By GABRIELLE SHIOZAWA
Moapa Valley Progress
“Believing in [Christ] does not happen in four days of Girl’s Camp,” said LDS Logandale Stake President Matthew Messer. “It is a lifelong journey.”
But hundreds of young women and leaders from the LDS Logandale Nevada Stake gave it their best effort anyway when they traveled to Camp Kolob in southern Utah last week for the Stake’s annual Girl’s Camp.
The 2017 camp theme was “Believe Him.” Several months ago, Stake Presidency member Willie Frehner listened to an October 2016 LDS Church General Conference address entitled “If Ye Had Known Me” by Elder David A. Bednar of the Church’s Council of the Twelve Apostles. Bednar’s message talks about coming to know Jesus Christ as “we exercise faith in, follow, serve, and believe him.”
“The words ‘believe him’ stood out,” Frehner said. “That’s when it hit [me] that we needed to use that for Girl’s Camp.”
Each ward was also given an attribute to study and consider over the course of the week. The Overton 1st Ward studied the lives of virtuous women as they pondered their theme of “Be Virtuous.” Members of the Moapa Ward worked on personal values as they sought to “Be Loyal to the Royal in You.”
Other themes included “Be Wise,” “Be Faithful,” “Be Joyful,” “Be Humble” and more.
Frehner issued two challenges to each Girl’s Camp attendee. The first, which was introduced back in March, was the task of reading the Book of Mormon in 100 days. As a reward for those who completed this task, Frehner helped those girls and leaders to make their own wooden ‘yo-yo’ toys.
The second challenge was for the girls to memorize and recite all thirteen of the “Articles of Faith”, a list of fundamental beliefs formulated by the Church’s founder Joseph Smith. This task was presented as a surprise at camp. Girls had to work together quickly to meet the goal before the end of the week. Those who did were awarded with a “Believe” necklace for completing the challenge.
While Girl’s Camp was full of faith-building experiences for the girls, there were also plenty of adventures. The girls participated in exciting activities like rappelling and rock climbing, braving the famed Kolob Waterslide, preparing for an annual skit night and more.
Corey Dalley and several other local leaders coordinated and facilitated the rappelling and rock climbing wall at camp. While the experience was exhilarating and exciting for many, it also gave some girls an opportunity to overcome fears.
Andi Hillstead from the Overton 4th Ward was one who was initially hesitant to try out the wall. “It was pretty scary,” the fourth-year camper later reflected. “But when you overcome your fears and reach the top, it’s very beautiful.”
The girls competed against each other to see who could scale the rock wall the fastest. Bailee Andrew from the Overton 2nd Ward held the record with an 11.6 second ascent.
There were also camp certification requirements to complete. Camp certification included building fires, identifying plants and animals, orienteering with a compass, and going on a 3-5 mile hike. Some wards traveled to Kolob a day early to have extra time for hiking and certification.
While most wards found paths around camp to explore, the Overton 4th Ward made a stop at Kanarraville Falls to complete their hike on the way to camp.
The waterslide, composed of a sheet of heavy plastic spread down the side of a steep downward slope, was a favorite among campers. This year, however, the slide had been fashioned to be steeper than in past years.
Skit night, another favorite activity, featured a host of acts that were both entertaining and meaningful. Taylor Ransome performed an original song called “Press Forward” for the Overton 3rd Ward skit. In the Logandale 4th Ward’s act, Ashlynn McClure, Alyson Evans, and Jaci Holmes took turns embodying the role of “Captain Gratitude.”
The Stake Young Women Leaders entertained with a collection of songs and dance moves, as well as a surprise visit from Shrek, who was played by youth leader Jurnie Crawford.
On Friday night, recently returned missionaries Josie Henrie and Kannon Evans addressed the young women.
“Girl’s Camp helps us to remember what’s important in life,” Henry said. “It helps us to keep an eternal perspective.”
“I hope being up here at Girl’s Camp has helped you to believe in [Christ] even more,” Evans said. “Believe him, and believe in his promises.”
