Friday, August 30, 2013

Disney Places YW's Camp 2013

The Happiest Place on Earth- YW Camp!!!
YW Camp 2013
Scripture theme:  "Stand in Holy Places"
sub-theme:  Disney Places

**see my pinterest board for ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/cargut/stand-in-holy-places-girls-camp-ideas/

6th yr YCLs assigned each ward a Disney Character/Place:
Tangled- Tower, Aladdin- Agraba, Princess and the Frog- New Orleans, Ariel-Sea, Alice in Wonderland, Hercules (Stake)

CAMP SLIDESHOW: http://youtu.be/ynblgL6W8TU

Monday: Stake and YCLs arrive at Camp
Set up Camp!  

  • Ward cabins need all schedules and goodies
  • hang YW value banners, wire stage for sound
  • Kitchen stocked, craft cabin set up, Personal Progress tent set up
  • YCL devotional- unity and teamwork (game)
    • YCL surprise gift- large chalkboard that the girls each take a turn sitting in front of.  Everyone writes something nice around their head.  Take a pic. and frame it for them.  Give to them the last night of camp!

Tuesday: Welcome Campers!

  • Camp Orientation- Welcome skit, rules, fun!
  • Camp Certification after lunch
  • Free time 2-3:30
  • 4PM Disney Obstacle Course  (Tangled's hair, Snow White bobbing for apples, Cinderella's lost shoe game, etc.)
  • 7PM Devotional  "Stand in Holy Places...Wherever they may be"
  • 6th yr YCLs surprise 1st yr treat (donuts and hot coccoa in the Kitchen! play Cup game)
  • YCLs made paper crowns for the campers! (see pinterest board)

Wednesday: Hike and Skit Day
Stake's Skit was Awesome: http://youtu.be/ynblgL6W8TU

Thursday: Temple Spiritual Devotional
Airplane Activity leading to the Temple Devotional

  • We had balloons in each cabin with a wedding invite/plane ticket attached inviting the girls to come take a "Flight" with us. (see pinterest temple invite)
  • We had flight attendants welcome the girls into the Mess hall.  The benches were set up like an airplane. Lights down the center for "aisle".  The flight attendants gave peanuts and pretzels out.  They talked to the girls about all the destinations and places you can go in life.  
  • Pretend plane wreck.  We escorted girls outside and they weren't allowed any light.  They had to walk along a path without saying anything, being led by a leader.  
  • When they got to the camp gravel road, they were given alittle bit of light in a lantern.  They sang a reverent song on their way back to campfire.  The stage was all lit up with lights and pictures of temples all over.  The leaders all loaned us their own wedding pics too.  IT was beautiful!
  • Devotional on " I will go!  I will do!"  Airplane analogies- Uchtdorf, even if you get off the path just a degree, it can send you in a drastically different direction than you planned on.  Nephi had the courage to stay on the path of the Lord and he did it by saying, "I will go.  I will do."
  • We gave each girl a necklace that said, "I Do".  We expressed to them our love of "Doing" the gospel and what's right.  We asked them to commit to "doing the right" and Standing in Holy Places! 
  • Oriental Trading Co.  "I Do"  charm 
  • http://www.orientaltrading.com/silvertone-i-do-charms-a2-68_46119.fltr


Friday: Bishops Night and Testimonies
Stake Presidency came and spoke to the YW for a devotional.
Bishops came and shared a devotional with their girls after dinner.
We presented the pictures of compliments to the YCLs (see Monday's activity) and then we ended with a camp slideshow and testimonies!

Saturday:  Clean-up and Go Home

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Camp Bible


Camp Bible
Each girl & leader receives 1 Camp Bible on the first day of camp.
A ribbon is attached (hole punched in the corner), so they can wear it around their neck all week long.
That's right!  No losing it!  No saying they didn't know when or what was going on!  ;)

It includes:

  • Camp Rules
  • YW Theme & Camp Scripture Theme
  • Leader & YCL names
  • Cabin Assgts
  • Chore Assgts chart
  • KP Duty Assgts chart
  • Cleaning Instructions
  • Song & words (30 pages) https://sites.google.com/site/greatgirlscampsongs/
  • Table of Contents  (so songs can be found easily)
  • this yr we are adding "My Thoughts" page to go with the assigned daily scripture.
A member of our stake owns a print shop, so our cost per book is low.
We feel this is worth the cost!  

Monday, January 28, 2013

Camp Specialists' Responsibilities


Stake Camp Director:
Submit names for the Stake Leadership.
Organize the camp schedule.
Plan monthly meetings for the Ward Camp Directors & Stake Camp Leaders.
Organize a Camp Kickoff (April)
Organize a Camp Certification Day (May) with the help of the Nurse & Certification Leader.

Assistant Camp Directors:
Coordinate Registration.
Meet with the YCLs and their Leaders.
Email meeting notes.
Help plan Camp Activities and Devotionals.

Certification Leader:
Assists the Nurse in organizing the Certification Day (May) prior to camp.
Keep records of all the girls and their requirements.
Notifies Leaders of any certification missing.
Assigns YCLs to help teach the certification requirements at camp (Thurs.)
Organizes the certification at camp on Tues. afternoon and Thursday.
Fills out the Certificates and hands them out at camp on Friday afternoon.
Assist Hike Coordinator- keep track of girls, drivers, leaders.

Head Cook:
Budget $3500
Find 4 Kitchen helpers to stay for the week OR 4 helpers for the first half of the week and 4 more for the last half of the week.
Plans meals for camp and gets approval from camp director.
Buys and stores food prior to camp (use school freezers).
Transports food and equipment to camp…need to find extra help!
Everyone helping prepare food in kitchen must have a Food Handlers Card.
No food can be prepared at home…only at camp!
Provides meals for campers Monday-Saturday.
Needs a list of food allergies and restrictions from the nurse.

Nurse:
Must be licensed.
Must get physician approval to work under their supervision.
Must stay in camp at all times.
Organize the Certification Day (May) prior to camp-  “First Aide” requirements (with Certification Leader’s help)
Before camp- Girl’s Food Allergies info. to Cook.
Make sure you have records of all the campers on file!
Organize and Supervise the Mile Swim at camp.
Visitors will “sign in” with you.
 Mt. McLoughlin hikers will report in with you upon camp arrival.

Crafts:
Plan crafts for Tues-Fri.
Prep work prior to camp.
Help with crafts throughout camp Free Time.

11 year old Day Camp Advisor:
Organize Thurs. at camp for the 11 yr olds to visit camp.
Make sure wards have info. for the girls and parents.
Confirm that there are rides arranged.
Collect forms from Ward Camp Directors and provide Stake Camp Director with a total of girls.

Hike Coordinator:
Organize a 3 mile, 5 mile, and Mt. McLoughlin hike.
Find leaders for hikes.
Organize the girls- ALL GIRLS MUST HIKE!
Backpack Inspection for all Mt. McL Hikers.
Obtain a parking permit day before.
Mark the trails for the hikes.
Check the walkie talkies- buy batteries!

Personal Progress Tent: (Stake YW Presidency)
Plan daily incentives and fun activities for the girls Tues-Fri.
Bring a canopy, table, chairs, supplies.
At camp- make announcements for the girls to come, stop by!
File all the paperwork throughout the week and give to the YW Pres. after camp.

Lifeguards:
Must have current certification.
Mile Swim- coordinate canoes and drivers for swimmers.

4th yr. High Adventure Leader:
Needs to be a married couple.
Organizes a few meetings with the 4th years.
4th yrs need to help organize a camp hike/overnighter the first day of camp.
Backpack inspection.
Help the 4th yrs plan their food for the overnighter.

Music Leader:
Teach songs to YCLs.
Organize special musical numbers for each day at camp.
Lead the girls in the Camp Song.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

"Wizard of Oz" Camp Theme

"WIZARD OF OZ"
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

We camp in wards (1st- 4th years).
5th yr YCLs camp together....6th yr YCLs are together.
Each ward was given a theme:
Munchkins, Glenda, Wizard, Lion, Scarecrow, Lollipop Guild, Lullaby League, Dorothy, TinMan


1st Day of Camp-
Campers' Arrive!!
We decorated the entrance with this rainbow balloon arch.
Our first supporting theme was "Somewhere over the Rainbow".
 The Rainbow of YW Value Colors was our focus.


Posted by Picasa
Girls and Leaders had to "Check-in" at the YCL table.


 First day "Opening Ceremony"...the YCLs led the group in camp song singing!!
We made a "Camp Bible" (the red book they are all holding) and gave it to all the campers.  It has a hole in the corner, with a ribbon, so the girls can wear it around their necks at all times.
It includes:  Camp Songs, Camp Rules, Camp Agenda, Camp Chore Chart.
We will definitely provide this item again!


  This was us, the Stake Camp Directors & Stake YW President.  We did a skit to "Dancing Queen" but with words "Camping Queen" that we found online.  It was a highlight for the girls!  They loved watching us get up on stage and be silly.
  Camp Opening Ceremony included: singing, Introducing the YCLs, Stake Leaders. You can introduce the leaders by saying, "1st years, 2nd yrs, 3rd yrs, OH MY!"  "Craft, Kitchen, Nurse, OH MY"...  We went over Camp Rules & Emergency plan.   We went over the agenda for the day (showed them where to find it in their "Camp Bible").  
It was time for lunch (they bring a sack lunch with them on the first day) and then we handed out t-shirts.  Each Camp Year had a different color.  Stake was Green for "Emerald City".  Camp Picture time!!

T
 -After pictures & lunch, we allow the girls to have "Free Time".
On the first day of camp they can do the following...
-Take their Swim Test.  Archery, Swimming, Crafts, or Personal Progress Tent. (Picture below shows girls relaxing under the ramada.)
 Tues. Night's Evening Program-
(No pictures, unfortunately)
We celebrated 100th year of Camp, by starting out with a service project of clearing the camp grounds of branches and wood.
Then we had a birthday celebration!
We moved the balloon arch from the front entrance to the stage.
We used all the value colors and did a devotional on the "Rainbow of Colors" and how girls all around the world were living these same standards!
We provided each cabin with a birthday invitation to come to devotional that night and tied it to a helium balloon.  That night, we had the girls write down their testimonies and then we tied them to some "Glo balloons" (LED balloons that light up) and we let them go in the nighttime sky at the end of our devotional.  We used only 10 balloons (rather than the 100 we had originally thought of) we were afraid of them getting stuck in the trees etc.  It was so cool!!!  Wish I had a picture.  :(  Then we celebrated with birthday cake for dessert!

Day 2:  Courage (Hike Day)
-Our hikes begin at waking up 5a.m.'til about 3pm....sometimes even 5pm!
-Free Time (for the 1st and 2nd year girls that are back from their hike.)

Evening Devotional:  "The Yellow Brick Road"..."There's No Place Like Heavenly Home".
We began our evening with everyone meeting at the "stage".
The stage was decorated in black/white..."Welcome to Kansas" sign.
Dramatization of Dorothy not wanting to be home and feeling sad, lonely.
The witch comes and makes fun of her and scares her even more.
Then, we had a "mock tornado"  where we turned out the lights and had the YCLs spinning around the girls with streamers to look like wind.  The light came on and Glenda tells the girls that there's a way to get home, but they must follow the yellow brick road.  
Our Yellow Brick road was yellow bags with battery operated candles inside.
The YCLs all lead different groups off to various campfires spread around camp.
Each camp fire had a different "visitor".
We asked 3 women to dress up as their character and share a short, spiritual message.
Lion- "Courage to live the gospel!"
Scarecrow- "Knowledge...scripture study is so important to help us connect with God."
Tinman- "To love others and YOURSELF"
 After the  3 Characters, we had the girls make their way back to the Stage...They found it lit up with lights and COLOR!  The rainbow was awesome :)  We used plastic tablecloths and put a light underneath.  We hung up the sign from the first day of camp that said, "There's no place like camp  HOME"!

 The last message of the evening was Dorothy sharing her thoughts:
Along the way, she found some friends.  They were each imperfect, but each was willing to help the other reach their goal!  They strengthened one another and were there for eachother.
We all need to make it back home, but we need to help others on their way as well.
She testified of a Heavenly Home, that was proud of us and the journey we are on...Christ knew we'd make mistakes and stumble and provided a way for us to make it HOME!

Day 3:  Knowledge (Certification Day & 11 yr. old Day Camp)

-Morning Scripture Study, divided up into camp year.
-11 yr olds are invited to come up for the day and take part in a "Nature Hike", learn camp rules, participate in games, taught by the 5th yr. YCLs. They eat lunch with us and then spend Free Time with the girls at camp.  This is so much fun for the 5th yr YCLs to connect with next year's 1st years!!  It's alot of fun and really helps the in-coming 1st year girls. :)
-During this time is...Late morning, Certification!!  The girls rotate for 2  hours, completing their requirements.
-After Lunch: YCLs planned a gospel Jeopardy game for the camp!  I think they handed out "Smarties" and "Dumdums" for funny prizes ;)
Free Time...(Archery, PP Tent, Crafts, Swimming)

Evening Program:  SKITS :)  Lip Syncs 
Each ward had a fun theme.
The Lion ward did a lip sync to "The Lion King"...and so on.
Stake was "Emerald City"/Wizards, so we did a remake of the The Prince of BelAir song to fit our theme and dressed as rappers. :)  Let's just say, we proved we weren't much of rappers!
We handed out awards at the end:
The skit with the most "Courage". The "Wickedest". The "Cutest Munchkins" The Wisest...The Skit with the Most Heart! etc.

Day 4:  LOVE (Service & Bishops' Devotionals & Testimonies)
-Morning Scripture Study.
-5th yr. YCLs plan a Humanitarian Aide project for the camp and devotional.
 Last year we made 100 pillows for the elderly in our area.
-Lunch & Free Time

Afternoon Devotional:  The Stake YW President spoke on how showing love, one brick at a time, helps build strong relationships and strong self esteem.  She shared "bricks" of love that she witnessed at camp over the week.
**We gave each girl a yellow brick to take home.  (It had a red sparkly ribbon, an animal printed ribbon, a straw ribbon, and a silver ribbon with a message that included our camp scripture and what each character represented at camp.)**

Stake President came and spoke on "LOVING OURSELF" and even when we make mistakes, which will happen, we need to repent and then forgive ourself.  It was wonderful for us leaders, as well!

Evening Devotional:  We invited all the bishops to come to camp with a short spiritual message to share with their ward girls.  They ate dinner with us.  After their devotionals we met at the stage for our Camp Testimony Meeting.  Our Stake President loved this part of camp and said that he hopes we do this every year!!

Day 5:  "There's NO Place Like Home"
The hung the sign back at the entrance as a "Goodbye" from camp.
Our last day is strictly clean up, breakfast, and a few awards, Secret Sister reveals.


Extra Ideas:
- Buy a roll of yellow plastic tablecloth at a party store and run that all the way through camp!  We couldn't find this in our area :( but had hoped to.
- Personal Progress Tent is a great activity!!  Decorate it, provide fun snacks, and entice the girls with some sort of award.  We used different charms that the girls could earn each time they came and started on a project.  They didn't have to completely finish them (since many are read scriptures, write in journal, then do the activity for 2 weeks, etc.)  It's been a great thing to have at camp!
-Camp Song:  "Be Strong With Me" by Jenny Phillips.  Our girls really loved this song!
-Camp Kickoff- we made cute cupcakes with witch legs sticking out the top.  (look on pinterest)
-For Stake Cabin- we had a sign on the outside of our door that said, "Doorbell out of Order, please knock".
-We have "Clean Cabin" checks, and the award for the cleanest cabin of the day was a pair of witch legs that you put under the cabin, that stick out.  Looks like the cabin landed on the Wicked Witch!
-We had DingDongs for dessert one night "Ding Dong, the witch is dead".

We love dressing up to the daily themes!!!
 Cute Cabin decorations!!  This was the "Lollypop Guild" ward.

2012 Camp Schedule


Monday, July 23rd
12:00 pm    Stake Leaders, YCLs, & 4th years meet @ Stake Center.

2:00pm       4th years- High Adventure
                 Meet @ Flagpole- Meeting for camp set-up assignments
                YCLs and Stake Leaders take swim tests today

4:00pm      Fun & Games with YCLs!!  

6:00pm      Dinner & Meeting

7:30pm      Campfire singing & Devotional...More Fun & Games with YCLs!

Tuesday, July 24th 
Daily Theme:            RAINBOW & 100 years Celebration!!
7:30am                    Flagpole: Flag
                                  Breakfast (Stake Leaders & YCLs)
9:00am                    Camp Arrival
10:00am                  YCLs hand out T-shirts
                                2nd years meet @ Flagpole for Flag Etiquette
10:30am                  Pickup 4th years from Trail head
11:00am                  Stage:  Camp Orientation (Welcome, Rules, Theme, Camp pics)
11:45am                  Lunch (campers brought their own lunch)
12:00pm                  Flagpole:  Certification                          
1:00pm                    Flagpole:  5th yrs lead “Get to Know You” game.
1:30pm                    Pictures by level out on dock.
2:00-4:00pm           Free Time (Crafts, Swim, Personal Progress Tent, Archery, Ping Pong, Swim Tests)
4:15pm                   Chores
                                Flagpole: Leader Meeting
5:00pm                    Flagpole: Flag (Merlin)  & Awards
5:30pm                    Stage: Dinner & KP Duty- Cabin#16
Mt. McLoughlin hikers- Backpack Check!  Make hike lunch! 
7:00pm                    Cabin Home Evening- 1st year YCLs
7:45pm                    Stage: Evening Devotional- bring Journal & Scriptures
10:30pm                  All Campers to cabins- don’t forget PJS  (Prayer, Journal, Scriptures).
Wednesday, July 25th
Daily Theme:                          COURAGE
5:15am                                  Mt. McLoughlin hikers- Get up!
6:15am                                  Mt. McLoughlin hikers- meet in parking lot to leave for trailhead.
7:00am                                  Flagpole: Flag (BH)
7:30am                                  Stage: Breakfast & KP - Cabin #13
8:30am                                  5 milers meet in parking lot- 2nd yrs
9:30am                                  3 milers meet in parking lot -1st yrs
                                            Non-hikers meet at flagpole for chore assignments!
12:00                                     Lunch & Clean-up (all non-hikers please help!)
1:00pm                                  Flagpole: Certification Verification
2:00pm                                  Stage:  Devotional
3:00-5:00pm                          Free Time (Crafts, Swim, Personal Progress Tent, Archery, Ping Pong)
5:00pm                                 Scripture Study & Chores
5:15pm                                 Leader Meeting @ Flagpole
6:00pm                                  Flagpole:  Flag (MC)
6:30pm                                  Stage: Dinner & KP- Cabin #8
7:30pm                                  Cabin Home Evening -Cabin Leaders
8:00pm                                  Stage: Campfire Program
10:30pm                                All Campers to cabins- don’t forget PJS (Prayer, Journal, Scriptures).
Thursday, July 26th
Daily Theme:           KNOWLEDGE
7:30am                    Flagpole:  Flag (CJ & RW)
8:00am                    Stage: Breakfast & KP- Cabin #3
9:00am                    Stage:  Scripture Study (Bring journals &  script.)
                                11 y/o girls arrive (5th year YCLs)
9:30am                    Flagpole:  Certification
                                   4th years take 11 year olds on a hike /tour.
11:00am                  4th years meet@ Flagpole- Certification
                                 5th year YCLs teach the 11 y/o girls camp songs
12:00pm                  Stage:  Lunch  & KP- Cabin # 1 & 4
1:00pm                    Stage:  6th year YCLs Knowledge GAME S
2:00-4:30pm           Free Time (Crafts, Swim, Personal Progress Tent, Archery, Rockwall, Ping Pong)
4:30pm                    Flagpole: 11 y/o girls leave for home
                                Chores (see chart
                              YCLs- prepare camp fires for hobo dinners
5:00pm                    Flagpole:  Flag (BH) & KP- Cabin #14
5:30pm                    Stage: All Campers prepare foil dinners
6:00pm                    Cook meals in firepits.
7:30pm                    Cabin Home Evening- 2nd year YCLs
8:00pm                    Stage:  SKITS  & Hiking Awards10:30pm               
   All Campers to cabins- don’t forget PJS   (Prayer, Journal, Scriptures).
Friday, July 27th
Daily Theme:      LOVE
6:00am                 Wake up Swimmers
6:15am                 Swimmers meet at Wizards’ Cabin.Drivers & Canoes  needed.
6:45am                 Dock:  All of Camp to the dock to cheer!
7:30am                 Flagpole:  Flag (BH)
8:00am                 Stage: Breakfast  & KP- Cabin #5
9:00am                 Stage:  Service Project- 1st  year YCLs
11:00am               Chores (see chart)
12:00pm               Stage:  Lunch &  KP- Cabin #15
1:00-3:00pm       Free Time (Crafts, Swim, Personal Progress, Archery, Ping Pong)
3:15pm               Deck of Mess Hall:  Leader Meeting
                           Scriptures & Chores
4:00pm                 Flagpole:  Devotional  (Bring your journal & scriptures)
                            YCLs help Craft Ladies clean & load up!
5:00pm                 Flagpole: Flag (RS/BH)
5:30pm                 Stage: Dinner & KP- Cabin #2
6:30pm                 Bishop Devotional for CHE
7:00-9:30pm           Stage: Testimonies
9:30pm                 All Campers to cabins- don’t forget PJS
 Saturday, July 28th
7:00am                 Clean Cabins, have Caretakers Inspection
   **see page 10 for schedule**
9:00am                Stage:  Breakfast & Secret Sister Reveal
9:30am               Camp Chores
11:00am               Go home  (Check-in with Stake Camp Directors first!!)
Sat. Camp Chores:
Bathrooms & Latrines- Cabin # 5 & 8
Leader Showers- Cabin # 3 & 14
Kitchen- Cabin # 4
Trash Cans, Every Cabin’s Trash brought to main road, Collect Trash from barrels and take to dumpsters, Pick up trash on ground - Cabin # 16
Priesthood Cabin- Cabin # 13
Assist Stake Leaders - 1st & 2nd year YCL’s
Personal Progress Tent – Cabin # 15
**Do NOT leave camp until all these chores have been completed by everyone!!**