Planning Girls Camp starts about nine months in advance. This has been on my mind for quite some time. There’s is a lot of preparation that goes into camp, and I’m so glad all of that planning paid off because camp was incredible. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing!
Of course, in the months leading up to camp, I had my share of nightmares. In one dream, the bishop announced the men were coming with us, but didn’t want to participate in any of the activities we had planned, so we’d have to change everything. Another nightmare involved camp getting flooded so badly that we had to spend the whole time indoors just to survive. And the last one? All the girls bailing at the last minute.
Happily, I can report that none of these came true!
Our theme for Girls Camp came from Mosiah 18:21:
"And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another."
The theme was all about unity, and we shortened it to BOOT—Be Of One Troop. We gave the girls matching camo bandanas, bags, and sweatshirts. Because, let’s be honest, nothing makes you feel closer than dressing alike!
We met at the church, where music was playing, bubbles were floating, and our big banner was out. Nicole was amazing at adding these little details that make things extra fun. Once we were loaded up, we headed for Waimea Canyon!
I had told the girls to bring their own lunch for the first day, since we weren’t providing it as a ward. Unfortunately, I forgot to tell the priesthood. They were very concerned about food, so they stopped on the way to grab lunch… forgetting that the girls’ sack lunches were already in the coolers in the back of their truck. While they were eating out, we were waiting for our lunch!
We sang songs, played get-to-know-you games, made our camp poster, and set up assignments. It was a great start.
Camp Koa Hale in Waimea Canyon is breathtaking. We had ten cabins (each sleeping 16), plus a huge lodge and kitchen. There was a zipline, game room, showers, flushing toilets the works I tell you! This was the place for camp.
That first night, we had a delicious pasta dinner followed by a devotional FHE hosted by the Lihue Ward. Jaiden spoke about the importance of loving yourself and speaking kindly to yourself. We ended with cinnamon rolls and a sound bath led by Kat Clark. Some of the girls got so cozy they started snoring, which led to plenty of giggles.
Camp was filled with amazing food (shout-out to Eve!), crafts, and activities. I was honestly shocked at how many bracelets the girls could make. Each girl started camp with a friendship bracelet labeled with a specific quality. For example: kindness, bravery, good listener, etc. Whenever someone spotted a camper showing that quality, they’d swap bracelets. It was so fun watching them trade all week long.
One afternoon, right before our hike, it started to drizzle. The girls prayed for a downpour because they didn’t want to go. I knew if we skipped it, they’d just have hours of free time, so I announced, “I’m in charge we’re going!” There was plenty of moaning and groaning, but into the trucks we went.
I forgot that some of these 11-year-olds are basically babies... I think this was when it comes to hiking. They were constantly slipping, wearing Crocs, and leaving their water bottles on the trail never to be seen again. But the hike turned out to be gorgeous! Because of the light rain, we had the whole place to ourselves. Every girl ended up swimming in the falls, and suddenly no one was complaining about being wet. On the way out, some even said it was the best day of their life. That’s when I remembered if even one girl’s life is touched by Girls Camp, it’s all worth it.
The drive back to camp was… eventful. I was driving Kassidy’s truck, thinking it had four-wheel drive. It didn’t. We slid all over the place until it got downright dangerous. The girls piled out, and the leaders tried pushing the truck. After an hour of struggling, we thought we might need a tow truck. Thankfully, with some determined pushing, a few prayers, and the girls cheering like crazy from the bed of the truck in front of us, we made it back! Muddy, tired, but safe.
That night ended with warm soup and an epic glow-in-the-dark dance party/karaoke night. Even our newly called stake president joined in. I didn’t always understand the girls’ song choices, but it didn’t matter the party was theirs.
The next day brought more activities before the girls headed off-site to practice their skits. While they were gone, I helped transform the dining hall into our Uni-tea Party (get it? Unity + tea). Rusty and Danielle White helped set the scene with cucumber sandwiches, homemade cupcakes, punch, and fruit. We had color balloons hanging from the ceiling and cute place mats. All the colors! It was dreamy. The girls loved it though they still asked a million questions about “what’s next.” Eventually, I had to ban questions altogether so they’d just enjoy the moment.
That evening’s skits were hilarious. One group acted out all the leaders, and I got crazy and smashed a cell phone like a drill sergeant.
Testimony meeting was powerful. So many girls shared simple, heartfelt testimonies about Jesus and what they’d learned at camp. They even expressed gratitude for all the leaders’ efforts, which touched me deeply.
On the last day, we sang our favorite camp songs, watched a recap video, and handed out awards. Every single one of those 18 girls is so special, and I feel incredibly blessed to have spent the week with them. Girls Camp for the win. Truly. I wouldn’t change a thing. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I learned that being part of God's work is one of the most fulfilling things you can do with your life. And for that I am forever grateful!
Afterward, the leaders celebrated in the hot tub—relieved, happy, and so grateful that all our hard work had paid off.
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