by Shannon Stiggins, Stake Girls Camp Director
Girls Camp 2023 was a fantastic success. Our theme this year was “Witness,” and we spent time each day learning about why and how we can be witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Our week started out with our older young women hiking to Kendall Ledges. The round trip took us five miles. Halfway through the hike, we picked up large rocks to represent burdens or trials we might carry. Then we picked up a second rock representing another’s burden. We used these rocks for a Faith walk on Wednesday evening after all the young women arrived.
On the Faith walk, each young woman carried a rock as they went to different points in the campground and listened to our graduating seniors share experiences that have helped them grow closer to Christ. At the end of the walk, the girls placed their rocks at a picture of Christ. Then their hands were washed and massaged by our adult leaders at camp. The evening wrapped up with a beautiful musical number and closing remarks from Sister Wilkinson and President Coburn.
Girls camp is always one of my favorite things I do in the summer. I always leave having felt the spirit, had fun, and made new friends. This year one of my favorite parts of girls camp was the faith walk we did. We started by being handed a big rock representing our burdens. Then we carried it as we walked to stations where girls shared examples of overcoming burdens from their lives and the scriptures. At the end, there was a big picture of Jesus. We got to lay our rocks or burdens down at the feet of Christ. Our leaders then washed our hands. I loved the symbolism of this activity. This activity helped me to really feel the spirit and helped bring to life how Christ is there and will lighten our load. It was also fun to do. — Ariana Murawski
We spent our afternoons swimming, canoeing, and shooting BB guns and arrows at the Archery range. And making bracelets, lots and lots of bracelets were made by the young women.
Girls camp is the best week of the year! It is absolutely the best week of the year! This was my first year at girls camp, and it was amazing! Girls camp is filled with wonderful people! Girls camp is so fun! It is filled with fun exciting activities and adventures, along with spiritual ones, such as Zumba, BB, crafts, scripture study, and a faith walk.! Girls camp is such a wonderful, amazing, and safe place to be, and their food is off the chart!! I think and wish that everybody could go to girls camp. Girls camp is the best!!! — Faith Stiggins
There are so many things that I loved about girls camp, but if I had to pick a favorite thing, it would definitely be the faith walk. I loved how spiritual everything was, and I especially loved getting my hands washed. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that sensation of peace before; it was a really special feeling. I also really loved getting to meet new people; everyone there was so amazing and welcoming. I can’t wait to do it all again next year!! — Delaney Johnson
We had one exciting evening of storms when we had all the bishops and ward leaders at camp. All of our first-year campers ended up sleeping in the big lodge after most of their tents were wet.
Other activities for the week included a service project for Safe Harbor, learning scripture study skills, and learning about caring for all areas of our health. Our final evening concluded with a musical fireside and testimony meetings at each campsite.
We already miss camping with all the Young Women and can’t wait for next year!
Akron Ohio Stake News 