Maddy and I just got back from Girl's Camp! We left early Wednesday morning, and we drove to Camp Firewalker. Let's just say that they pushed us to our limits this year. We got through all sorts of biting bugs, flooding in our tents from rain, and facing our fears.
Our first day consisted of a high cat-walk, a ropes course, and the "Leap of Faith." All of which were up SUPER high in the trees and very scary. I wasn't planning on doing any of it, but I did it all.... I was scared to death! My fear of heights got in the way, and I was terrified!! At least I can say I tried it all- Maddy didn't try any of it. Also, we were introduced to the bugs of Camp Firewalker; horse flies, mosquitoes, and red ants. Flies were biting our ankles every minute, ants were in our beds, and mosquitoes were blood thirsty. The entire time, Maddy was complaining about the bugs, and we were all DONE with them by the end of our first day!
The second day, we hiked up to a mountain ridge that was about 120 feet tall! When we reached the ridge, there was rock climbing and rappelling. I rappelled (unwillingly) down the mountain! It was the craziest thing I have ever done, and I had to belay myself. Maddy tried to rock climb, and avoided the rappelling all together.
Then, the third and final day, we survived the biggest thunder storm we all have ever seen. The rain started coming down at about 1:30pm, and it ended close to 5:00pm. It was pouring to the point of flooding our tents and getting our belongings muddy and soaked. We dug trenches around our tents in the pouring rain, and it was really crazy! The pavilion at the camp was the only reliable undercover we had and we were all gathered together there singing songs, playing games, painting, and drinking hot chocolate. As awful as it was getting our stuff wet, it turned out alright! We also did an activity to show how important it is to stay on the right path and to hold onto the iron rod. We were all blind folded, and through little assistance we were led on a path only holding onto a rope (the iron rod) that weaved though different obstacles and trials. At the end, our Bishop was there taking off our blind folds and giving us a hug telling us we made it to where we belong. There was a 20 foot tree with strung lights, and all our friends were gathered together who had already gone on the path. It was an amazing testimony building experience that I'll never forget.
This year's Girl's Camp was really fun and filled with adventures and memories to keep forever. It was a great year, and our ward is amazing!! Here are some of the pictures I took!
Our fun group on the car ride to camp!
The Three Amigas
Me and the bestie. ;)
Maddy looks like some creepy forest creature... Not one of us know what's wrong with her yet. ;)
RAPPELLING!! (The little dot wearing black is me!)
The dysfunctional five. <3
Nature picture!
Our theme was being "Rock Solid in Christ." The scripture we referenced was Helaman 5:12.
Grace all geared up to climb stuff!
A small part of the "Leap of Faith."
Castle Rock. The 2nd year campers had to hike 5 miles to the top and back.... We just prepared meals! (:
Madeline puts a frog on her tongue... That crazy girl.
I got my braces off today! It feels SO great! After a year and 7 months of getting them stuck on clothing, being self conscious of food getting in them, and being sore after many tightenings... It was well worth it! I'm DONE!!!!! Okay, so here are some updated pictures WITHOUT braces. ;)
This year, our 4th was pretty chill. We spent the day with our friends from church at the pool, we went out to dinner as a family, and we watched fireworks with our best friends at the park! It was fun and memorable! Here is just a small glimpse of our night watching fireworks!
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