Girls Camp Planning Guide

Planning a Girls camp is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen testimonies, build friendships, and create lasting memories. A well-organized camp includes a balance of spiritual growth, fun activities, and simple but yummy meals. But before we dive in, allow me to share my number one piece of advice: Don’t over-schedule the girls! Be sure to leave plenty of free-time where they can connect with each other and with the spirit. Here’s a guide to help you make your camp a success.

1. Planning and Prep

Start planning early to make sure you have a smooth and spiritually uplifting experience. Here’s a few ways to start:

• Theme and Scripture: Choose a camp theme that aligns with the Young Women’s values. Themes like “Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ” (2 Nephi 31:20) can provide a spiritual focus.
• Location and Logistics: Secure a campsite that accommodates your group comfortably and has necessary amenities (bathrooms, water, shelter, etc.).
• Leaders and Responsibilities: Assign roles such as camp director, activity coordinators, and food committee to keep everything organized.
• Packing List: Provide a list for the girls, including scriptures, appropriate clothing, sleeping gear, and other essentials.
• Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for medical needs, weather issues, and safety protocols.

2. Spiritual Activities

The whole point of girls camp is to feel the spirit and help the girls feel closer to God. Here’s some ideas:

• Daily Devotionals: Start each day with scripture study, prayer, and personal reflection.
• Testimony Meeting: A highlight of camp, testimony meetings allow young women to share their faith and experiences.
• Faith Walk: Set up stations along a trail where leaders share faith-promoting stories or scriptures, guiding girls through a reflective journey.
• Quiet Time with the Lord: Encourage journal writing and personal prayer in a peaceful setting.
• Service Project: Organize a small project like writing letters to missionaries, cleaning the campsite, or making care packages for those in need.

3. Fun Activities

Balance spiritual moments with exciting activities that build friendships and memories.

• Water Games: If near a lake or pool, plan fun water games or a slip-n-slide.
• Hiking and Nature Exploration: Explore the beauty of God’s creations with guided hikes.
• Crafts and Journaling: Offer faith-based crafts such as bracelet-making, painting, or journaling.
• Team Challenges: Organize obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, or relay races.
• Skits and Talent Show: Have the girls prepare short skits or share talents around the campfire.
• Campfire Stories and Songs: End the day with uplifting stories, singing, and s’mores.

4. Simple Food Ideas

Meals should be easy to prepare but still enjoyable. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with toppings, pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit, and yogurt.
• Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, or walking tacos.
• Dinner: Foil dinners, spaghetti, hot dogs, or grilled chicken with veggies.
• Snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, popcorn, and fresh fruit.
• Dessert: S’mores, brownies, or cobbler in a Dutch oven.

To make camp a success, get everyone involved. Let the girls help with meals, activities, and devotionals so they feel included. Be ready to go with the flow—plans might change, and that’s okay! Make sure every girl feels welcome and part of the group. Take lots of pictures and encourage journaling so they can remember their favorite moments. With good planning and a mix of spiritual and fun activities, Young Women’s camp will be an amazing and uplifting experience. Happy camping!