I never knew how lucky I was.
Laura
July 11th, 2007 @ 9:33 am

I went to Camp Shalom for many, many years and I loved it. I have very fond memories of Camp Shalom and the hike to Lone Pine. It always seemed like such a long hike as a young woman, but when I went once as a leader, it was nothing. A short, beautiful hike that pays off with a great view of a beautiful valley.

I must say that being a leader at girls camp would be much harder than being a girl. It’d take a lot to get me excited about going to our stake’s girls camp next week. But I am 30 weeks pregnant, so that could be part of it.
Karli
July 11th, 2007 @ 9:58 am

You get two snaps up and a bag of chips (oh my old school ghetto!) for braving Girls’ Camp! Thinking about it now makes me want to call my camp “Camp I-Don-Twanna” but in all honesty, I LOVED, LOVED it when I was younger and I really do think that it has a great impact on young girls. Though they might bicker or get their feelings hurt, they are also bonding, learning, and growing their testimonies. Nothing can replace that experience in their lives! I will be thinking of you guys and hoping you have a really great time! Those girls adore you — you can really see that — and I’m sure they are soooo excited to be able to go with the coolest camp leader around!! Have fun!
Justine
July 11th, 2007 @ 9:58 am

Honey, I’ll be there next week, too! So let your heart not be troubled. I’ll make it all right…

I’m actually only going because apparently, the Relief Society lady is famous, and I’ve got to drag her along with me. I have a sneaking suspicion they’re making fun of me.

Whatever.

Where at Shalom will you be? I’ll come and bring you chocolate. I’m only going on Wednesday, because, after all, I am actually from the Relief Society, and we sure don’t want any old Relief Society ladies up there contaminating those young girls for very long!

Chocolate… for real. I’ll find you.
Annie
July 11th, 2007 @ 10:39 am

I love girls camp!!! CJane you are hilarious and truthful though!!! I was raised in an inactive family and took myself to church all thru my teens. It was a time to be with those who believed as I did and really feel the spirit. I HATE CAMPING! I HATE BEING STINKY! I HATE SLEEPING NEXT TO STRANGERS! But I LOVED Girls camp. I always came home ready to focus and with a love for my ward and The Gospel. That is what Girls camp is for.
Tami
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:10 am

I will pray for you Courtney.

I was supposed to go to girl’s camp as a stake leader this year but didn’t. I got sick. How unfortunate (she say’s snidely). But really I was torn. Part of me wanted to go. The part that wanted to see my almost 12 yr old granddaughter there for the first time(she actually wasn’t in YW yet because she turns 12 in Aug, but they included her anyways). Part of me didn’t want to go. The part that hates silly camp songs. We would have had 3 generations there at camp this year as my daughter went as a stake “crafts person”.

Girl’s camp is really foreign to me not growing up in the church and my daughter was sort of ambiguous about her girls camp experiences, so another reason for my mixed emotions. The week of camp I was not only sick, but I was sick inside missing out on all the “fun” if you will.

My granddaughter’s experience this year tells me that girl’s camp does make a difference to those who want it to make a difference, not unlike everything else in the church. She had always been a talkative out-going little girl, until she started being exposed to the “world” aka middle school. She had become more reserved and sort of self conscious as she approached her age of young womanhood. They live in a small town with few member girls her age. We used to have long talks about EVERYTHING, but she had become somewhat closed off and has not talked freely. When she returned home from girls camp a couple of weeks ago we talked on the phone for an hour and I saw “my girl” come back to me and that renewed confidence seems to be sticking. Girl’s camp provided her with a positive experience of faith, and a self confidence that life at middle school had sort of yanked from her. I suppose she could see she wasn’t alone and felt a renewed strength in the company of great leaders and like minded young women.

Thank you to the Courtneys and everyone else who sacrifice their time and comforts to inspire these young women.

And who knows compasses might make a come back some day.
tina
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:10 am

i guess it’s the camp makes the difference, because i LOVED it. i grew up in san jose, ca & we headed up to camp ritchie in the sierras. it had great a-frame cabins with views of the lake, & it was a lake for swimming, canoeing, midnight skinny-dipping (yes, some counselors did that!) & even water-skiing! there was a rustic lodge/mess hall & a great slab of rock/point where we snuggled up for sunrise testimony mtg & enjoyed the amazing view. & there was even a boy’s camp across the lake. & stars for miles. and fresh mountain air. ahhh, i loved it. brooke? more details?
~j.
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:13 am

Remember last year when I came to visit you at your tent? Even though I was gestating? (Shhhhh…) I won’t be doing that this year. Because the stake wants my husband to go to camp more than they want me to go to camp. Boo.

I mean, yay.

Yay?
Justine
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:16 am

TINA! boys camp across the lake!?!? That’s just so…Haley Mill’s movie-ish! What a hoot! I didn’t really think that really existed anywhere – that’s just too funny!!

I loved girls camp as a youth, too. Even the year that all the stake young men snuck in one night and streaked through camp. Yep. Streaked. Oh, imagine the giggles from a hundred teenaged girls.

I’ve never seen 50 year old camp leaders move so fast.
Miggy
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:19 am

I too loved girls camp. Loved it. I had one rule I stuck to–no showering. The whole week. Good times. In fact, one time I wore the same clothes the entire time. (I was in my teens in the early 90′s and we took the grunge thing seriously). Also, I went one year in Utah and was so amazed because in my home stake in Colorado, we chilled, ate, made crafts, passed some requirements, etc. But in Utah we shot guns, did some archery and actually went repelling down a fairly high cliff. . . that was pretty great. I guess as a kid I just loved being away from home for a week with some of my best friends. Unfortunately the only drawback was, we didn’t have cool leaders like you. (Don’t actually know you, but since you know Azucar and my SIL Jill Webb, I’m guessing you’re pretty cool).
La Yen
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:40 am

I love girls camp. There is nothing about it that I don’t love. I hate all other forms of camping. But I love girls camp. I love the girls, I love the camp, I love the giant bucket of candy. I grew up going to “Cummorah Crest” (or Crust, as we called it) with leaders who went ALL OUT. We had a zip line. We had a giant pool. One time we skipped the Crust and went camping on the beach. That was freaking awesome. Except when we got caught playing canasta with face cards. Because the leader was against face cards. She would have thought UNO was fine, but no face cards. I didn’t understand it then, I don’t understand it now. I still have a girls camp sweatshirt–our theme was “GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of the Wilderness.” (Yes, patterned after the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Remember Mt. Fiji and Big Bad Mama? You know you do.)
brit c.
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:48 am

hilarious, cjane. and lemme tell you, i feel your pain! like lots of other gals, i like to camp. i don’t even mind peeing in the woods (outhouses, a different story). why then is girl’s camp the equivalent of roughing it in outer darkness? this may be the ONLY thing for which i am thankful for the combination of being pregnant and passing gallstones (and i know you might be thinking you’d take being pregs even if it meant a gallbladder full of thorny stones, but i’m telling you right now i wouldn’t wish it on lucifer himself): hallelujah, this year it got me out of girl’s camp! good luck, pretty lady. you know what they say about that which doesn’t kill us…
Natalie
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:50 am

I have fun memories of Girl’s Camp in the wild NJ wilderness. I looked forward to it every year and I’m no camper. I hope you have fun, don’t worry May will save you!
Dalene
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:52 am

I loved camp as a young woman. Tents–trenched, because it was in Oregon and would inevitably rain. Swimming. Sailing. Autonomy. Coolking your own food. Individuality. Mail Call. Did I mention rain? By the time I was a Laurel I was in charge of an entire campsite of Beehives. Yep. Just me and five little first years.

My first year as a YW leader at the beautiful Shalom I felt like I was in boot camp. What? Long pants? Closed-toed shoes with socks? No swimming? Why????? “Because that’s the way it’s done.” I loathe that kind of response. I had an attitude. And I still do. And I’m not afraid to say so. Which is probably why they kicked me out of YW (well, that and the fact I don’t wear hosiery–or whatever they’re called these days).

That said, the girls in my ward have had some amazing spiritual experiences up there and I’m sure my daughter will love her first year there. Because she won’t know any different. And she’ll probably learn things from her leaders she wouldn’t learn from me. So it must be a good thing.

And to be honest, I don’t know I’d find camping in tents in the rain/mud quite so charming as an adult as I found it in my youth.
Azucar
July 11th, 2007 @ 11:53 am

She IS pretty cool.

Hey, I spent 6 years at Camp Shalom. Biffies, minimal electricity, no showers, leeches in the lake, the whole deal. I loved it. I look back and remember all the drama and all the scandals. I loved seeing my prim and proper YW leaders without makeup and a little scroungy. I didn’t like how structured it was at times, but I did love being with my chickas in the wilderness. That was back when I was a little granola and loved camping. No guns or archery for us, Miggy, that would have been more fun than the umpteenth craft. I’ve been known to lead the odd crafting revolt in my time.

Now? Hmm. Let’s see. Now I donâ€™t care for camping. Iâ€™ve had my week of finals, or been gestating/lactating each year of camp for the past 6 years. I offered to go and bring my nursling, but they’re serious about that no boys rule, I guess. No Girlâ€™s Camp for me and I am OK with that. More than OK!

Fish tacos when you get back!
Sue
July 11th, 2007 @ 12:21 pm

I loathe camp, and camping. I went one year when I was a young woman and swore NEVER AGAIN. And yes, it was over ta the mighty Shalom.
So what do they do to me? Call me to be assistant camp director.

Here is the dialogue during that sacrament mtg.
“And as assistant camp director we call suedonym.” Audible gasp from the congegation, a few snickers, and a couple of my friends mouthing “really?” to me.

See you up there Courtney dear. We are the ward at the pavillion this year.
Rose
July 11th, 2007 @ 12:21 pm

That is so funny…….Our Ward just came home from girls camp and know just how you feel. And just remember rule about the bears…….You don’t need to fear bears as long as you can run faster than the slowest person in your group……..These are the words of our fearless camp leader. Have a good time and remember to wear good running shoes. lol
kristen
July 11th, 2007 @ 12:53 pm

I LOVE CAMP SHALOM! Courtney, I’m jealous. I’d trade you spots in an instant. You can come my weed-choked, mosquito-infested garden, and I’ll go jump in the leech lake down there, and feed the potguts.

I hate being dirty, I hate the bathrooms….but for some reason I just loved going to camp each year. Yes, I bonded, yes, I remember those hikes and how to use the compass and putting my hair into a million tiny braids because we couldn’t shower all week long because the ice hadn’t melted yet and even if it had we had to use it for cooking.

I cried during the campfire testimony meetings, gathered wildflowers, you name it. It’s the best.

YOU CAN DO IT! (Here’s where you visualize yourself with a red bandanna around your head, your bicep flexed, and grinning at the camera!)
Marjorie
July 11th, 2007 @ 1:06 pm

I’ve always been in Primary but keep hoping that someday I will be put in YW so I can go to girl’s camp.
martha
July 11th, 2007 @ 1:55 pm

I’m a big fan of the g-camp. I just got back from my first g-camp as a leader…and at age 25 this leader was still a young woman. And so I got to act like one. I dodged most of the planning (as a Laurel advisor, the Pres didn’t get as far as delegating to me) and I hung out 90% of the time with the girls. In the river. In a California desert. I grew up in Utah and was not allowed to go near the water during g-camp — they should really get over the “Satan controls the water” excuse and just let the girls swim. That’s the only time they won’t be complaining their little heads off. G-camp has always brought a bout of fuzzy feelings and memories because they are memories wrought of hardship and frustration. Somehow all that laboring, bickering, snickering, singing, laughing, yelling, crying, complaining and testifying in the middle of nowhere — it all congeals after the whole experience to leave you with a sense of accomplishment. And with a sense of wonder at God’s world and his place in your life.
Emily M.
July 11th, 2007 @ 2:05 pm

I’m going up to our ward’s girls camp tomorrow since my husband’s in the bishopric. It makes me feel old to be going in that capacity. Girls Camp is like all camping for me: I enjoy it once I’m there, actually in it, but I loathe the preparations and gathering things.

I sometimes felt like the spirit there was a kind of engineered spirit–as a YW we would all bond up there, then come home and bicker again. There was only one year I remember when I really felt the Spirit up at camp carried home with us.

I had a narrow escape as camp director–a few years ago they called me when I was pregnant (apparently our camp has no prohibitions against gestating leaders). I would have been seven months along when camp was held. I didn’t sleep for two nights, dithering over whether I should accept. I’m not a camper, but I didn’t want to turn down a calling. Finally I went to my OB for my first prenatal appointment. He was examining me as I was telling him about my dilemma, and he said “I don’t think it would be wise for you to go,” (I get high blood pressure with my pregnancies). I was so relieved. Best pelvic exam I ever had.
Emmie
July 11th, 2007 @ 2:33 pm

I only attended one year of Camp as a a YW. Some mean girls threw my bra up into a tree, and I threw up after eating “Cooperation Stew.” (Each girl brought a random can of soup, and we poured them all together into a big pot. Worst object lesson EVER.)

May the force be with you, C Jane!
Brooke
July 11th, 2007 @ 2:47 pm

yes– CAMP RITCHIE RULES!!!

as a youth AND as a leader. i went back as a leader because i was sad to have “graduated.” and i was only on the water staff myself, but i think i actually liked it better– there were no rules for the adults.

no one ever believes me, tina, when i try to explain how it was just like “parent trap.” i remember we would sit on “inspiration point” (yes, there were really names like inspiration point!) overlooking the lake and we would trade back and forth with the boys, singing camp songs. dreamy sigh.

in fact, i think i’ve had to explain this to cjane’s incredulous face a few times now…
Emily
July 11th, 2007 @ 3:01 pm

I think you are magic to get so many people to tell their stories about girls’ camp.
Megan
July 11th, 2007 @ 3:47 pm

I am so late to comment. You know how I feel. I am anxiety free right now (except for leaving my baby with no way to call and make sure things are ok). Rude, I think so. We will have a grand old time. Especially cause I don’t shower or wear deodorant. Psych!
Holly
July 11th, 2007 @ 5:33 pm

So the whole time I was talking about loving girls camp and having regrets for not going my last two years after we moved to our new ward, you, in your head, were thinking, “She is CRAZY!!”

I actually just watched The Parent Trap (original of course, I don’t care for the L.L. version, even though it was before she turned all skanky and drunk) this morning and tried to get Inez to watch it too. I think three-year-olds are too young. She asked when it would be over while they were still at Camp Inch. My husband still married me, but thinks I am such a dork for loving that movie, even at the ripe ol’ age of 31.
Katri
July 11th, 2007 @ 9:15 pm

So not a fan of girl’s camp.

Actually, that’s not fair, I have never actually gone. But camping in Texas is an unusual type of torture that is soon to be explored by AlQueda operatives.

Under duress, I showed Quarter Horses as a kid. The one time a year that I was grateful to show horses was when I got the excuse to miss camp.

Boo-Freaking-Hoo!!!
Aunt Lisa
July 12th, 2007 @ 9:13 am

Oh, but you and Wendy were the cutest 5th years! I was so nervous about that calling! My job was to “nicely, but firmly” remind you 5th years to wake up and do stuff! You were all so great though. I learned from Wendy that hand lotion makes a great leave in conditioner and that is seriously what I use every day in my hair. (Jergens Original Cherry/Almond). Crazy huh?
I was especially nervous when I was called to be the leader of the “Craft Tent”. It was hard to know what all those girls would want to do when they HAD to go to the craft tent! It ended up being really fun though. It was mostly fun because Aunt Judy was up there too and she had smuggled in some Pepsi’s for us in a chest with ice too! It was also fun because my daughters and 5 of my neices were there.
I never liked camp though and dreaded going. I would die if I had to go up now!
Good luck Courtney. Catch a squirrel for me….and then let it go.
Katie
July 12th, 2007 @ 6:49 pm

Oh no gurlfriend.

Camping and camps eek. Because I did not grow up in the church I did not experience girl’s camp. But the stories are quite informing ; ) Also, I did have several years of (forced) girl scout camp experience. Not good memories!

Currently I am attempting to dodge our singles’ ward camp out. So far, not too good as my best bud has almost convinced me. I’m sure I’ll never have a chance at marriage once those guys see me “undone” mmm it will be fright-en-ing!

A super “indoor girl” over here!
Anne
July 12th, 2007 @ 11:25 pm

OK, I’m so late to comment that no one will probably read this, but I don’t care. First of all, I love Girls Camp. Love it. This year was my 12th year. Nuts, I know. But my first 11 were in Oregon, and our camp was apparently the Ritz Carlton. I was a bit shocked by Camp Shalom. (What? No mess hall where we all just go down the line and scoop ourselves some lasagna? I have to cook for all these girls breakfast, lunch, and dinner over a fire?!) Really we had a great camp, but let’s get serious. Who the heck made these pants-only and no swimming rules? My husband is taking the young men on their high adventure trip next week. They are going rafting one day and wakeboarding the next. Don’t even get me started on the inequality!

Anyway, good luck to you, cjane. I’m sure your girls absolutely adore you and are so lucky to have you!
annegb
July 12th, 2007 @ 11:32 pm

Sarah came home bawling from girls camp every year she went. I mean, walk in the door, drop her bags, and sob crocodile tears. Someday she’s really going to be sad and nobody’s going to notice.

She cries all the time. Her tent-mates actually threw her out. Believe me, I’ve traveled with this child. I know how they feel.

She’s 21 and has been married almost two years and she’s still a cry baby.

Where was I? Oh, yes, the girls are mean to each other. I’m glad your granddaughter had a good experience, Tami, because my granddaughter is also struggling and she’s at camp as we speak.

Adolescent girls are incredibly cruel. Sarah had a melt down in YW the last year before camp and made all the girls feel really bad and they were nice to each other and got sportsmanship award. But she still cried when she got home. She’s a crier.
annegb
July 12th, 2007 @ 11:34 pm

Anne, we posted at the same time. If I had to go to camp with a bunch of YW 12 years in a row, I’d have left the church. No offense, I totally respect and admire anybody who can stand teenage girls in a group.
Matt
July 13th, 2007 @ 10:56 am

Just got back from spending the evening with our ward’s girls. Hats off to all of you leaders who make it possible. Many of the girls, bearing their testimonies, related that the first time they had “really felt the Spirit” was at Girls’ Camp. It reminded me that having the Spirit with you takes effort and sacrifice, and I believe that those who attend Girls’ Camp are allowed, in large part, to ride on the coattails of their leaders, who have made months of tremendous physical, financial, and emotional sacrifices to bring everything together and make the experience possible.

I’m not saying that the girls don’t sacrifice to be there, too, but we really need to give credit where credit is due.

Thanks, leaders!
Jillian
July 13th, 2007 @ 1:36 pm

c jane, this is coming late, but I completely sympathize. I don’t do camp. Hated it my 1st yr as a YW and didn’t go back until my “5th” yr. Loved being a youth leader and had a wicked sense pleasure from sending my stake YW president’s bra up the flag pole. And yet with all that fun, I still dreaded going up to Girl’s Camp this year. Hated the idea with every fiber of my being. I can’t stand the level of preparation it takes to go camping. Let alone the added preparation to prepare all of the fluff n’ stuff that goes alone with girls camp. BUT…

I FREAKIN’ LOVED IT!! It was honestly the most fun I have ever had with my YW. Having been the YW president for only 6 months, going to camp created a bond with my girls that I never would have been able to create on Sundays and Wednesdays alone. For me, it was nothing short of a miracle. Sadly in the wee hours of the 2nd day there, I had an allergic reaction to who knows what–severe anaphelactic reaction and had to go home. I missed my girls enough that I went back up the next day. I actually missed my girls! Crazy, I know.
Heather H
July 13th, 2007 @ 2:08 pm

I went as a leader to camp Liahona in Houston, the same one you described Leisha . . .it was the hottest week of my life! I was in the first weeks of pregnancy with my first daughter and I had to get up to pee every couple of hours, which greatly exacerbated the trouble I had sleeping in the extreme humid heat!

But I am still a sucker for girls camp, Camp Shalom or otherwise. I loved it! Peace be with you my sisters!
Lucky Red Hen
July 16th, 2007 @ 10:58 am

A couple weeks ago I met a woman at a wedding reception. The subject of getting ready for girls camp came up. I offered her my sympathy but she rebuked it. Apparently, in her ward, the women FIGHT, teeth and nails, for a chance to go camping with the girls. I thought she was being silly, but no… her husband confirmed that for several months prior to camp the women in the ward have a different dimeanor… trying to win approval from the highers to be chosen to come along.

That confession STILL doesn’t give reason not to run as far as I can (and I don’t run, even if someone were chasing me) in the opposite direction of girls camp. Blesch.
jennsimple
July 21st, 2007 @ 4:08 pm

If I were in charge of girl’s camp:
1) Girls would be required to wear stake approved uniforms.
2) Leaders would stay in air-conditioned RVs.
3) Priesthood leaders would bring pizza for dinner on testimony
night.
4) Wives of priesthood leaders that accompany them for testimony
night would not be allowed to wear make-up, nice (clean)
clothes, or strappy sandals.
5) EVERYONE that eats that night helps prepare, serve, and clean
up.
Leslie
July 10th, 2008 @ 4:56 pm

I think that you’re energies should be elsewhere, instead of whining and complaining. I typed in Camp Mia Shalom to get an address, and you’re site came up along with others. If you don’t like it, don’t go.
Maralise
July 10th, 2008 @ 6:29 pm

Leslie–please be mindful of our commenting guidelines when you comment.
#2: No insults. Please critique the argument, not the person.