Oh, to be a kid again! And soak in all the summer sun without a worry whatsoever! To sleep in and stay up late. And to laugh ‘til your stomach hurts with your best friend.
What about summer camps? There’s girls camp, scout camp, high adventure camp, Especially For Youth camps, Youth Conferences, Sports camps, and camping with your family! I’m sure I missed a couple but you get the idea!
This past week I had the privilege of attending Day Camp for the Activity Day girls (ages 8-11) in my LDS ward.
We went to Fort Buenaventura. Nestled right in the middle of Ogden you would never know this place existed but there it is! Full of all kinds of adventure, perfect for this very age group.
We worked with each of the girls on helping them feel loved and accepted while building unity too. Although several hornets were sharing the space with us—thankfully no one was stung!
We began with a Nature Scavenger Hunt where each of the girls had to find everything on their list. These items ranged from a simple stick to something they found beautiful to a piece of litter and more. They loved this!
Next, we painted rocks. We decided to make “Kindness Rocks” and told the girls to put a saying on that might uplift someone else. They were eager to get to the task. Amazing creations were born! They were building unity but having fun at the same time.
In the heat of the day we paddled out in the canoes on the “swamp.” We weren’t planning on it being sooooo hot but it was! 10:30 a.m. and we could’ve fried an egg on the dock! But out we went! Gliding on the water and laughing as we rowed, talking of summer and slapping a splash to cool off.
“Can I row now?” One of the girls asks. She wanted to give it a try too! Be a part of the action!
After nearly an hour it was time to get out! Hot and sweaty and ready for lunch!
Sandwiches, chips, drinks and fruit. Fill our bellies and bring us strength again. Off the girls go to sit together near the teepees as they talk and giggle some more. One girl was left behind. I walked with her over to her friends. I could see how much that meant to her. And to me. Building unity.
We talked of being a light to others and sharing our light. Choosing to be kind like our rocks say. And reflecting what their t-shirt reads: “SHINE.”
This outing might’ve only been one day. A few hours. But it meant something to each of these girls. A piece of their childhood was taking shape. Fitting into the puzzle called life. With many more “camps” to go filled with boosting friendships and holding onto each other.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, former President of the LDS Church once said, “In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.”
