100 Years of YW Camp Celebration

YW Camp Day One

As you read this about our epic Young Women's Camp experience this year, you may think I am bragging a little.  I cannot take credit for the wonderful experiences. But much credit is due to our excellent YW group of girls, YW leaders, and priesthood leaders.

How do you celebrate 100 years of YW Camp?  With a birthday party, of course.  What is the perfect place and time to have the birthday party?  How about up in the mountains of New Mexico.  Specifically, the scenic picnic area at the entrance of Carlsbad Caverns.  Do it just around sunset just before you walk down to the amphitheater to watch the bats emerge from the caverns.  

Hot pink cupcakes on elegant cut glass cake stands, tiger stripe napkins and fans,  and jeweled tiaras with treats.

Can you really take 15 YW and leaders 500 miles across Texas and New Mexico in one day, set up camp at Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, drive back to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico's Chihuahuan desert, eat dinner, celebrate the YW birthday with a party, and watch the bats emerge from the caverns all in one day?  If you are doing God's work for His precious daughters, yes you can.

YW Prez RB w/ friend BC and some YW.  BC did entire pizza dinner, birthday party, and even spiritual message for us.

Yep, our YW Prez RB has this amazing friend BC.  BC lives in New Mexico.  She actually drove quite a ways from her home near Hobbs to bring us pizzas, tissue paper flowers, happy birthday garland, hot pink frosted cupcakes on beautiful cut glass cake stands, tiger stripe napkins and paper fans, and even goodie bags with purple jeweled tiaras and candy for each girl.  What a wonderful example of friendship and love she was for us all.  She even gave a spiritual message at the end of our little celebration.

If I tried to drive down the street to my neighbor's house with a bunch of cupcakes, they'd all take turn upside down and look terrible by the time I made it there.  I really don't know how BC managed to pull this off.  Sheer talent I assume. I know our girls were really surprised and happy when they saw the food and decorations.

Is there any more picturesque setting for a YW Camp 100th Birthday Party?  I think not.

This diverse group of girls are beautiful inside and out.  I am so privileged to work with them.

I think hot pink, zebra stripes, blue sky, and desert vegetation accent each other quite nicely, don't you?

Even driving or riding 500 miles, setting up tents, and driving/riding another hour or so to Carlsbad couldn't dampen our spirits.  We had a wonderful time.  The YW leaders are wearing kiwi green shirts that have Arise and Shine Forth printed on the front.  Yes, the leaders decided to buy matching shirts in different colors, one color for each day.  Monday was green shirt day.  I love RB, BS, DS, CC, and DP.  Which one is me?  I'm wearing the cowboy hat, of course.

This six foot tall native Chihuahuan Desert plant called Ocotillo is visually stunning.  With the gnarled and rugged appearance, I think it would make a lovely focal point in an arid xeriscape garden.

Yep, it was a very long day.  The pizza and cupcakes were a welcome surprise for everyone. 

Every young woman is special.  Each has a divine nature.  The tiaras should remind them of how special they are.

FYI, look for more blog posts about our incredible YW Camp.  Day Two they took the Carlsbad Caverns tour.  Day Three they climbed Guadalupe Peak.  Day Four they moved camp to the Davis Mountains and toured McDonald Observatory.  Day Five they toured historic Fort Davis and swam in the San Solomon Springs pool at Balmorhea State Park.  I told you it might sound like I was bragging.  No, not at all.  To quote an old western movie line, "No brag, just fact."


Did your youth group have a summer camp this year?  What did you do?  Where did you go?  I'd love to hear all about it.