When girls camps throughout the church were cancelled Katie's girls were pretty bummed. It was going to be the only year when Grace, Sid, and Miriel would all be at girls camp together. My mom came up with an idea of doing our own girls camp. We decided that all of the girls would be invited, not just those turning twelve or older. Katie, Charlie and Kasey and their families would all be visiting and over lapping in July. We set a date talked about what kind of girls camp would be best. It wouldn't be as easy to rough it seeing as it was hard for those flying in to pack all that was needed. We wanted it to be close to Heber if anyone needed to come and go but not too close so we felt like we went away. We wanted to have close access for outdoor activities but also not be too far from civilization. We looked all around and just couldn't find the right location and place. One day I prayed that we could find a place to fit all of our needs. I got online and started looking and found the perfect place in Kamas. It completely fit everything we wanted. It was on the west side of Kamas close to Park City. We got it booked and then started planning what kinds of activities we wanted to include, meals, t-shirts designs, and a theme. We had a list of theme ideas and then we voted and chose our theme to be Go and Do. Then any niece who wanted to was invited to create a t-shirt design. There were so many awesome designs. We voted on our favorite and that was the design that went on the front of the shirt. Then we had the others on the back.
Ali was a great camp director and had a schedule that gave us fun things to do each day but also included plenty of down time. Katie and my mom planned a yummy menu and everyone took turns volunteering at each meal. Betsy arranged secret sisters. The first day we did an act of service. The second day we gave them a gift. The last day we wrote them a note. I organized the painting activity on Friday afternoon.
We all arrived Thursday afternoon. We assigned our rooms, had a welcome devotional, wrote in our camp journals and got our shirts. Then we had a delicious dinner of lemon chicken, baked potatoes and salad.
There was free time every night after dinner so the kids all went swimming. The town home had a clubhouse with a pool and hot tub.
The condo had a hot tub too so the girls went from the clubhouse to the hot tub.
The next morning I got up early and ran all around exploring different trails and roads. I ran south on a trail and had this great view of Jordanelle.
After breakfast we had our morning devotional and then everyone prepared sack lunches. Then we drove to Mirror Lake and had lunch. It was a little chilly there. Then we walked on the path around the lake. It was the perfect "hike" for our group.
I had little jackets for Sienna and Lynnlee but left them at the town home without even thinking we would need them up in the mountains. I had a bag of clothes from Drew for my boys and so we found a long sleeve goalie jersey and hoodie for Lydia and Lynnlee to wear.
I loved how they all turned out! The awesome part is that each canvas cost $1.50. The acrylic paint is about $1 per bottle and we only needed a few bottles. The brushes are about $7 for a variety pack and I got two packs. So the whole activity was under $40. That's pretty great for twelve people.
That night we had navajo tacos and then pool time.
That night we watched Once I Was a Beehive. Personally, I really like the movie. I think it's funny but also so true to girl's camp and although a little extreme at times, it is very entertaining. Lynnlee got really teared up when Phoebe lost her dog. Lynnlee really likes Charlie's dog Rex and bonded with him this summer. She has asked for a dog and I really saw how much she really loves dogs. I put these pictures side by side because after seeing Lynnlee so emotional and also seeing how lonely of a summer it was I started thinking more about how good a dog would be for her. Do you see the similarities?
Ali brought her S more's maker. Yum!!! It was like a slow cooker for marshmallows in that the middle was melted by the time the outside was toasty brown. Sometimes in a campfire the outside gets toasty before the middle even is warm. Not the case with this, it made them perfect.
Saturday morning was a lazy morning. I was so grateful for Sid and Ali for doing everyone's hair. I am not fast or great at french braiding. I appreciated Sid's talent for whipping out two french braides in Sienna's or Lynnlee's hair.
While Sid did hair some of us played games.
Then we went shopping to the Outlets in Park City. We broke into smaller groups. I shopped with Lynnlee, Lydia, and Sienna. I remember when I was younger and my mom would let me walk around University Mall with a friend. I loved the independence and looking around at the stores that interested me. Same with these girls. They loved Claire's and Justice.
We had a late lunch at Zupas.
When we got back Ali put on a scavenger hunt. They had to go all over the town home and even to the club house. It was pretty epic. That night we had swimming at the pool, hot tub time and then we watched Miss Congeniality.
Sunday morning we packed up early and headed home. We had to get back for our ward's once a month sacrament meeting. We ate together and then were on our way. It is always sad when something comes to an end that you've been looking forward to. We made some great memories!
