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INSPIRED BY

Your Happily Ever After, President Dieter F Uchtdorf

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“In most languages there exists a phrase as magical and full of promise as perhaps any in the world. That phrase is ‘Once upon a time.’ Aren’t those wonderful words to begin a story? ‘Once upon a time’ promises something: a story of adventure and romance, a story of princesses and princes. It may include tales of courage, hope, and everlasting love. In many of these stories, nice overcomes mean and good overcomes evil. But perhaps most of all, I love it when we turn to the last page and our eyes reach the final lines and we see the enchanting words ‘And they lived happily ever after.’ Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories, to triumph over adversity, to experience life in all its beauty, in the end, to live happily ever after?… Sisters, we love you. We pray for you. Be strong and of good courage. You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun. Your ‘once upon a time’ is now.”
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OUR 2013 YW CAMP THEME SONG
My Story, by Katie Witcomb – from the 2012 EFY Album
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This fits beautifully with the theme… one of our girls actually made another version of this video, with young women from our stake. It is on YouTube, but for some reason I cannot load it here. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCdD4ZHlQhQ

CAMP HIGHLIGHTS
There were so many amazing moments that took place during the week. So many special experiences to take note of. And so many hands and hours spent to make it all happen. Thank you to all those who made it seem as if it only took a wave of a magical wand to make it happen.
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Here is just a glimpse of our enchanting week at camp:
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GROUP ASSIGNMENTS/COLORS
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On the first night of camp we, as a Stake Young Women Presidency, shared a special experience (FHE) for the seniors. Our presentation was drawn from Disney’s “Snow White”. Note: I am not going to give all the details, just a simple synopsis. :)

Fireside Introduction
Each girl received a booklet (mini composition book from DollarTree 3/1.00, the pages below were glued into the books beforehand) and a twig pencil to answer the questions at each “stop” along their journey with Snow White.

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It was explained that they were about to go on a journey with Snow White. A lantern (the light of Christ and/or the Holy Ghost) was provided for the group to follow as they traveled from one “stop” to the next. We lead them to 6 different locations set-up within camp. At each “stop” a question was presented. Next, there was a brief discussion/mini lesson lead by a member of the Stake YW Presidency. Then the question was presented again. The girls were given a few minutes to write their answers/thoughts in their booklets before traveling to their next destination. Here is a brief look at each “stop” along their journey with Snow White:

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The Queen looked to the Magic Mirror often asking the question, “Magic mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” She did not know of her own worth and needed to hear it from someone else.
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Possible Resources – For Strength of Youth, Personal Progress: Individual Worth*

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Snow White stood at the wishing well, wishing and hoping for love. The Prince hears her and answers with “I have but one song,. One song, only for you. One heart tenderly beating, ever entreating, constant and true. One love that has possessed me. One love thrilling me through. One song my heart keeps singing. Of one love. Only for you.”
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Possible Resources – For Strength of Youth: Dress and Appearance/Dating/Sexual Purity, Personal Progress: Virtue, Fishing for Piranhas

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Snow White did not know who she was serving to begin with. She only knew that there was a need. As the Seven Dwarfs came to know her, as she cared for and served them, a relationship of friendship and love grew. Even Grumpy. :)
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Possible Resources – For Strength of Youth: Service, Personal Progress: Good Works

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4. The Huntsman – Integrity
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The Huntsman was given the task to find Snow White and kill her -bringing her heart back to the Queen in a box as proof. Knowing that he would most likely be killed if he did not complete the task, made the choice to let not only let Snow White live, but tell her of the Queen’s evil intentions.
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Possible Resources – For Strength of Youth: Honesty and Integrity, Personal Progress: Integrity

5. Apples – Media/Entertainment
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The Evil Queen offered Snow White an apple promising, “One bite and all your dreams will come true”. There are baskets and baskets of both good and bad apples presented to us on a daily basis.

Note: Just for fun, there was a basket of apples for the girl to snack on at this “stop” on their journey.
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Possible Resources – For Strength of Youth: Entertainment and Media, Personal Progress: Choice and Accountability
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Snow White went into a sleeping death after taking a bite of the poisoned apple. Only true loves kiss would break the curse. When we find ourselves in situations where our spirits are sleeping, it is through the love of our Savior that we are awaken.
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Possible Resources – For Strength of Youth: Repentance, Personal Progress: Faith, the song My Story by Lex de Azevedo, Please Take My Pain Away

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Fireside Discussion and Wrap-Up
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The journey ended back at the bonfire. We discussed their journey here on earth and the many different paths and “stops” along the way. One of those being the temple. We talked about those things they have, which combined, create a wonderful map: the scriptures, words of the prophets, their patriarchal blessings, for strength of youth, personal progress, prayer and personal revelation. Their companions on this journey – their parents, family, good friends and leaders.  And their compass – the Holy Ghost.
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Gift
Each girl was given a Scrabble tile necklace with a photo of the Salt Lake Temple – a reminder. :)
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Daily Theme: “You are a Princesses, Destined to Become Queens”
Song:
Highlights:

• the rest of the young women arrive at camp
• Certification begins

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Daily Theme: “Whistle While You Work”

Song:

Highlights:

• Letters to the missionaries serving from our stake
• Service Projects – clearing trails, making fleece baby blankets
• Hikes

Daily Theme: “Mirror, Mirror”

Song:

Highlights: A day filled with activities and crafts.

• Zip Line
• Rappelling
• Archery
• Smash Books
• Stamped Washer Necklaces
• Friendship Bracelets
• Spin Art T-Shirts – these were so fun to make! Here are my daughters making their shirts…

• Art Gallery – I was so happy to see that the art gallery continued this year! The girls created beautiful works of art, which were hung, with clothespins, on twine wrapped around the trunks of trees – creating a wonderful display.

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Daily Theme: “Happily Ever After…”
Song:
Highlights:

• Pack up
• Clean up
• Brunch
• Closing ceremonies and awards
• Travel home