Camp is a priceless opportunity to be with young women away from the world and is a powerful place to feel and recognize the Spirit. We do this through devotionals, music, journal writing, and sharing of testimony.

1.  Devotionals

When to have a devotional:

• In connection with a flag ceremony
• At morning or evening prayers
• At any other time (such as hiking or mealtime)

What could a devotional include?

• An inspirational thought by a young woman
• A scripture by a young woman
• A song (by young women or with leaders too)
• A prayer.
• Gospel instruction, story, or teaching

Devotionals may be held for the whole camp or in smaller groups.

2.  Music

Music is a valuable part of camp. Music can inspire love and unity, build faith and testimony, and provide a way to offer praises to the Lord.

• Music teaches. "We are able to feel and learn very quickly through music . . . some spiritual things that we would otherwise learn very slowly" (Boyd K. Packer, "The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord," Ensign, Aug. 1976, 61).

• Music involves. Our young women are excellent musicians and play a variety of instruments—such as trumpet, violin, flute, or clarinet—that could be utilized for camp devotionals. Young women also love to sing, write lyrics, and compose new songs.

• Music develops talents and brings the Spirit. During the six years at camp a young woman could become very proficient at playing a small instrument such as a ukulele, recorder, harmonica, or even a kazoo. Small instruments are easy to play and will bring fun and enjoyment at camp.

Leader testimony: "I learned to play the ukulele at girls' camp. Our stake had a 'music tent' equipped with ukuleles so we could practice. Every afternoon I went there with a group of my friends. We learned to play the songs in the camp manual and had a lot of fun playing for our friends and for devotionals at camp. I have used my ukulele and the songs I learned at camp as lullabies for my children, for family home evening, for family reunions, and for service in my Church callings."

3.  Journal writing

"As you start to write [in your journal], you could ask yourself, 'How did God bless me today?' If you do that long enough and with faith, you will find yourself remembering blessings. And sometimes, you will have gifts brought to your mind which you failed to notice during the day, but which you will then know were a touch of God's hand in your life" (Henry B. Eyring, "Remembrance and Gratitude," Ensign, Nov. 1989, 13).

Ideas for camp journals:

• Written journal
• Photo journal
• Illustrated journal

One youth leader gave a sketch pad to each young woman. As they went hiking she stopped them along the way and asked them to sketch what they saw. They were told it didn't have to be great artwork but to sketch something they saw around them. This encouraged them to stop and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

4.  Sharing of testimony

Camp provides young women leaders an opportunity to teach about appropriate testimony bearing. "We often hear some members, and especially children, bear their testimonies listing things for which they are thankful. . . . This is a good beginning, but testimonies need to be so much more. . . . Our testimony meetings need to be more centered on the Savior, the doctrines of the gospel, the blessings of the Restoration, and the teachings of the scriptures" (M. Russell Ballard, "Pure Testimony," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 40–41).

Leaders can guide the sharing of testimonies by giving simple instructions to young women:

• Tell what you feel and know about the Savior.
• Tell what you feel, know, or have learned about the restored Church.
• Tell what it means to you to be a member of this Church.
• Tell ways or times when you have felt the Spirit at camp.

"Personal testimony is the foundation of our faith. . . . Like almost everything else in life, testimonies grow and develop through experience" (M. Russell Ballard, "Pure Testimony," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 40).

"As young women of the Church strive to draw closer to God, an increased awareness of his creations can strengthen their testimonies and be a witness to them of the Supreme Creator" (Young Women Camp Manual [2002], 1; see also D&C 128:23).