As someone who is not overly fond of hiking and the outdoors in general, I always attended Girls’ Camp at the orders of my mother. She had made me a deal that if I went for the four years to pass of everything, that I would not have to go again. I went my four years, and I haven’t been since. I really have not been camping since either. But I plan on having my daughters attend Girls’ Camp when it is time.
Girls’ Camp gives the young women a chance to develop closer friendships, which can help them as they deal with peer pressure at school. It gives the girls a chance to develop closer relationships with their leaders as well. This can be beneficial if your daughter is struggling with something, and is not comfortable talking to you about it—a good young women’s leader is a great place for her to turn.
It is also a wonderful way to give your daughter a bit of a break from the family. I know that when I was a teenager there were times in the summer when I just wanted some time that I could spend on my own without my family all around me all the time. You do not get much alone time when there are six kids in your family. Girls’ camp was a good break, and by the time it was time to leave I missed my family and wanted to see them all again.
Girls’ Camp also provides several really spiritual experiences every year. The testimony meeting on the last night is a wonderful experience. Girls, who are normally very quiet, will stand up and bear their testimonies. It is a chance for each girl to truly feel the spirit and learn to recognize it. The week of roughing it and time spent together really make the experience a special one.
Hopefully we can all look back at some positive experiences from camp. If your daughter is shy or reluctant to go the first year, you may need to make a deal with her so she will go. It is truly a wonderful experience.
Related Articles:
Young Men and Young Women: Summer Activities
EFY and Other Fun LDS Camps