It came. It changed. It was awesome!
After about 6 months worth of planning, we had to make some changes. I got a call from our camp Tuesday morning (a day and a half) before our time to arrive and set up camp. They wanted to go over check-in procedures with me. And let me know that having food outside wasn't a good idea because there are two bears on the loose that won't leave camp. "Wait, did you say BEARS?" Yes, she said BEARS. Now normally, I wouldn't be bothered by what wild animals are in the wild. However, the park we were camping at is small, in town (for the most part) and the camp didn't have indoor eating abilities. We HAD to eat outside. How was I going to feed 71 young women outside with BEARS on the loose.
Tuesday night, I was trying to pick up our thank you gifts for all our leaders. Had been working with a friend since March to get some awesome candles made. That way, it would be a gift to use and get rid of. No need to make a place to hold on to it for long. Upon contacting my friend, I found out she just didn't make them. So out I ran to grab jars, sugar, oil, etc. to make my own gifts of gratitude. After working until 2:30, we had 32 jars of sugar scrub for the sweet volunteers of camp.
Wednesday morning, the day of camp, I got a phone call from our camp nurse. She was very concerned. Due to the fires so close here in northeast Florida, there has been an unhealthy amount of smoke in the air. She let me know the hazards of breathing it in and how it could turn our good time into a terrible time, quickly. So considering the bears and the smoke, I made a call to our priesthood to make sure I was doing what was best for the beautiful young women of our stake. After talking with him, he seemed to think it would all be fine. About 2 hours later, I got a different call. It was now between me, my 2 assistant camp directors and the stake YW president to decide if we wanted to continue or cancel camp. CANCEL CAMP?? I could not imagine canceling camp and disappointing all the young women. But I also couldn't risk their health. I spoke to my assistant directors and they agreed, we needed a new plan. By 3pm, we had a new plan. We were going to take our camp experience to a ward building and spend the night at the Holiday Inn. I know, most say "that's not camping." But our girls had finished most of their certifications before camp. I thought of what a dear friend said this time last year, "when did Girls Camp become more about the camping less about the girl?" So we pumped up our plan, re-worked our entire schedule and made some delicious lemonade with all the lemons that were thrown at us. I must say, I don't believe for a second our girls missed out on any sacred experiences that camp brings. We had a great time, we laughed, we learned, we played, we shared the spirit and we went home with everything we needed. We had extra activities to make up for lost daytime swimming. At the hotel, we got permission to stay in the pool an extra hour, we had a Hawaiian shaved ice truck come and serve us (thanks to my sister Cassie) and we enjoyed every second. Most importantly, everyone was safe!
I felt so blessed. In a moment's notice, our plans had to change and the Lord provided a way. I suppose if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. Even though we weren't exactly prepared for all that was coming our way, it gave us the opportunity to think clearly of what needed to change and take action. It was short. It was great. The spirit was there. We had everything we needed.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this year such a success. I couldn't have done any of it without you!
Now, in 3.5 weeks, I have a future camper coming. I have a lot to do to get ready for her arrival.
