Young Women’s Camp was based on a scripture which connects well with the Youth theme for the year (James 1:5-6), which is Matthew 6:19-21. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Our stake camp director, Jordan Bigler, spends the entire year preparing for camp each summer.
Our adult leaders and youth camp leaders arrived on Monday to set up and prepare. Tuesday morning, all the young women joined us. We had the largest group that any of us can remember, with 160 young women and leaders. We spent the morning getting everyone settled, and each campsite created their own crew flag. We went canoeing down the Cuyahoga River in the afternoon. That evening, the young women moved between five different stations, where they learned about finding the treasure in the temple, in the scriptures, in prayer, in service, and within us.
On Wednesday, certification and various activities during the afternoon filled the day, followed by bishops’ night, where bishops participate in the skits, and then lead a devotional with their ward around the campfire. It is always a highlight of camp, and the girls love seeing their bishops in a lighthearted setting.
Thursday, we headed over to the Hiram farm for our service project. This was our second time there, and it was a wonderful experience for us and also the people who work there. Hiram farm employs members of the community on the autism spectrum, and produces food, animals, and handicrafts for sale. Thursday afternoon held more activities, including a tour of the Johnson farm. President and Sister Talley visited us for the evening program, where all the girls sang “Happy Birthday” to President Talley and presented him with birthday notes and his own pirate hat and sword. We had a musical program followed by testimony meetings in the campsites.
Friday was our one rainy day. But everyone persevered through the hike, and then we packed up and headed for home after awards. Young Women’s camp was a wonderful experience again, thanks to the efforts of many people who helped make it meaningful, fun, and spiritual all at the same time.
Akron Ohio Stake News 