What Is Camp?
 
Camp is an outdoor experience for young women ages 12 to 18. It gives young women opportunities to:

• Feel the Spirit.
• Build testimonies
• Learn skills.
• Build friendships.
• Serve others.
• Appreciate God's creations.
• Draw closer to God.
• Have fun!

When and Where Is Camp?

Priesthood leaders together with Young Women leaders decide where camp should be held and how long it should last. Camp may be held any time of year depending on:

• The area.
• The climate.
• The type of camping desired.

If having camp in an outdoor setting is not possible, camp may be held in another setting where young women may enjoy learning and be safe. (See "Young Women," section 4 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 225.)

Why Do We Have Camp?

Camp provides a place where young women can be set apart from the world. Camp is a time when young women have wholesome fun and meaningful experiences.

Everything you do at camp should help young women:

• Learn their identity as daughters of God.
• Feel and recognize the Spirit.
• Keep baptismal covenants.
• Prepare for their future roles.

Who Can Help Plan Camp and Assist at Camp?

Involve a team who can help plan camp and/or attend and assist at camp. Team members can include:

• Young Women leaders.
• Priesthood leaders.
• Parents.
• A Young Women camp director. A camp director may be called to assist with camp. She works under the direction of the Young Women presidency and assists in planning experiences that will meet the goals of the camp. (See "Young Women," section 4 of the Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 216, 218, 225; Young Women Camp Manual [2002], 86–87.)
• Youth camp leaders. In addition to adult leaders at camp, older young women may assist by serving as youth leaders. Their responsibilities should be meaningful and appropriate for their experience, skills, and training. They may:
• Serve as teachers or trainers.
• Assist with devotionals.
• Plan and carry out activities.
• Share talents and skills.
• Help evaluate camp experiences.

(See Young Women Camp Manual [2002], 86–87.)

• People in the ward with specific skills. These could include nurses and members who are knowledgeable about natural resources, about plants, about stars, and so on.
• Members of the activities committee. Such members could help provide or arrange for equipment and provide transportation or other assistance.