During the summer, the young women in our church go to a week long camp. A little preparation can make it fabulous for everyone involved, including the adults. So I'm gong to share my Tips for Thriving at Girl's Camp!
Young Women Camp or Girls Camp is such a wonderful experience. It's a place for the YW to take a break from many of the pressures of the world, enjoy nature and work on their relationship with their Heavenly Father and the other YW around them.
Tips for Thriving at Girls Camp as an adult leader
I have gone to YW camp several times as an adult leader. I have learned a few things that I would have liked to know before going so now I'm passing it on to you!
1. Prepare to be very active and walk a lot!
Even though Girls Camp is awesome, I'm not going to lie and say that it's easy. But nothing worth doing is ever easy, is it? It's a ton of work- and that doesn't even take into consideration the crazy amounts of work the leaders do to plan and carry out camp. There is tons of walking, hiking, and other physical activities. I strongly suggest going for walks and/or working out at home in the weeks leading up to camp, to be in shape and prepared for the amount of physical activity.
2. Be well rested before camp
I think it's universal at girls camp everywhere that there is A LOT of walking and activities, no rest time and very little sleep happening in a cabin full of teenage girls! The more rested you are before you go, the easier time you will have surviving on so little sleep!
3. Be Organized
No matter where girls camp is held another universal truth is that it's chaotic and messy. There are many girls and lots of stuff packed into cabins or tents (like when I was a YW) With so many people in a tight quarters and little storage space, items get misplaced, dirty, etc.
4. Pack well
Helpful items at camp
ear buds, back pack with padded shoulder straps, quick dry towel, battery operated fan, hanging travel mirror, closed toe sandals, cell phone battery charger
over the door hooks, or these my friend took to camp, thin (quick dry) clothing, sheet set and pillow, bug bracelet, pop up laundry basket, spray powder, crystal light energy, handouts for devotionals and day groups
Items I wish I'd taken to camp
activities to do in the cabins such as: nail polish, face masks, floss to make bracelets, games, cardstock, tape and markers, shower caddy, several flash lights (I lost mine the first day), night light, trash bags, clorox wipes, medicine- such as pepto, ibuprofen, tylenol, tums and (tmi) a stool softener, quick dry wash cloth, baggies, trash bags, air freshener, gloves for hand protections while cleaning, metal water bottle- I dropped and broke my plastic one, eye mask- to sleep when the lights are left on
Girl's Camp is such a beautiful time to escape the normal every day pressures, feel the spirit, to bond with the young women and other adult leaders and see everyone grow their testimonies. If you ever have a chance to go as an adult, you SHOULD!!
