Camp Ritchie

I was delighted to be asked to participate in Young Women's Camp this year.  Between YW Camp & Zion's Camp, I've attended 16 youth camps over the years & this was my 17th - ALL at Camp Ritchie!  That's right...our stake here in this area goes to the same camp that our kids attended all those years in San Jose!

I was assigned the "High Adventure" girls...these are the girls who recently graduated from High School but still want to participate in camp.  We let them design their "own" camp experience by choosing what "High Adventure" activities they wanted to do.  We stayed at my house the first three nights, then headed up to Camp Ritchie for the last two nights.  The girls designed a FABULOUS experience!

Here's how it went down...

Day One - Adventures in White Water Rafting

This really needs no explanations...it's just what we do around here!

Day Two - Adventures in San Francisco

We were surprised that we got the okay for this one & the girls were super excited.  We drove them to Pier 39 for lunch at Boudin's & walked around for a little bit, then we made a real "adventure" out of it!  

We made them navigate the public transit system with a map & had them figure out how to get us to China Town on the city bus!  Not very many people know how to use public transportation if you don't live in a big city & this is valuable experience if you plan on going on a mission as all of these girls do!  Of course, being in China Town is like being in a foreign city, so it just made sense to take our "adventures" there!

Day Three, Part 1 - Adventures in Ziplining

One of the families in our stake has a zipline on their property & allowed us to experience something new.  None of the girls had ever been on one...

Such beautiful girls in a beautiful place!

Trying to take a group shot with the self-timer...epic fail!

Day Three, Part 2 - Adventures in the Kitchen

Learning to cook can be an "adventure" so we gave the girls four different unusual salad recipes to shop for & to make.  Corn Salad, Tabbouleh, Nopalitos (cactus salad), & a Chinese Chicken Salad (something that I was sure they would eat since this was our lunch!)  They did a great job!  They were not a fan of the Corn Salad or the Tabbouleh, but the Nopalitos was a hit!

Day Three, Part 3 - Adventures in Wake Boarding

One of our local bishop's took us out on Folsom Lake for an evening wake boarding run.  We ate on the boat & watched the sunset.  Only three of the girls were interested in boarding, but we all had fun on the boat together.

...of course, we couldn't resist a little hot tub "adventure" when we got back!

Day Four - Adventures at Camp Ritchie

It was rather emotional for me when we drove into camp & got that first view of the Camp Ritchie sign with the lake behind it!  It has been 10 years since I'd been there.  I made everyone get out for a photo!  (I'm sure that surprises no one.)

Our theme for camp was Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"  I loved the Truffula Trees all over the lodge when we went inside - super cute!

I truly teared up to see the stain-glassed window that Zion's Camp donated to Camp Ritchie our last year as Camp Directors...& The Standard of Truth we put up is still hanging where we left it some 10 years ago...

We participated in a musical fireside that evening.  The older Youth Camp Leaders all sang songs from Jenny Phillip's new CD, "Stand In Holy Places."  We sang, "Daughters In His Kingdom."

I got to pitch my tent on the back side of the lodge.  I had a gorgeous view!

Day Five - Adventures with the Bishop

The last day of camp, all the bishops came out to spend the day with the girls.  I was particularly excited to see our bishop...I think he's pretty neat!  He rolled his eyes, but humored me, when I asked him to come take a picture with me at the Lone Tree Rock...it's tradition!  Every year I would make our kids take a picture on this very spot...

 

After lunch the entire camp was down at the lake for an afternoon of water games/competitions between the wards.  The guys were such good sports!

Paul was bummed that our ward did not win ANY of the events!  It was not his fault, but he felt bad for the girls nonetheless.  I loved this "fill the cup with water" using these super soakers.  The guys got drenched & the girls were so intense!

The girls had to build a raft using noodles & life jackets, then the bishops had to use the raft to swim out to the floating dock & back.  The girls took way too long designing the raft, but as Paul ran out to the end of the dock, the gang way collapsed & he fell onto the dock, quickly rolled, stood back up, & kept running all in one smooth motion.  I could tell he was okay, but it startled me so that I stopped taking pictures.  His raft fell apart the minute he hit the water, but he collected all the parts & finished the event like a trooper!  The girls thought it was great!

That evening the girls honored their bishops at dinner with a "fancy hat" & a song.  Paul does not like hats.  I make him wear one out in the sun but he is not comfortable in them & he pretty much hates them.  But he wore this hat proudly & the girls loved him for it...

He is the Man

(Remix of I've Got a Dream from Tangled)

You're kindhearted, caring always

You show us in the small ways

And Jenny says your pecks are quite the strongest

But despite your manly look

When you teach the holy book

You'll always be our loving, caring bishop

Every Sunday you greet us with a handshake

Sitting on the stand so full of glee

You give us of your time

Though you never see a dime

Thank you, for the rafting rides for free

You are the man (He is the man)

You are the man (He is the man)

Have you ever seen a bishop that's so tan?

You help strengthen testimonies

So we know you're not a phony

We're glad to have you here

Cause you're the man!

As if that didn't thrill the girls...the bishops' Men In Black skit was over the top!  This type of thing is way out of Paul's comfort zone - he doesn't like to sing or perform or draw attention to himself or be in the spotlight - but he practiced his part & really hammed it up with his sweet moves!  I was so proud of him & the girls were all having so much fun to see their bishop's "let their hair down."  They danced around & each took a turn in small groups to "rap" their message to the girls - it was hysterical & the girls went wild!  Paul's verse is written below...

MIB

When you're down or in despair

We remind you to say your prayers,

Obey your parents -- Ma & Pa

Buckle up....it's the law.

Follow the prophet, stand for truth

Never volunteer for no kissing booth

Follow the standards in these books

Remember after dinner to THANK THOSE COOKS!

Got so much ahead of you--

The places you'll go & the things you'll do

We'll help ya out along the way

And guide you back if you ever do stray

...So don't fear us, cheer us

If you ever do hear us, don't jeer us, we're the fearless

M.I.B.'s, got you back

What's that stand for? Men In Black (Uhh M)

After dinner, the bishops got to meet with their own girls for a special fireside chat.  He gave a great little presentation on how these girls are the 8th Wonder of the World, destined for great things.  I hope they were able to feel how much he loves them, because he truly does love them!  

Camp Ritchie is a holy place where the Spirit of the Lord is felt & shared.  I am grateful that all of our children experienced this great place...these girls are lucky to be able to enjoy it, too.