This year, Brinley's Girls Camp was held at Camp Smokey up by Stanley- this is my 3rd time going there, and it is the best! I was called as Camp Director for our new ward this year, so I have been working with my 7 YCL's, including Brinley, since December to put camp together. Smokey is a beautiful camp, and I was really excited to take a new group of girls there. This year we had 25 girls and 15 adults. Monday we headed up, and after a stop at the fish hatchery, we got to camp early afternoon, and got to work getting our cabins moved into, setting up the crafts, and getting the kitchen set up. After setup, we held a few classes for the girls- first aid, soap carving, and fire starting. Following dinner, the girls had a Just Dance party in the lodge, as well as some free time before bed time.
Tuesday morning the whole camp was up bright and early, and at the lake for the polar plunge. The YCL's wanted every girl to attend, even if they didn't want to get in, so that they could all support the girls who did get in. It was really cool to see every girl there, and I think this was the best polar plunge to date for participation! Once they got out of the water, Cahl had a big fire going with hot chocolate for everyone, then we walked back to camp for hot showers and breakfast. We then packed sack lunches, and headed out for our hike. This year the girls chose to do the Fishhook Creek trail, and it was perfect. The weather was great, and everyone enjoyed the hike. Once we got back to camp, the girls could choose to do either a yoga class or make marsh mellow guns, which they had a great time with! After dinner, we held a flag retirement ceremony. Those are always so special to me, and I think this was the best one to date.
Wednesday morning we held our Faith Walk, which was simple yet powerful, and I was really impressed by how quiet and respectful the girls were. We then packed up and headed over to Lake Alturas for the afternoon. They all had so much fun kayaking, paddleboarding, and playing at the beach. We also did some beach games- the 3 legged race, tug of war, a swim race, stick pull, and sack races. We wrapped up right as a storm was rolling in, so the timing was perfect. We headed back to camp for showers and dinner, followed by the testimony meeting, which was really sweet and powerful. Since we are a newly combined ward, it was a great opportunity for the girls to share how they had felt and dealt with the big change, and to see that they were not alone in their feelings. I think we also succeeded in blending all the girls together this week, and making new friendships, which was my whole goal for camp. We followed testimony meeting with dutch oven desserts and an award ceremony for the beach game winners, team that did the best cleaning during the week, and special shout outs to our nurse and cooks.
Thursday morning we finished packing up and cleaning the camp, before heading home. We stopped at Kirkham Hot Springs on the way, and the girls loved one last break to play before we made it home. It was a great week, and everyone had a great time. I'll forever be grateful that Cahl and I are able to attend, and make these memories with Brinley! I really loved being the director, and being able to work with Brinley her first year as a YCL was really special!
