Camp

Sometimes as a teenager you are forced into activities that are simply wrong for your personality. Girl's Camp was just such an activity.

For one thing, I didn't know about dry shampoo back then (was it even a thing yet??) so I was miserably aware the whole time of how disgusting I was. Secondly, mosquitos. Third, crafts. Fourth, sleeping in a tent with weirdos. Finally, the fact that it was a church camp, so everything was very touchy-feely, with weepy testimony meetings and somber scripture-a-thons.

Lest I give the wrong impression, let me stop and say right now that I am a devout member of my church. I love Jesus, I'm just not into overwhelming amounts of piety. Religion is more of a quiet, introspective thing for me. Anyway.

It was customary for family members to send the girls off with loving, testimony-filled letters. My dad NEVER missed a year. I was even lucky enough to get letters from my girlfriends to help me pass the time.

Here's a handful from Stacy (as cutesy as possible- an extra little dig to the ribs.)

And a tiny sample of the letters my dad wrote:

Sometimes, he kept things light, but other times he spoke from his heart.

...I hope you know what a delight you are to me. It's not like I just love you or just respect you- you delight me. It brings me joy to know you have high moral standards in your speech and the way you dress and with the boys you date. Living the gospel leaves you open for fewer disappointments and regrets.

Well, you're on a trail right now with some nice things like birds and flowers and pleasant surprises along the way. Maybe you've got a blister or you're fighting mosquitos or thistles, and I think life is like a trail too. I hope your little hike is pleasant and hope your trail through your life is made not just bearable but joyous as you include the Lord in all your choices. I sure love you! Dad.

He closes the note with a jaunty little maraca man, about to danzar unknowingly into a steaming pile of poop. Naturally. A perfect end to a perfect letter.

Have any memories from camp that would be fun to share? Drop them in the comments! WBS- Jess