Young Women Camp Training

“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” —Young Women Camp Guide

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Note: The Young Women Camp program was changed in Spring 2018. See the Notice announcing the new Young Women Camp Guide (PDF) and instructions on transitioning to the new materials.

Using the Young Women Camp Guide (PDF), youth camp leaders and adult leaders counsel together to plan camp based on the needs of the young women.

A successful camp includes all of the leadership principles found in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: prepare spiritually, participate in councils, minister to others, and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This training module focuses on counseling together as you plan camp.

Young women are vital and central to the planning, carrying out, and evaluation of camp. Youth camp leaders should be part of the planning process from the very start. As an adult camp leader, you may at times think it is easier, faster, and more effective to do it all yourself. However, as young women have opportunities to serve, organize, and lead, they are learning skills that will bless their families and the Church now and in the future.

President M. Russell Ballard taught that councils are the most effective way to bring collective wisdom together under the influence of the Lord’s Spirit. Council members first share ideas and concerns; then after all have shared, possible solutions can be discussed. (See “Counseling with Our Councils,” M. Russell Ballard, April 1994 general conference).

As you counsel, prayerfully ask yourself this question: What does Heavenly Father want to have happen in the lives of the young women as a result of camp?

Choose activities that help the young women explore their interests, increase in self-reliance and outdoor skills, develop friendships and leadership skills, and grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many ideas for camp activities in the Young Women Camp Guide (PDF).

Traditions from past camps may not meet the needs of the young women today. Hazing, pranks, and other unkind, immoral, or disrespectful conversation and behavior are unacceptable. Only positive, kind, and building activities should be a part of camp. Consider inviting parents to share what spiritual needs and hopes they have for their daughters and what activities and skills would benefit their families. As you counsel, carefully consider the health and safety of each young woman.

Read and Discuss:

Study together the principles of counseling. Doctrine and Covenants 88:122; 104:12; 43:8-9.

Counsel Together:

  • What can we do to create a council that invites each person to share her ideas for camp?
  • What does Heavenly Father want to have happen in the lives of young women as a result of camp?
  • What can we do at camp that will strengthen each young woman and bless her family?
  • How can all young women share in the work and responsibilities of camp? How can all young women minister and serve one another at camp?

Additional Resources: