Come Boldly: Hurst Stake Girls Camp
On June 14–17, 2023, the Young Women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of the Hurst Texas Stake were invited to Come Boldly to a fun-filled week at a BOOT CAMP themed Girls Camp—based on the scripture Hebrews 4:16. Amelia Duke led the camp planning committee that consisted of Jennie Camphuysen, Sandra Cooper, Jamie Harper and Mata Vakalahi.
By Debby Adair, Images courtesy of Jennie Camphuysen
The Battle of the Boots was a favorite activity of 2023 Girl’s Camp.
Jennie Campuhuysen shared the events of this year’s camp:
Cells phones were left behind while the lines of communication were opened, with friendships and testimony building away from the "social" trappings of the world. From sunrise to sunset our days were filled to the brim with devotionals, various faith building classes and lessons. We also fit in loads of outdoor adventures like hiking, boating, swimming, and horseback riding. On our last evening together, we had a Battle of the Boots dance off where each ward prepared a dance to perform for the group. The camaraderie was awesome!
Camp Participant, Lauren Fulton said:
There was a hiking activity that we did this year. There was a trail at the YMCA camp we went to that we followed. The trail was very rocky. At the stopping point, there was a pretty overlook. You could see the lake, and it was worth the struggle up. The hike shows that we look at things from a unique perspective we can see the good or the overlooks.
My favorite thing to do is my secret sister. This is when we get to get gifts for one of the sisters we were assigned. It gave me the opportunity to help serve some of my sisters who needed help with some of the gifts. This really showed how when you are serving others you are serving your heavenly father.
Every aspect of planning for the camp was inspired. We felt the Spirit guide on many instances especially when choosing the theme song for camp. We heard "I Will" by Hilary Weeks and were all brought to tears by its beautiful, empowering words. On the last night at camp—after our Battle of the Boots dancing, we sang the song together.
It was such a blessing to stand together as sisters in Christ to proclaim our desire to follow Him. Moments like this are priceless.
Debby Williamson, President of the Young Women in the Bedford area congregation shared:
I know the Young Women must have felt the Savior’s love all during camp as we were surrounded by a bond of sisterhood and kindness. Without their phones they were able to shut out the noise of the world and think about our Heavenly Father and our Savior’s love for them. The classes helped them to see the way the Savior sees each one of them personally and how He sees others. By His example we can love ourselves and others without all the negative opinions and noise of the world. We are enlisted to share His love and the gospel to all those around us.
The Young Women gather together to hear gospel messages.
Our youth need a place where they can gather, separate from worldly influences, feel the Spirit of the Lord, grow in unity, and love, and strengthen their faith and testimonies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It is also an opportunity for many young women to engage in outdoor activities that they would not get to participate in otherwise. Being out in nature is healing for the body and mind—even in 100-degree Texas heat, the girls enjoyed being out at Possum Kingdom Lake. Many went in a boat for the first time or were brave enough to ride a horse!
The true impact of girls’ camp is seeing our youth blossom—their self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect are all grown exponentially.
Rowan Camphuysen (left) with friends.
Camp participant, Rowan Campuysen commented:
I absolutely loved the camp theme this year and how everything tied together with various aspects of being bold. We had such amazing leaders that really showed their love for us and got us fully engaged in all the planned activities. The most rewarding part for me was getting to grow closer to the girls from my congregation.
To learn about more youth events coming up click here.
Debby Adair serves as a Hurst Stake Website Editor and Reporter. She is a former Financial Compliance Officer / Financial Fraud Examiner. She spends her days enjoying retirement, traveling internationally, cooking and interior decorating.