Girls Camp

My only picture with the girls at camp!! I didn't do so hot on picture taking...
(Skit Night)

Since we were at the Island Park Scout Camp we were able to do lots of the activities they offered there. We were able to rock climb, rappell, shoot guns, do archery, swim, boat, canoe, kayak, etc. I say "we," but really I had nothing to do with the water stuff since you had to do a swimming test. First, I'm not the greatest swimmer.....and second I don't do cold water very well at all.

Some of the best camp memories: skit night--which I participated in since this was my first year of camp, quoting Nacho Libre with the best of them :), being mawled by mosquitoes, laying in my sleeping bag in total fear of the thunder/lightening and the possibility of a bear coming to attack-- thinking I was suffering in silence alone--later found out everyone was suffering in silence "alone." It was so fun to get to know the leaders and girls better and see them grow closer as a group.

This rain/hailstorm put our camping fun to an abrupt halt. Flooded tents and personal items required immediate departure, but did give us fun stories and brought a whole new sense of adventure to the camp. Because of our early departure, we weren't able to hold our testimony meeting or Bishop's Dinner at camp. I was worried it just wouldn't be the same (testimony mtg.) held in the Bishop's backyard for the next mutual, but I was happily wrong. The dinner and testimony meeting turned out very nicely. I love hearing the girls' testimonies and feeling of their strength.

Because of the hailstorm we were unable to do the high C.O.P.E. while we were there, but our Bishop arranged for us to return and have a go at it a couple weeks ago.

Drew took the pictures, I didn't teach him about zoom or anything....so it is a little hard to see me. I'm in a black shirt, the one up in the air on the left.

I'm the one in the air...

I learned something profound about myself while experiencing this aerial obstacle course. I have gone rock climbing/rappelling several times and I don't get all that scared to do it. But throw me up here in a new situation, with similar equipment but trying something entirely new, put me out of my comfort zone. I kept asking the Staff to double check my hook-ups and harness--I was a little reluctant to trust the equipment. :) How interesting. I imagine the same could be said of me and possibly others? when thrown into new and unfamiliar territory/experiences. When change is required it can be scary and sometimes Heavenly Father is questioned in His wisdom. Is this really the right path for me? Why is this happening to me? But He is the same forever, He is still there always, He still knows all and knows what we do not. My harness and equipment was just as safe as it was when I was rock climbing, but trying something new suddenly made me feel vulnerable and unsure. After I finally completed the first bit of the course I was able to see that I was indeed safe. Things were going to be ok. And no matter how scary and difficult this course was going to be, I was going to be fine.

Isn't life just like that?

My Girls Camp experience was great. I'm so glad I went.

While I was away, Jed took the week off work. He was the Dad/Mom the whole week and did a spectacular job, diapers and all. He was able to borrow his parents camper and came up to the girls camp the 2nd day we were there. Jed and the kids pretty much did their own thing. They went swimming at warm river, went to Mesa Falls, went on go-cart/motorcycle rides, learned how to tie knots, did crafts, fed the fish at Big Springs, etc. (Unfortunately I have no pictures to document it all, it was with me being unused!!) Dad is cool! And amazing. And many other wonderful things. Thanks hun for making it all possible!!!