Camp Shalom - very beautiful, very peaceful, very cleanWhat worked: Crafts, Hidden Talent Show, YCL's teaching certification with poster visuals I made and laminated, Canoes, Confidence, encouraging girls to memorize a daily scripture pertaining to theme (reward given afterwards), Parent letters to girls (given after testimony mtg), Lunch/Activity by Relief Society, Makeover Time (lots of nail polish and head bands), Secret Sisters, Waterbottle holders (ribbon with o-ring sewn at ends - slips over waterbottles), Name tags above girls beds (Cami strung string through holes above shelves and name tags clipped with clothes pins, pockets for secret sister notes, help getting equipment up, set up and taken down with priesthood help, great support from ward YW leaders, Testimony talk and time with Bishopric, "All" the Stake Workshops were excellent.
What didn't work: Ugh! Don't like to think about that one but....overplanned with large amount of girls and fleeting time. First day count on late start to everything - maybe make journals before coming to camp, more journal/scripture time needed, don't wake up Laurels or leaders with Laugh Yoga, more pre-camp certification, oops - missed star observation - miscommunication, canopies not working and using duct tape with creativity, forgot snack box but girls survived, forgot to make special treats for priesthood 'guards', tooo exhausted for bedtime stories for girls (6-11pm sends me snoring :) More lanterns for night, Count on buses arriving late to camp on Saturday, more time for the girls to just hang out and PLAY!
All in all it was a fun first time camp experience for me. My favorite....the secret sister reveal (hugs all around) and testimony meeting! Although being ambushed by the girls for their parent letter was amazing - they really do care!
Ideas: I will post places where I found ideas and crafts off the internet another time.
I hope you have received some ideas...I look forward to seeing your ideas :)
Susan--Wow, great detail. Love the visuals. I tend to be an over scheduler, too, so I was paying close attention to what you have decided to do differently next year. Figuring out how much free time is enough but not too much for the girls is tricky--any opinions on that?
ReplyDeleteI was just re-reviewing all your great suggestions and tips! Thank you :) Is SUPER helpful for first-timers like myself!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was wondering if you could give me a little more information on your hidden talent show. Did you ask the girls before camp to be thinking of something. Was it more spur-of-the-moment? What kinds of talents did they share?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI can't see your response here. I'm wondering if maybe you replied to blogger on accident?
Thanks,
Ashley