Girls' Camp 2008

I am not going to promise anything coherent, but I hope that you will enjoy the pictures. It is late and I am tired, but I have been trying to find the time to complete this post (I started it on the 28th and today is August 2nd) and the sink is full - and I do mean full - of dishes. With no further ado and in no particular order, here are pictures and descriptions of my week at camp:

Below are the seven women of value (plus Katie in pink who put the whole program together). The last night at camp, the Young Women went on a "walk of light" in which there were seven stops. The seven of us represented different values. For example I was Sacajawea and my value was knowledge, so I spoke to each group as they came about my life and my value. any guesses about who the other 6 are?
I actually had a great time doing it because I never knew how awesome Sacajawea was. You should look her up if you don't know about her (I bet that Ann K. is shaking her head in disbelief right now). Growing up in Virginia we honestly didn't learn a whole lot about anything that happened outside of the 13 colonies. So, if you have a Civil War question, I bet I could answer it. :)

Here we are mid-hike on the second day of camp. We had a sunrise hike this year and it was a great idea to hike early and avoid the heat. This is some of the girls from our group. Jenny (in blue) and I were the chaperones. I'm so glad that you came, Jenny! We had a blast.

Like the previous 3 years, I was Level 1 certification leader this year. This is a picture of all my girls and their YCLs (Youth Camp Leaders). I love being with the 12 year olds because they are so excited to be at camp and to meet new people. They have such a good attitude about whatever we ask them to do. Also, I was blessed this year with fantastic YCLs.

Jenny J. as SpiderGirl. Our unit's assigned superhero was Spiderman. The theme of camp this year was "Everyday Heroes". Jenny moonwalked and pranced across the stage like a pro during our amazing and hilarious skit. The girls made her cape and she was sporting my field hockey bloomers. I knew that they could eventually be used again if I held onto them long enough. :) In the background you can sneak a peek at what kind of living arrangements we were blessed with: electricity, indoor plumbing, a cabin next to the lake, etc. Jenny and I honestly thought of the week (Wed-Sat) as being a relaxing vacation.

Me and my daddy! My dad (the amazing physicist/astronomer) drove 4 hours after work on Thursday to teach the section called Observing the Night Sky. He brought a telescope (to show everyone Jupiter and its moons) and his indoor planetarium (Star Lab), plus he did an observation outside with his super cool laser pointer. You could actually see the beam leading up the star that he was pointing to. He did a great job showing the constellations and talking to us about the vastness of the universe. It was so neat to hear his testimony about how although God is in charge of so much space and so many people that he still knows and loves us each as individuals. Although he definitely said it will more elegance than that. :)

Pretty, pretty lake:

The YW and I - representing the Spanish branch. Aren't they beautiful? They are such a fun, creative, and sweet group of girls!

In case you can't tell, I had a great time. Thanks to my mom for watching Elena and enduring all my phone calls to check up on and talk to her. What would I do without you? I love you, Mom!