Here is
an idea that our ward is using for a Camp Solo Time inspiration
help. I will
include each item, and explain their purpose! Hope it helps
someone out
there! Little
Dollar Store Backpack (or pencil zipper pouch) for each girl,
Sticker: Name "Unzip" your Testimony
(We did
pencils with a fluffy guy on top, and so I also included a pencil
sharpener.) Bag of
Cheezits: "Get your own Testimony" sticker on front (like the
Get your Own Bag Cheezit commercials....get it?)
A YW
journal. (I used a ton of Avery stickers, that's what all my
labels
were.)Label
on front: girls camp, year, theme, ward Label
on back: Yesterday is History Tomorrow is a
Mystery Today is a Present
Inside
Journal, I made labels - unstuck - with prompts on them such as:
I am
greatful for... Today I
feel... Spiritually,
I... Magical
Moments (Comfort, Peace, Love...) Donations
of the Heart (Acts of Kindness, Sharing, Caring and
Forgiveness For a
Better Tomorrow (Goals, ideas...)
I also
included scripture stickers, YW stickers etc. (for marking their
scriptures
with the idea that these stickers would prompt remembrance of girls
camp and
epiphones therein)
Highlighter
Tiny
teddy bear - Labeled: Bearing your testimony helps strenghthen your
testimony
and the testimony of others (or something.)
Little
Baggie of Candys including Fireballs, Smarties, Werthers and Jolly
Ranchers :
Girls camp is a great time to feel the FIRE of your testimony. It
will
make you feel more JOLLY, and you will look like a SMARTIE next
testimony
meeting. You know it will be WORT
I recently (4/1/03) attended the workshops for Young Women
connected
with general conference. I saw on display there a poster telling
of a girls camp idea putting A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD to various
familiar
songs. The example given was paragraph 2 put to GIVE SAID THE
LITTLE
STREAM. I would love to use that idea and know the other
songs
used and to which paragraph they were assigned. If anyone knows
of
this great work and is willing to share it, please notify me
ASAP.
The proclamation is being used at our girls camp his summer in July and
what a great way to have the girls memorize the statement from the
First
Presidency. e mail here
4/25/03
Dawn Craig, YW Stake President Reno Nevada North
I would love any ideas that you have for these activities Our Camp
theme is U.S.A (United with the Savior Always) our ward is camp
love.
Our Youth conference doesn't have a theme yet but our activity is an
overnight
backpacking trip to the top of a peak and i would like to relate it to
a principle of the gospel and have activities to do on the way up so as
not to tire anyone out to much.
Thanks for any
help
e mail here
4/23/03
Tawna in Tooele Utah
I was just called to be
the camp director and our theme is SOS - steadfast optomistic
servants.
The boat we chose is princess cruise lines to remind the girls of their
royal birth I need ideas for decorations at camp activities and fun
cheap
food and crafts too help! e
mail here
3/2/03
This year our theme for
camp is "Letting your light so shine". Our ward wants to use oil
lamps as the ward theme and build the idea around preparedness.
We
would like to be able to give an oil lamp to each girl. We are
looking
for a source to purchase inexpensive oil lamps or even a place where we
can purchase greenware look-a-like lamps to paint and fire for the
girls.
We would also love to figure out a way to hand make a lamp. Does
ANYONE have ANY ideas? We are open to any and all ideas.
Thanks
e mail
here
1/26/03
Debi
Gill, Pioche, NV
I am the asst. stake camp director. This year we would like to do a
"Wizard of Oz" theme at girls camp. Any ideas out there anyone could
share
with us?
Thanks e
mail here
1/16/03
Harmonie
IAngels Among Us was a
great
theme last year. We did several "angel activities" trying to
teach
ourselves that we must serve each other and that consitutes "An Angel
Act"
we also learned, about people from the other side of the veil and what
the can and cannot do. We went on our hikes at night and stopped
along the way while our priesthood leaders told stories of
angels.
It was a great success. Now my quest begins for next year...I am in
search
of a spiritual program for camp. We shared a camp last year and
the
other stake had several daily classes held. It looked like a mini
version of an EFY any formats or class ideas would be
appreciated.
Our theme for camp next year is: Visualize YOUR Dream...Lay not up for
your yourselves treasures upon earth...but lay up for yourselves
treasures
in heaven...for where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also.
Matthew 6:19-21 .
e
mail a response here
Budgeting camp has always
been a problem for us. This year at one our regional camp
meetings
we got a great idea. Prepare your menu and break it down into
specifically
what you need. Divide the items up and a week or so before camp,
use your lists for a scavenger hunt. This is fun for the girls
and
cuts way down on your food expense.
A couple of years ago we
made certificates for the girls to earn and gave them out at the end of
the year with a little prize (like candy bars) Here's a sample of some
we used: Most Improved Camper, Good Sport Camper,Camp Night Owl,
Camp Primper, Best Firebuilder, Bright Ideas Camper, Good Luck Camper,
Most Unforgettable Camper, Slow Poke Camper, Most Improved Camper, Best
Eater, Best, Buddy, Most On Time Camper, and Camp Peacemaker.
Each
one had a little picture to go along with the award - like turtle(slow
poke), nail polish (primper) etc. We displayed them during the
week
and the girls had fun with them.
One year our Stake
Camp Theme had to do with Love of Christ. We had a particularly
disjointed
group that year and I felt we needed to have some camp unity that would
spill over into the rest of the year. So we named our ward, Camp
Love's Alot. We stayed within the Stake theme, but also had ward
activities everyday among the girls. We divided the girls into
Kingdoms
called Jesters, Knights, Wizards, & Ladies in Waiting. These
groups did secret acts of service for each other and during other
activities
were teams together etc. We had a Tournament in the Round one
afternoon,
this included games like blowing a paper cup on a string between two
chairs,
3 legged race, pole vault, (girl lays on back on blanket and with one
arm
in the air throws a bean bag as far as she can), Hammer throw, (blow up
a balloon, circle 3 times overhead and let it go - try to get it as
close
to a hula hoop as possible) Javelin, (tear off one end of a straw and
blow
the straw out) the final activity is one you would need to check with
stake
leaders to make sure it is ok, but we gave each girl a paper cup and a
trial size shaving cream, we told them they were to fill each others
cup,
but I'm sure you can guess what they did! It was sooo fun!
Another day they had a treasure hunt, the treasure was one of the girls
in camp. I made up riddles they had to solve about a certain girl
and they had to ask questions of everyone to find out who fit their
riddle,
when they guessed who it was they got a large candy bar. It was a
memorable
year at camp and it did help the unity of the Young Women that year.
Our ward annually holds
a fundraising event which proves to be one of best attended events of
the
year. We have spaghetti dinner and pie auction. Admission
is
by donation. People are normally very generous.Women in the ward are
asked
to donate pies which are later auctioned off. Prominate members
of
our ward volunteer to have a cream pie auctioned to thrown in there
face.
These often fetch the highest price. We always amazed at the amount a
pie
will sell for.
I remember my first
year at girls camp and looking back how much I have changed and
matured...our
camp was far away this year and only three days long but it was my last
and I'll never regret going. One of the ways our ward got the Beehives
involved was by helping them go through their kit lists and figure out
secret sister gifts. Telling them what to expect and what you really
can't
forget on that list. We all had a blast and I hope there looking
forward
to next year.
A.
Speedie - Sudbury, Ontario - Canada
This year our camp
was cut short to only 3 days. But we made the best of it with our
beautiful surroundings. I found it so easy to sit by myself and
appreciate
what the Lord has given us. My testimony grew so much and I made
some great friends! If you ever have any doubts about girls camp
I suggest you go. It will be an experiance you will never forget.
Natalie
Maillet - Smiths Falls, Ontario
I Just want to say
that Our girls camp was awsome! The best part was the testimony
meeting.
What we did was it was dark outside and we had to follow the iron rod
(a
piece of twine) through the woods and all along the path there were
people
trying to tempt us to come away. at the end we got to the tree of life.
It was so spiritual.
C. Monnett
- Edgewood, Maryland
This
year our stake held ward camps for the first time. They were a
tremendous
success. Many girls stated that they enjoyed it more than stake camp.
As
the Stake Young Women's President, my presidency visited each camp,
there
were six altogether. One ward's camp held an especially emotional
testimony meeting. You see, it has been tradition for the past
few
years to present each 4th year girl upon certifying, one of the
beautiful
wooden YW boxes with the YW Logo carved in the top. These are
available
through the distribution center. One of the girls in this
particular
ward had earned her box last year and cherished it dearly as all the
girls
have. This past year her mother became pregnant and then
miscarried
at about 4 months. It was a baby girl and the family was so sad
about
it. They decided to bury her, but didn't know what to bury her
in.
Then this young girl remembered her beautiful box and gave it to her
mom.
Her baby sisters body fit perfectly inside and so she was buried in
it.
At camp this year her Mother stood and cried as she told about
this
experience and then presented her daughter with another box for her to
keep. Whenever I look at my box or any other I will always
remember
that unselfish act of this young girl.
L.
Maughan - Twin Falls, Idaho
For girls camp we got
rained
out and in our town we have and lds place to play bi-stake basketball
instead
of going to the church and we use it for different things and we call
it
the palomar and the church and the palomar share a parking lot and are
right next to each other! So we went one day for the usual and
the
next day we went at seven o'clock at night and had testimony meeting
and
"slept" in the palomar all together and we had a blast!
S.
Preston - Delta - Utah
Our theme this year it was
"B.O.O.T. CAMP." It stood for "Building Our Own Testimonies" I was on
the
senior staff and it was my best year ever!! Each day we had a
different
theme day 1 basic training day 2 defensive strategies, day 3 be all you
can be, day 4 follow the chain of command, day 5 we are all enlisted.
M. Ball - Fresno Ca.
At our girls camp the 4th
years are called KITs, which stands for Kounsler In Training. that is
the
year of service. The 5th years are called KATs (Kounselors Already
Trained).
The each have their own cabin of girls. All the girls in the stake are
mixed together in different cabins. Anyway, all the KATs make a
devotional
for every night and have a handout to go with it so the girls remember
it. The 6th years are DITs (Directors In Training). They help the
DATs (Directors Already Trained). The DATs open everything. They are
the
ones who set up camp, but it is more of a calling then anything else.
One
of the DATs is the KIT leader, that is the one who teaches them what to
do in their KAT year. All the KITs have to go through KIT initiation.
that
is one of the most spiritual nights at camp. If you want to know more
about
this program e-mail me. there is a lot
more
to this than what I wrote
K.
Dietrich - Sellersburg, Indiana
Last year at camp (1997, stake camp)
we got into groups. We grouped up by 1st years, 2nd years ect. We had
the
5th and 6th years as the leaders of our groups. For an hour each day
we'd
get together to play games and get to know each other. It was really
fun
because you got to know others and make new friends. It rocked!
Jennifer
Stockham
- North Salt Lake, Utah
Each year we sing to the trees. Usually on the second or third
day at camp, we go to a grove of trees and each ward gathers around a
tree
and we take turns shining flash lights on the tree and singing a song
(usually
a primary song). Then we all sing a song together (usually goes with
our
theme). We have a story of how the trees have seen everything it really
is a very spiritual experience.
Rachel Singley
- Las Vegas, Nevada
About four years ago we discovered that there was so much
competition
among the different wards at camp, that the spirit had a hard time
being
felt. We changed our camping arrangements so that the young women
now camp by level instead of by wards. This has allowed them to
really
get to know all of the young women in our stake and has completely
eliminated
any unhealthy competition. The spirit reigns and some of the best
friendships
have been formed between girls from opposite ends of our stake. At the
same time we eliminated all pranks. Instead we now provide "mail
boxes" for each girl and leader at camp. We stock a writing table
with lots of paper, markers, stickers etc. so that the girls can write
notes to anyone and everyone. These notes have always been
positive
and uplifting. It is now one of our most valued traditions.
We
had a camp 'mailbox' made out of clear plastic shoe holders with a card
in each pocket with the girls' names. It was used for secret
sister
items as well as for just writing notes to each other. Be sure to
keep a supply of paper and pencils on a table for all to use.
Sharon Wilson
- LaVerkin, Utah
Camp food that was a big hit:
Mexican night-chili,
lettuce,
tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, & salsa on a bed of Fritos and a
piñata
afterwards.
Vegetable-beef stew with
dumplings
Broccoli cheese soup served
in bread bowls
Orange muffins- cut a 'lid'
off the orange, eat the orange out keeping the pell intact, fill with
blueberry
muffin mix about 2/3 full, put lid back on, wrap in foil and bake in
hot
coals. Be careful not to burn!
Sharon Wilson
- LaVerkin, Utah
During camp, I would take slide photographs to be used at an
end-of-camp
awards ceremony (especially good if you have ward camp). Then at
the awards ceremony, I have parents do an impromptu skit, have girls
tell
of some experiences at camp (ie. silent hike, golden hours, etc.) for a
3-4 minute talk. I usually have 3-4 girls participate. We
hand
out the awards, give level 4 boxes, patches, etc and then give out
funny
awards (ie. She who never sleeps, etc.) that was typical of each girl
during
her time at camp. I also include special awards for the
priesthood
help (and this encourages them to WANT to return year after year.
Then, we have the slide show. I chose Dan Fogelberg's song, "To
the
Morning" and begin the slides with quiet early morning scenes from camp
and then take photos of eating, flag, hikes, lake time, golden hours,
etc.
I am sure to include EVERY girl and leader and priesthood holder at
camp.
I usually can get about 70 slides in the amount of time of the song.
Sue Baddley
- Santa Rosa, California
Our leader does a necklace for each girl and adds to it each
year
of camp. In the evenings after devotional, she hands out items to
put on it such as a ball for one person a day who really did something
that was on the ball, a small mirror for someone who is the primper of
the day, a bead for anyone who is nominated for doing something nice
(several
a day are given), an award for reading scriptures each day, etc.
etc.
They are such a big hit, the stake is now doing it.
Sharon Wilson
- LaVerkin, Utah
When we went on hikes, our YW president planned devotionals,
followed
by quiet time to read scriptures or write in journals, away from camp
chores
and noise. She also presented each girl with a letter written by one of
their parents to make the time even more special.
One of our girls, who had extra time before camp, secretly prepared
several small thoughts for each member of camp, even the leaders! What
a surprise to find them on our pillows!
For camp instead of initiating the first years with pranks, make
them
feel welcome with gifts. Find out from your Camp Director how many
first
years will be attending camp, make a little gift or card for each first
year (make a few extra just in case!). Leave the gifts on the pillows
of
the first years on the first night of camp! This is also fun for them
to
try and figure out who the mysterious gift giver is!
Laura - Lee's Summit,
Missouri
Every year at camp the youth leaders (5th and 6th year girls)
of
our ward make up awards for every girl and each other. It is really fun
to see our awards and it makes every girl feel special.
Sara Louise Woodruff - St.
Charles, Missouri
While we were
at
Girls' Camp this year, our tent was one of the first ones set up. So we
went for a little hike on a well beaten path. On the hike we found a
old
look-out tower and climbed up on it. When we got up, we could see the
WHOLE
valley, it was AWESOME!
Amy Brockman - Heber City,
Utah
Our stake has Secret Sisters. On the first night of camp, each
girl picks a name to be her Secret Sister. They write her anonymous
notes
telling clues about themselves. At the end of the week, the girls try
to
guess who their Secret Sisters were, and the Secret Sisters give them a
gift they bought or made.
Another way: The first
night
of camp, everyone puts the gifts they brought in a pile. Everyone goes
and gets one gift. Then everyone tells everyone else whose gift they
got.
Throughout the week, the girls observe the person who gave them the
gift.
At the end of the week, before Testimony meeting or during, each girl
tells
everyone who she observed and what they were like. It helps everyone to
get to know each other better.
Maggie Wittwer - Las
Vegas,
New Mexico
When we went on our hike, wildflowers were everywhere. As we
were
on our way back, I picked a bouquet of flowers made up of one flower
for
each color of the YW values: Red was Indian Paintbrush, Blue was
Mountain
Bluebells, etc. When we got back to camp we had a lovely "values
centerpiece"
for our dinner table.
Melissa
Landeen
- West Jordan, Utah
In my stake, all the 5th and 6th year girls are called LITES,
which
stands for Leaders in Training for Excellence, and we pair up into
partners.
Each set of Lites is assigned to a ward, and we make up nametags, give
devotionals, leave gifts on beds for our girls, and we also run camp. I
never really appreciated the Lites until this year when I went to all
the
meetings and the sleepover, where we finished up, and recieved
blessings
for the following week. We were up until 4:00 in the morning working.
It
was all worth it. Just to see how much the girls look up to us and
follow
us is our reward for taking a year to prepare a week of fun and
spirituality
our girls will never forget.
Jennifer
Dianne
Chernowetz - Somerset, New Jersey
For me, camp is a time to take advantage of the peace that is
all
around you, and to take time to pour out your heart to the Lord.
Spending
time, out in the middle of nowhere, with my friends and leaders, having
all the time in the world, makes bonds that will hold us together, as
sisters,
forever. The part of Girls' Camp that I absolutely love is Testimony
Meeting.
It's the part where your soul is fed, your mind is fed, and you feel
balanced,
you feel whole. I always feel like I'm ready to defeat any temptation
or
trap that Satan could think of throwing on my path. I'm on a "spiritual
high" for about a week after those few hours of heart-felt testimonies
of God, Christ, the Church, and our prophet.
Natalie Cook
- Logan, Utah
