Remembering Camp Ritchie

With Girls' Camp time nearing at my house, I have been remembering the decade that I attended camp myself. I did five years at Camp Ritchie just south of Lake Tahoe in California as a "girl" then five more during college as a "leader". Those were some good times.

Girls' Camp has dramatically changed since I was a girl. Then, we did more adventure camping. Now, the focus is on the warm, fuzzy feelings that camp can offer. I understand the purpose is not to produce or reinforce Boy Scout abilities for the uterus and ovaries set. But I feel like the girls now are getting a little gypped.

The Girl is the same year at camp this year as I was in this photo (that's me in the navy and gray striped shirt). This was our cabin--we camped in levels as a stake. Here, they camp with their wards and only do their certification as a level. In fact, one year the stake here tried Level Camp and it is still recalled as "THAT year" in the conversations of those who tried it. I loved it that way, but I didn't know any better, and frankly, it was so much more fun to get together with girls from 5 or 6 different high schools that made up our stake. The girls don't have the opportunity for that here. Another difference about living in Utah Valley, I suppose.

I just hope The Girl gets the same feelings at camp as I did. I strengthened my testimony, I strengthened my friendships, and I strengthened my self confidence. I felt like I had really achieved something of value after we returned from a week at camp.

I guess that the perceived goal hasn't really changed after all. Girls' Camp should be a place for young women to draw closer to their Heavenly Father and enjoy the beauties of nature and have some fun together. Looking at it like that, I guess camp hasn't changed all the much after all.