Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Campy Debriefing

I loved going to girls camp as a youth. When I was first married I was the Beehive advisor, so I got to go that one year, but then was never involved with the youth after that...always in Primary. This year was my oldest daughter's last year though, so I called the stake camp director and begged her to let me go! Which they did--I worked in the kitchen all week. It was busy and tiring and my feet were killing me by the end, but it was invigorating to be around all those girls, the energy was astonishing! Oh, and I lost three pounds which was an added bonus!
A fun thing about being in the kitchen is the cute song the girls sing for you,

"Cookie, Cookie
Listen while we sing to you!
Cookie, Cookie
Listen while we sing, please do!
Anyone can make a bed,
Anyone can sweep.
But it takes our Cookie to make the things we eat, so
Cookie, Cookie!
Listen while we sing to you."

I didn't think about it until later, but my mom (who died about 5 years ago) was called Cookie by her family, so that was kind of a fun connection to be called her name, if only during camp time.

I missed out on repelling off a 65 foot cliff in the dark (I really did want to go, I was bummed!) because I was busy in the kitchen and the group left before I could get to the meeting place. Part of the reason I was so bummed was because it was my oldest daughter's group who was doing it and I wanted to be there with her. Instead I went back to my tent and cried... but I did get to do some archery and riflery which was a lot of fun. I'm really good at riflery, but archery, well, that's another matter. I have a really nice bruise on my left upper forearm to show for it! I also got to go on a 5 mile hike with my other daughter. It was not the prettiest hike I had ever been on (I was spoiled by going to Yosemite last month), but it was definately good exercise.

The highlight of my week was at the campfire Testimony meeting with our ward and the bishopric. It brought back memories of when I was a fresh new Beehive. That first campfire testimony meeting marked the beginning of my testimony. I clearly remember a feeling enveloping me that I had never felt before and I wondered how I could be crying and feeling good all the way down to my toes all at the same time! I loved watching the girls each take a turn to stand and bear witness to the truthfulness of the things they had been taught, but the very best part was when my 17 year old daughter stood and bore her testimony for the very first time ever. My motherly heart just melted in a pool of tears after that!

I love camp...

Cookie, cookie....

9 comments:

Yvonne said...

What a great post.

There is such a wonderful feeling at Girls Camp, isn't there. (And you lost 3 pounds--wow, good for you)
I agree the best part of camp is the campfire and testimony meeting. That's when so many girls really gain a strong witness. How wonderful for you to be there to hear your daughter bear her first testimony.

Motherboard said...

Oh how I love girls camp! the testimony around the fire is amazing!! The spirit is always so strong...

Our ward made a dvd this year of camp, full of video/pictures... we have some video guru guy in our ward... and we watched it last night for YW-- it was amazing how all the feelings came flooding back!

I didn't get to go this year--sniff sniff-- camping + new baby = hell.

Your camp sounds awesome!!!

Nancy Face said...

The part about your daughter's testimony made me cry. I firmly believe that miracles happen at Girls' Camp. For some young women, it is the only time they feel the Spirit all year. :)

I love the "Cookie" song! I'd really like to teach it to the girls in my stake when we go to camp in 4 weeks...does it have a familiar tune? If so, could you please let me know what song the tune comes from? THANK YOU! :D

Jan said...

Isn't it such a blessing to have a place that you know will develop your daughters testimony. I am so happy for her and you. The spirit is felt at that meeting every time. It is amazing. And each of us can recall that feeling to know matter our age.

I love the cookie song. So glad that you had a great time. I know the girls really appreciate those who serve them. Even if they never show it, I know they do. I have heard them express it before. So you are awesome in going.

See you around.

PJ said...

I'm so glad you were able to go!

What a fun song and EXTRA special, because of Grandma Cookie:)

Kimberly said...

I'm so glad it was such a positive experience for you! Welcome back!

JustRandi said...

Yay for camp! And kudos to you for cooking. I don't know if I have the stamina for that! (Marathons, yes, camp cook, no way!)

Michal said...

sounds like lots of fun. i'm so sorry that you missed your chance to repel with your daughter's group. but i am so glad that you got to see/hear her bear her testimony.

Rebecca said...

What a wonderful time! I miss Girl's Camp, it was one of my favorite things ever!

I'm so glad you got to do that.