My First Girl's Camp Experience

By:  McKenna Sork

I was so excited for our churches young women’s camp when I discovered that this year I was finally old enough to go! I had been waiting for years to take part in an overnight camp, and now it was finally here. When all of our luggage was carefully packed in the car, we all got on buses and made the trip to camp Nisqually. I sat with all my good friends and played Old Maid, already having a good time. When it was time to get off we were in strange territory. But I had to stay strong, seeing as how I was one of the few girls with prior camping experience! I almost had a nervous breakdown when I couldn’t find my duffle bag with all my clothes in it, but tried not to sweat it and instead helped my friend Cassidy carry her 80 pound bag to our campsite. The bag was almost the size of her, and took all our effort just to get to camp alive! Thankfully, my clothes bag had already been delivered there safely without my knowing. 

Tent Buddies

                At camp, I was assigned to a tent with three other girls, who I would be staying with for the entire week. My group included Cambree Morgan, Cassidy Dustin, and Faith Skinner, all of who I had known for quite a while. They all teased me, since I was the only one without a mattress to sleep on. I was really ‘roughing’ it! The first night we spent hours catching up, telling secrets, and creating memories I will remember forever. For fifteen minutes before bed, we all took part in Cambree’s dance exercises, although half the time we spent giggling. Over the few short days we were involved in everything together. We’d start off the day side by side, getting ready as soon as we were all awake. We shared everything from candy to extra pants. One morning, we even got up at 6:00 am to participate in the polar plunge!

Polar Plunge - Only for the Brave

                During the day, when we were forcefully separated, I made tons of new friends. I also learned how to perform simple first aid and wilderness survival. At night we were involved in spiritual lessons, stage skits, and campfire songs, keeping me busy from morning to evening. The food was great and almost every meal I would volunteer to stay after and help do the dishes! I received gifts from a ‘secret sister’ daily, including candy and encouraging, heartfelt, letters. One of my favorite memories was Snipe Hunting, where you put toothpaste on your nose and carry a pillowcase around as you hunt for the mythical creature, a Snipe. We only had one flashlight and chased Snipes all around camp. Once, one of our fellow campers went missing and we were left alone while the older girls went to look for her. It was super scary, and I was one of the few girls who decided to stay out longer to continue hunting! Most girls decided after a few minutes that it was too scary for them.

Camp Crafts

YW Leaders: Sister Jackson, Lacher, Crofts, Zundel, and Jensen

                When it was finally time to go, I was sad to leave. Faith, my tent partner, moved shortly after girl’s camp and we were all sad to see her leave. I was given my charms of participation, plus the one I earned from polar plunge, to add to my camp necklace. I’m excited to come back next year!