Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the 260 young women and their leaders as they met for four days and nights ending July 21st for their annual Girls Camp of The Mesquite Nevada Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With the girls, priesthood, leaders, and helpers the number nearly reached 325 that made for a very busy, fun and spiritual experience.
This year’s theme was Peace in Christ with the scripture “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23)
Stake Camp Director, Sister Heather Blazzard said “A spiritual highlight of the camp occurred when Sister Melissa Julien taught all of us the theme scripture in American Sign Language with some of the older girls presenting the beautiful theme song while signing. On the last day the theme scripture was not verbalized but only signed giving a quiet, reverent feeling.”
Fun activities abounded with games, challenges, canoes and archery. Each ward prepared their own meals with Pres. and Sister Allen presenting a final meal of pulled pork and potatoes for all. During the week the Allens were kept busy keeping the leaders fed.
Few changes had to be made because of the weather. “The girls did great with all the rain and mud, especially with no campfires. We started out with the fire warnings in the red zone which prohibits campfires. But then the rain would have put them out anyway,” said Sister Blazzard.
T shirts and umbrellas decorated by the girls in the camp theme added to the spirit and helped everyone focus on finding that Peace in Christ. Scripture reading was accompanied by workshops in “Spiritual Survival”. Evening devotionals brought the camp together for a reverent but fun end to the day.
