Girls Camp

Going to girls camp with my daughter is one of the most awesome experiences I've had as a mother. Camp Ritchie is amazing even if Britt didn't come but it's triple amazing when we are there together.
Last year was Britt's first year and I got to spend a lot of time with her because I was over all the campfire stuff (which means during the day I didn't really have to do anything) I was able to tuck her in evey night and rappel with her and even go out on the boat with her. This year was different. I was over the YCL's (the 6th year girls) and was a lot more busy. I tucked Britt in one night the whole time we were there. I did get to see her during every meal but that was about it. It was fun to se her branch out and mingle with different girls in the stake.

Above is the view from my cabin. I could have just stood on our back porch all day and soaked in the amazing view. This picture was taken on Sunday-- it was cloudy and even rained just enough to settle all the dust. In my opinion it was the perfect weather for Sunday.
This is a picture of Britt's scripture time group. They met every morning for a 1/2 hour and studied the scriptures. I was thrilled when we got home and were talking all about camp that Britt said her favorite part was scripture time. (yes my heart leapt) She said that Sister Alt her counselor was an awesome teacher. Britt said that she learned to really appreciate Joseph Smith (which is the 2nd years course of study for certification) Kudo's to her counselor for making her love scripture time. I have to say this was one of my favorite things at camp too. I loved having just my 14 girls and really diving in to the scriptures. I always feel like I learn the most when I have to prepare for stuff like that.

Above are 3 of my YCL's (I need to post a picture of Rhonda who I was a counselor with) I learned a lot from Rhonda and from all of the YCL's. I've been to Camp Ritchie 3 times now and this year was my favorite. I loved being in the cabin with the girls and listening to them share their experiences from serving as a YCL (Youth Camp Leader for those who don't know) It was very cool to hear the chatter after their nightly devotionals. It's very neat to see these YW grow into amazing leaders.

Britt and Holly during the group camp picture.
My cute girls. Rhonda and I are in the black leader shirts. Our girls have been meeting on a monthly basis since January and they planned every detail of camp including the shirts. they turned out very cute.
This is Brittany during flag in the morning. I gotta kick out of watching her. I loved watching her mingle with the girls and eating at mealtime. I was in the front at the YCL table so I was able to watch her over in the 2nd year tables. I loved seeing all of her counselors on one side of her and girls on the other. She was in the middle of everything. (yes it makes a mom proud) (the good kind)Here Britt is doing a spoof on "Cannonball" which is my camp name. She went into my cabin and got my shirt and put her hair in pigtails and totally got on the stage during the 2nd year skit and made fun of her mother. I couldn't even get mad because I was laughing at how dead on she was. It was hysterical!!During the rappelling day at camp the girls go through a bunch of different activites. They do a trust fall which teaches them that they want good friends who will be there to catch them if they ever fall. Then they do the wall climb where the have 30 seconds to plan how they will get each person over the 10 foot wall. Then they can't talk as they execute their plan. Britt was chosen to be the last person up. She helped get everyone up and over and they she had to run and jump and get herself up to the other girls. I love this part of camp. Britt never ceases to amaze me with her leadership skills and how well she works with others.Britt loves the climbing wall. She is a little speed demon. they usually keep times but they weren't doing that this year. Britt also rappelled down a 120 foot rock. This is another favorite part of camp for Britt. This year as a 2nd year Britt also got to go cliff jumping At Sunday campfire Britt, Holly and Kadi were chosen to sing the "The Light Within" they met a few times before camp to practice. Again, Britt amazed me. Each girl had a solo and Britt delivered hers beautifully. I was crying my eyes out (not really a shocker--I do that a lot) On Monday night one of the privileges of being a YCL is that you get to go night rappelling. This is a shot of the moon on the lake as the girls climbed down the wall. We got back to our cabin around 1am. We were very tired but it was amazing. I love Camp Ritchie!