"Virtue: Change the World"

Twenty-eight 4th years, seven YCLs, two adult leaders, and four Priesthood holders conquered the Butterfly Trail on Mt. Lemmon this past week at Tucson North Stake Girls Camp. We backpacked over eleven miles, slept for two nights in the cold, drank "filtered" water out of cool, clear springs, got unbelievably dirty, ate mac and cheese, chicken and mashed potatoes, and a whole lot of junk food! We laughed, we cried, and we prayed! We were awestruck with the beauty of Heavenly Father's creation, our earth. And I was awestruck with the inner beauty of 35 strong, young women.

Group Photo

YCL's

Conquering the Butterfly Trail was just part of what I had to conquer. The negative feelings of fear and self-doubt was the other part. As I hiked out of camp with my 40 pound pack and the other hikers, I was sobbing inside, "I can't do this, I'm not capable." But I kept walking, trying to catch-up. The girls were so excited and eager. I caught their enthusiasm and was soon concentrating on them, and not on me. Finally about 2/3 of the way into our hike, I adjusted my backpack and it started feeling much more comfortable. Yet, as I look back on the hike, I cannot even remember that I felt the burden of my pack. I have no bruises, my muscles are not sore, no blisters, and I'm ready to go again. I believe my back was made strong and shaped to carry the burden placed upon it, just like the promise about life's burdens being made lighter.

There was a very special feeling at Girls Camp this year, and especially on the 4th year hike. His spirit was with us the entire way. Girls were kind and helpful, considerate, loving, and teachable.For me it was a sacred journey, full of the whisperings of the spirit teaching me. I guess I was teachable, too. Being humbled does that to a person.