Girls Camp

Girls Camp was fabulous. We had such a great time at Frost Valley YMCA in the Catskill Mountains of New York.  

Here are things that I highly suggest! I got the fabulous idea of lanyards from this blog . Inside the lanyard I gave every girl a schedule of the week to carry around their neck so they knew what was going on, and there was no excuse for "not knowing where to be".  Since we are a new stake and the girls didn't know each other I put their names in there. 

In addition every girl got a welcome bag that contained their t-shrit, pen, earrings, lotion, a few jelly beans, a mini first-aid kit, gum, their lanyard, and the name of their secret sister. It was definitely fun and they totally loved the "gifts". 

This was definitely unlike any camp I have ever been to. The YMCA did all of the certification and the cooking. Which is a huge stress relief. As for the certification they were amazing. Their staff specialize in outdoor education and ecological things. They helped us identify rare footprints, plants and were amazing with starting a fire, sun/stars.... The girls actually loved it by the end. It was like pulling teeth to get them there. 

We had time for Recreational Activities every day which included a zip line, rock climbing, kayak/boating, archery, and arts & crafts. I was too chicken to do the zip line, jumping out of tree isn't really my cup of tea. I did climb the 40 foot rock wall and I did make it to the top. 

It rained and poured the second day we were there so our service project had to be postponed. We focused a lot on team building games and ice breakers! This really helped bring the girls together. After this they really bonded and came together. 

The third day we were there it snowed. We decided to hike anyway. It was cold but absolutely fabulous. I went on the 5 mile hike which took us across a cable bridge, across rivers, and a waterfall. We build a fire on the trail and had lunch, tinfoil pizzas! I was really glad to get the 30 capri suns out of my backpack! woooooo! 

 

When we got back we planed trees along the river to help reinforce the banks that were damaged by flooding during hurricane Sandy a few years back. The 65 of us plowed through the 100 trees in about an 80 minutes! I was really proud of the girls. They were exhausted from the long day but held out like troopers! 

I was definitely pooped when it was all over! After a 3.5 hour drive I for sure wanted to die. I slept for probably 12 hours when I got home. 

* my only suggestion for Secret Sister is to either give them girls they know within the ward or to create a central "mailbox" area so they can give gifts* 

Day 16: When life gets in the way- Plan, Prepare, EAT

I can't decide what's more difficult, Eating Paleo OR blogging about it. 

Evan has become a pro and tasting and grading with all of this "never been done before food". The real issues is having time to do anything. 

Two weeks ago they called me to be the Stake Girls Camp Director. Sounds fun right? Well considering I have 2 weeks until camp, I AM BUSY.

What is Girls Camp??? CLICK HERE
Girls are able to attend Young Womens Camp. There are a number of outdoor skills they learn and activities they are able to participate in and complete Camp Certification  from- hiking, learning to use a compass, outdoor cooking, tying knots and other things. They learn leadership skills, are able to participate in service and develop friendships. In addition there is a spiritual aspect to camp- They are able to experience Heavenly Father's creations and the blessings that surround us in nature. Young Women can attend camp from the ages of 12-18.
I remember camp was always a positive/fun experience. I loved my leaders and I loved the girls I went to camp with. I was lucky enough to have my cousin at camp, my aunt who was a leader and my uncle came as a priesthood holder. 

The Biggest chunk of camp has been planned, now its just a matter of details. I am a detail LOVER- so I for sure want to make sure nothing is over looked. 

Departure Planned

T-shirts ordered

Schedule Complete 

Secret Sisters Assigned 

Camp Cabin Assignments Made

Packing List done

Meals Done!!!  I don't have to worry about food - minus food for myself. (the 30 day challenge will be over by camp, but I will keep eating this way so I don't die of hives Pack the Snacks galore), and yes I have my travel kit of DoTerra Oils packed in case. I'm prepared(allergies, cold, congestion, skin/ ear issues)! 

Activities Done

Welcome Baggies are in progress

I need a nap. 

Now I need SKIT ideas (Seriously if you have good skit ideas HELP!) and time for putting everything together and organizing it, where is my committee? I need one...... Saving that for later. 

We also need 4 Priesthood holders to come to camp. Ask me how many I have! If you guessed ZERO you are right! I've made phone calls, sent emails and even offered to fly my dad out to come camp. He laughed at me by the way. I can only be so annoying and bug people so much. Can't blame anyone- its Monday- Thursday... It's not that easy to get work off. 

 That is the cause of my headache right now. 

On another note I made these for all the girls, and I am rather proud of them. It took a little time but they are finally complete. Yes, you are correct Rose Earrings! I love them, and I totally wish I could keep them all to myself. 

Evan came home early again which was awesome- we sat and brainstormed Skits for over an hour... but I had to do some explaining what Girls Camp Skits were. He was very confused. Welcome to the world of Women! Poor Guy. The house if full of papers, handouts, and girls camp stuff. 

Last night I made Orange Chicken and it was good. 

Evan said he would be absolutely fine if I made it again. 

Evan gave it a solid 7.5-8 score. 

Orange Chicken 

2 lbs Chicken Tenders 

1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 

1/3 cup coconut milk 

1/3 cup honey

2 T tomato paste 

3T toasted sesame oil 

1T minced garlic 

3/4 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt 

1/4 tsp black pepper

Chopped Scallions *optional* 

In a large mixing bowl combine orange juice, coconut milk, honey, tomato paste, sesame oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Begin cooking your chicken tenders in a pan on medium heat

When chicken tenders are mostly done, add sauce

simmer for 10 minutes 

add scallions and then enjoy

I added a mixed salad with balsamic vinegar to accompany my chicken. I do occasionally love a giant  bowl of the boring greens.

Bless the soul of my patient husband who is okay with healthy paleo food. It has helped me a lot. I haven't been getting sick after every meal. HAPPINESS. 

<3 

E & H 

You know Heidi and Evan = HEAVEN 

Girls Camp

I faithfully went to girls camp every year! Its my favorite time of the year. Me and the girls in my ward always had the BEST time. From Camp Piuta, Beaver Mountain, to Jackson, Wyoming it was always an adventure. There was no missing it. 

On Thursday I was asked to be the Girls Camp Director for our District. Girls camp is in just 4 1/2 weeks. Seems manageable to round up 30 girls and plan a 4 day excursion. This quickly changed to the Church Reorganizing 3 Districts and combining them into a Stake! So everything has to change very quickly. It's the ultimate crunch time. 

Our camp is during April, which is my first non-summer experience, but hopefully the weather will be in our favor and we will be able to frolic and play outside as usual. 

Luckily we are going to beautiful Frost Valley, New York! The YMCA will be doing all of the cooking and the certification! Life Saver to the nth degree. Regardless, there is still a lot to do. Back to the Grind.