Young Men Participate in ‘Camp Helaman’ Event

By LAURA ROBISON

The Progress

About 80 young men, ages 15-18, and their leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in an annual Camp Helaman event on Saturday, April 22.

The group was up early that morning as they traveled to the Las Vegas valley for a challenging 2.5 mile steep hike up Sunrise Mountain, sometimes call Frenchman’s Mountain.

The boys completed the challenging hike which gains 2,000 feet of elevation in two miles. At the top they enjoyed beautiful views of Lake Mead, the Las Vegas Valley, and the Church’s Las Vegas Temple.

“We encouraged the young men, as they go through the trail of life, to not carry extra “rocks” in the form of sin and vices that will weigh them down and keep them from getting closer to God,” said Logandale Stake Young Men’s President Cody Hughes.

At the top of the mountain, Logandale Stake Seminary Coordinator Steven Holyoak spoke to the group, teaching the young men how their responsibilities in the Church today should show in their appearance and conduct.
“The holiness of the Lord ought to reflect in the dress, appearance, and character of each (of you) so that others can be brought nearer to the Lord through your service,” Holyoak said.

Later in the afternoon, the group gathered at Moapa Valley High School campus to do a service project. They painted all the pillars in the quad area of the school.
“We were grateful for the opportunity to do service at the high school,” said Hughes. “These young men are great examples of willingness to serve in our community in various ways.”

The day concluded with dinner at the Stake Center. Logandale resident Blair Hale spoke to the group about the importance of developing positive characteristics in dealing with themselves and others.
“It is important to develop the Christlike characteristics of charity, patience, lack of unrighteous judgement, and being a peacemaker,” Hale said.

“Developing such characteristics early in life will bless you, your families, and others around you. That should also impact how you treat each other, and especially how you treat people who look different, dress different, or act different than you do.”

Various young men also shared their thoughts about the day and how they are trying to follow Jesus Christ.
“The hike in the morning was hard but fun,” said local youth Chandler Evans. “It taught me to push through and keep going.”

Another youth, Trevor Witter commented, “I now know I can do anything I set my mind to. This was a good experience to be closer to Jesus Christ.”

Myles Mortensen said that he had a great day, stating “The hike was hard but awesome. At the top I could see the entire Las Vegas valley and the view was worth it. I learned to take one step at a time, and it was awesome at the end.”

“I am very grateful for all of the men who helped with the days activities,” said Hughes at the end of the day; “Especially Matt Messer and Bryce Hardy. I also appreciate Erika Whitmore and Irene Hauver for coordinating the service project.”