Girls Camp

Marissa went on the 4th year hike, Katie was a Youth Camp Leader, and Emma completed her 2nd year.  This was the last year that all three girls would be together.  Jeff and I made a special trip down for the day that Marissa would be hiking into camp after 15 miles of wilderness survival.  I was worried that her big back pack would weigh more than she did and she would topple off the mountain.  She did great!  What a great way to teach her that she can do hard things!

This is Marissa with her group of 4th years on top of the Mountain.  She is in the top middle in the lime green shirt.

It is quite an emotional homecoming as the 4th years come hiking in.  I would imagine it to be similar to being reunited with loved ones after our life here on earth.

Tradition is to carry the hikers pack for them.

The pack is close to being as big as she is!

Emma carried Marissa's pack in to camp for her!  It will only be 2 more years until this is Emma coming in from her hike.

The welcome celebration!

A small problem on the hike.  Marissa ripped a hole in her pants.

We're grateful that one of her friends brought a sewing kit.

Another tradition is that the girls write all of the hopes and dreams on one side of a board and all of their fears on the other side.  After they have accomplished the great feat of climbing a mountain they have a board breaking ceremony - symbolic of breaking through your fears to accomplish your dreams.

And she broke through on the first try!!  She's such a brute!