Lessons Learned at Summer Camp

As a favor to a friend, last week I spent two days cooking at a boys' ranch in the mountains about an hour from where I live. Isn't it beautiful! I didn't really know what to expect from the experience, and wasn't sure whether it would be a blast or whether it would be awkward to be the token girl at the camp (other than my friend's mom who was the head cook).

I am happy to report, however, that I had a blast. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, but I also got to do some of the fun activities with the campers and counselors. We weeded, kayaked, biked, rode horses, played games, ate milkshakes, watched the meteor shower, built log furniture and a tipi, tie-dyed, and more. I was so busy, I didn't even have time to read my book, and you all know how significant THAT is. :)

I learned a few things, too:

1) Don't try to run down hill with a kayak. They are really heavy, and you will likely end up with your body too far ahead of your feet. This will probably end with you sprawled on the ground on top of the kayak. (Be prepared to find bruises on your hips the next day.)

2) If you are going to compete in the bike leg of a mini-triathlon relay, make sure that you know how to change gears on the bike you are using. Otherwise, you will spend half of your time on the course feeling like a clown on a little kid's bike, and you'll likely get so flustered that you miss the final turn and go the wrong way. Still, it's not the end of the world because you'll still finish the course and be no worse for wear.

3) Teenage boys will take every opportunity imaginable to compete. It's really entertaining to watch. Usually they stop when someone starts bleeding though (at least long enough to clean up the blood).

4) Meteor showers are best viewed from the top deck of a barn inside a sleeping bag. Simply beautiful. It's like Heavenly Father is waving hello.

5) Food always tastes better after you have been running around for hours and hours. It's amazing how good it feels sometimes to be tired and hungry when it's from working and playing hard.

So, that's the gist of my adventure. I had forgotten how much fun it is to hang out with teenage boys. They are hilarious. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of this program for a few days. It has made me even more excited to go back to school next week.