The Setting for a Memorable Girls’ Camp: Nature and the Spirit

(For Non-Muslim Use Only)

On September 16, 2024, 28 young women aged 12 to 18 and eight adult leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints descended a steep and rugged road to enter Summer Summer Farm, a tranquil and secluded campsite nestled in Batang Kali, Malaysia. It was the site of their three-day girls’ camp, and reflected a statement from the Young Women (YW) Camp Guide that: “young women need a place where they can gather together, 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.”

The group arrived just minutes before an afternoon downpour, which washed down the campsite and surroundings. Seeking out shelter in a nearby pavilion, the young women and leaders patiently waited out the rain, then wasted little time in getting their camp equipment unpacked, provisions distributed, and the activities underway. Three days of heavy afternoon rain did not deter these young women from achieving their planned goals and agendas.

The first order of business was to divide the company of young women into four smaller groups. Each group was named after an important woman in the scriptures: Eve and Mary from the Holy Bible, and Sariah and Abish from the Book of Mormon. The young women were reminded of the attributes of the women that inspired their group names. From that point on, they became a team that competed in games together and worked side by side in their appointed assignments.

Each activity was planned for fun and enjoyment but was also tied to an important life lesson: a compass course taught the importance of staying on the right path; constructing and then racing a small boat down the river taught the value of teamwork and following directions; an expanded version of a blindfold game taught how listening to the counsel of a prophet can lead them safely home to God in heaven.

Along with preparing and enjoying meals together, the young women participated in activities that fed them spiritually as well. A devotional was held each morning that focused on the content and meaning of the new YW Theme. The text of the Theme was divided into separate pieces that each young woman could study, memorize and recite. On the last night, the campsite was filled with the spirit of friendship as everyone lovingly took the time to pen a secret letter to someone that they tried to get to know better during camp.

The last day of the camp included a testimony meeting where each leader and young woman expressed their feelings about the camp, Christ, and each other. Beatrice stated, “When we arrived in the rain, I thought it would be the worst camp ever, but yesterday was the best day ever. I loved pondering why God made bugs.” Zerline shared, “I’m grateful for the creations of God that made this beautiful camp.” Another young woman, Velendria expressed, “The most important things in camp are the spiritual things.”

Sharini Shanmuganathan, a YW advisor from the Cheras Branch, shared the following counsel that she gained while serving her Church volunteer mission, “There is no comfort in the growth zone and no growth in the comfort zone”.

Lee Poh Peng, the District Young Women President, gave the following thoughts and counsel to the young women in a group chat after the camp, “Do take time to reflect on your camp experiences and write in your camp book or journal your memories and how it has helped you to be a disciple of Christ…Cherish how you overcame challenges, discomfort and even disappointment at the weather to be a stronger young woman…hold on to your faith in Jesus Christ and obey the things He has taught you and He will always be by your side to guide and lift you to make it through triumphantly together.”

Duncan Horne, one of the assigned priesthood chaperones, expressed the following sentiments in a note to the young women following the camp, “I loved feeling the power of gathering during this camp. There is safety and power when we gather as saints, sharing common beliefs and values, strengthening each other and inspiring each other to improve, to live a little better, to do the small things that bring us closer to God and Jesus Christ. Thank you to all the youth and adult leaders who have worked so hard to plan a very enjoyable camp experience”.

Camp participants all found that along with learning valuable life lessons, spending time in nature can bring one closer to God. Annabelle expressed this to her friends in the camp, “I learned a lot…The trials the Lord has given us are to help us grow…Don’t ever give up your faith, even if it’s one step forward and two steps back, never give up.” Jennifer added, “I’m so glad I came, I learned so many things about the Book of Mormon and the Bible.”

Throughout the camp, Lee relied heavily on the young women participants to suggest, plan and carry out the duties required to make it a success. Of this experience, she said, “The joy I see in the young women’s faces when they share their camp experiences is a witness to me that our prophet is guided by God in executing the Young Women program that is youth-led, and adult-supported. It is the time to strengthen the rising generation and let them lead.”