Ideas Girl's Camp r Theme - Jenny Phillips
Ideas Girl's Camp r Theme - Jenny Phillips
Ideas Girl's Camp r Theme - Jenny Phillips
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<strong>Ideas</strong> for <strong>Theme</strong> Song(s)<br />
<strong>Ideas</strong><br />
Girl’s <strong>Camp</strong> for<br />
<strong>Theme</strong><br />
Live Like You Believe<br />
Live Like You Belileve<br />
(On the CD “Daughter of a King: The Best of <strong>Jenny</strong> <strong>Phillips</strong> for Young Women,” available for as low as $1.99 on www.jennyphillips.com<br />
Live It<br />
(On the CD “Arise and Shine Forth: Songs for Youth 2012,” available for as low as $1.99 on www.jennyphillips.com)<br />
“Believe” Bookmark<br />
At the beginning of camp, give each girl a “Believe” bookmark (on the next page) or make your own. Encourage each young woman can come to<br />
know for themselves that each of the items on the bookmark is true during the week. Have them read through the items and ask themselves in their<br />
minds which of the items they aleady believe. If there are any items that there are not sure of, encourage them to study, pray, and ponder those<br />
items during the week to try to gain a stronger testimony of those items. Bear your testimony of the reality and power of the Holy Ghost, and the Holy<br />
Ghost’s ability to testify to us of truth. During the week, you could have special workshops/activites/firesides on the items on the bookmark to help<br />
strengthen their testimonies (or gain testimonies) of these items.<br />
I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father who loves me.<br />
-Put on the fireside “Daughter of a King.” You can download a free script on the Free Downloads page of www.jennyphillips.com.<br />
-Use any of the ideas in the camp them ideas for “Daughter of a King” on jennyphillips.com.<br />
Joseph Smith was a True Prophet of God that Restored the gospel to the earth.<br />
-Have a special devotional on Joseph Smith (consider playing the recorded narration “testimonies of Joseph Smith” available on the Free Downloads<br />
page of jennyphillips.com, and then having a “read-a-thon” where the girls read the entire Joseph Smith History (or whatever they can read in 1<br />
hour). Have the “read-a-thon” in a quiet place. You could provide healthy snacks such as popcorn, pretzels, fruit, fruit smoothies, etc. You could end<br />
your “read-a-thon” by gathering in the woods and singing “Oh How Lovely Was the Morning” and “Praise to the Man” (provide the words.)<br />
The Book of Mormon is True<br />
-Have a special devotional on the Book of Mormon put on by a special leader.<br />
Thomas S. Monson holds the keys of the priesthood today and guides the true Church of Jesus Christ in These<br />
Latter Days<br />
-Ask the girls the traits that they would imagine a living prophet would have. Play an audio or video recording of a recent<br />
talk by Thomas S. Monson and have them listen for the love, humility, power, kindness, and testimony in his voice.
Believe<br />
I am a daughter of<br />
my Heavenly Father who loves me.<br />
Y<br />
Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God<br />
that restored the gospel to the earth.<br />
Y<br />
The Book of Mormon is true.<br />
Y<br />
Thomas S. Monson holds the keys<br />
of the priesthood today and guides<br />
the true Church of Jesus Christ<br />
in these latter days.<br />
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may<br />
know the truth of all things.<br />
~Moroni 10:5<br />
Believe<br />
I am a daughter of<br />
my Heavenly Father who loves me.<br />
Y<br />
Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God<br />
that restored the gospel to the earth.<br />
Y<br />
The Book of Mormon is true.<br />
Y<br />
Thomas S. Monson holds the keys<br />
of the priesthood today and guides<br />
the true Church of Jesus Christ<br />
in these latter days.<br />
Believe<br />
I am a daughter of<br />
my Heavenly Father who loves me.<br />
Y<br />
Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God<br />
that restored the gospel to the earth.<br />
Y<br />
The Book of Mormon is true.<br />
Y<br />
Thomas S. Monson holds the keys<br />
of the priesthood today and guides<br />
the true Church of Jesus Christ<br />
in these latter days.<br />
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may<br />
know the truth of all things.<br />
~Moroni 10:5<br />
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may<br />
know the truth of all things.<br />
~Moroni 10:5
Opening Devotional idea<br />
You could start out the devotional by talking about the importance of an individual testimony. You could play or have someone perform the song “I<br />
Know” (from “Arise and Shine Forth”) or play the video that goes along with “I Know” (available on www.jennyphillips.com).<br />
Give each of the girls a small, cute potted flower. Show the girls that the flowers are alive and beautiful. Then show the girls a potted flower that hasn’t<br />
been watered for so long that it has died/dried out. Tell them that our testimonies are like flowers--they are beautiful and alive, but they have to be<br />
nurtured and cared for or they will wilt, fade, weaken, and eventually die. Explain just like you couldn’t keep the plant alive by believing it is real and<br />
doing nothing, you can’t keep your testimony alive just by believing in Christ--you have to “live” your testimony.<br />
You could then have a leader talk about each of the following:<br />
A Seed is needed to start a plant growing. We need to plant the seed of faith into good soil so that it can have a chance to take root and grow.<br />
Alma 32:27-43; Luke 8<br />
Water is needed to keep a plant alive. We need living waters. How can we get these living waters to nourish and keep our spirits alive?<br />
John 4:10-14<br />
Sunlight is needed to keep a plant alive. We need the Savior’s light to keep our spirits alive? How do we keep this light in our lives? What things<br />
block that light from reaching us?<br />
D&C 88:67<br />
“The living Christ challenge”<br />
“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Ensign, Apr 2000, pg 2 is an incredible document<br />
that can bring power and the spirit to your camp. Just as the church focuses on the “living” Christ, we should also be focused on our “living” testimonies.<br />
You could consider giving all the girls a copy and have them read it the first day of camp in a quiet place. You could then have each ward or<br />
group memorize one section of the document. On the last day, in your closing devotional, you could have the group recite the whole document from<br />
memory, with each group standing up when it’s there turn, and reciting their memorized part. It is sure to bring a great spirit to set the mood for your<br />
testimony meetings.<br />
Rootbeer Object lesson<br />
Do a workshop/class on really living the gospel. As part of the workshop/class, you could do this activity:<br />
1. Give each girl a small plastic cup and fill it half way up with water.<br />
2. Add a little bit of root beer (about 1/8 of the cup) and have the girls taste it (it won’t taste good!). Tell the girls that when<br />
they only live the gospel part way, it’s like watered down root beer. They don’t experience the sweet, powerful, and good<br />
taste that comes from living the gospel.<br />
3. Now add a tablespoon of salt to each of the cups, mix it, and have the girls taste it. Explain that when we add sin to our<br />
lives, the blessings of the gospel aren’t just watered down, but actually make life taste terrible.<br />
4. Give the girls a new cup with just root beer in it. Have them taste it. Talk to them about how when we LIVE the gospel<br />
fully, we experience the sweet, powerful, and pure goodness of the gospel. You could then add a scoop of ice cream to the<br />
root beer if you want and have root beer floats.<br />
“Working Out our spirits”<br />
Have an activity where you have someone lead everyone in a fun exercise session. Afterwards have a healthy refreshment like fresh fruit smoothies,<br />
fresh fruit, or vegetables and low-fat dip. Talk about how it takes work to keep our bodies in shape. But it also takes work to keep our spirits in shape.<br />
Talk about how easy it is to realize when our bodies are out of shape, but how it can be harder to realize our spirits are out of shape. Our spirits and<br />
testimonies grow stronger not just by believing the gospel, but by living it. Just like muscles atrophy and grow weak if not used, our testimonies diminish<br />
and grow weaker, if they are not lived. If we want to grow a strong testimony of modesty, we have to live the principle, etc. You could also talk<br />
about physical signs of hunger and malnutrition, and then discuss what the signs are of spiritual hunger and malnutrition.<br />
Knot Tying Object lesson & “Knot games”<br />
KNOTS: While teaching the girls their knots:<br />
1) Ask them what some important things are that needs knots. What would the consequences be if th knot came lose? It’s important that a knot is<br />
tied and tied well when a lot is counting on it. Compare that to how important it is that are testimonies are “knotted” tight and secure and are not<br />
lloose. What would the consequenes be our testimonies come “undone” because they weren’t “tied” correctly? Talk about how we need to “live” what<br />
we believe in order to keep our testimony tied tight.<br />
2) Play one of the following “knot games”<br />
Knot Contest: Line up the girls at one end of the room. Each is given a 6-foot length of rope. Call out the name of a knot. Each girl ties the knot.<br />
Judges check the knot. Each girl who tied the knot correctly can take one step forward. The process is repeated until a girl is across the finish line.<br />
Human Knot: Up to twelve people stand in a circle. Each would first put in their right hand and hold with another one (not adjacent to you). Then put<br />
in the left hand hold with another one (not adjacent to you). You must get the group untied without letting go of hands.
“Live it like . . . “<br />
A big problem in our day is that the world has bad examples of heroes or no heroes. You could focus some of your camp on encouraging the girls to<br />
lwant to have worthy disciples of Christ as their heroes, and encouraging the girls to live like these heroes.<br />
You could have each day of camp focused on one scripture hero that everyone studies and focuses on that day. The following pages gives you ideas<br />
on what to do each day, and gives you a “Live it Like . . .” Journal & Workbook you can print off for all the girls or make your own using any of the info<br />
from this document you’d like. You can delete one of the days if you don’t have that many days at camp:<br />
If you have an extra day: The first day can just introduce the theme and the “Live It” theme in general.<br />
First Day: Captain Moroni<br />
Second Day: Esther<br />
Third Day: Stripling Warriors<br />
Fourth Day: Joseph Smith<br />
“Live it like . . . Presentation“<br />
To kick off your camp, you could do a presentation on choosing the right heroes/people to emulate. Use any of the quotes/info below in your presentation.<br />
President Ezra Taft Benson: "Most of these heroes who are being glamorized today are no longer noble, accomplished, humble, or righteous. From<br />
reports in books, magazines, and newspapers—especially the youth sections—we learn that they are lewd, obscene, immoral, avaricious, and in<br />
some cases even cruel. It is the very life-style we are here to avoid that is paraded before our young people by their celebrated peers. To deflect the<br />
admiration of youth from these examples of the ugly life, we must start young." God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties (Salt Lake City; Deseret<br />
Book, 1975), p. 250.<br />
Randall A. Wright: “There is apparently a direct correlation between the amount of exposure we receive to something and our attitude toward it. For<br />
instance, if we are constantly exposed to classical music, we will probably like classical music and look up to the great composers. If we are constantly<br />
exposed to the national average of approximately twenty-eight hours of TV per week, we will probably admire and look up to TV stars. And I'm<br />
confident that if we are exposed to the scriptures and church history for large portions of time, we will choose prophets and church leaders as the<br />
people we look to for our examples.” (“Protecting Your Family from an X-rated World”)<br />
Randal A Wright: “. . . people often imitate those whom they admire—the heroes in their lives. This is especially true of impressionable youth; they<br />
often try to imitate popular or well-known people in their own day-to-day living . . . In a nationwide survey of teenagers, one researcher found that the<br />
Seventy percent of the heroes or male leads and 72 percent of the heroines were presented as being to some degree sexually promiscuous.first nine<br />
names listed as heroes were either movie and television personalities or rock musicians . . . Are LDS teens much different in their views of those<br />
they most admire from teenagers in the national polls? After several surveys, I have been a little shocked and dismayed to find that results of the<br />
LDS teens surveyed match, almost exactly, the youth in the national polls. Young people both in and out of the Church, with some exceptions, are<br />
consistent in looking up to three main groups of people as their heroes: movie and television stars, rock musicians, and professional athletes. And all<br />
of these groups share a common factor—they have all been created by the media! I'm convinced that there are some teenagers, both in and out of<br />
the Church, whose heroes don't fit into one of these three categories. But equally convincing is the large number that are looking to these three<br />
groups as persons to admire and pattern their lives and way of thinking after.” (“Protecting Your Family from an X-rated World”)<br />
H. David Burton: “Satan creates false heroes which, if emulated, will lead us to the depths of sin. On the other hand, carefully selected heroes can<br />
give us a pattern for our lives and serve as our role models. They can give us courage to walk the road of life righteously.” (“Heroes,” Ensign, May<br />
1993, 46)<br />
In 1971, a group of 5 men evaluated all the movies playing in the movie theaters in America in one week. These are some of the results of their evaluation.<br />
Remember this is in 1971. Imagine what it would be now! These results were published in the October 1972 Ensign:<br />
-Fifty-seven percent of the films presented dishonesty in a heroic light or as justifiable conduct in light of the hero’s circumstances.<br />
-Thirty-eight percent of the films presented criminal activity as something that pays off or as being a successful and exciting pastime with no negative<br />
consequences.<br />
-In 43 percent of the films the heroes were portrayed as law breakers or antisocial characters.<br />
-In 59 percent of the films the heroes killed one or more individuals<br />
-Seventy percent of the heroes or male leads and 72 percent of the heroines were presented as being to some degree sexually promiscuous.
Howard W. Hunter: “What is true greatness? What is it that makes a person great? We live in a world that seems to worship<br />
its own kind of greatness and to produce its own kind of heroes . . . Because we are being constantly exposed to the<br />
world’s definition of greatness, it is understandable that we might make comparisons between what we are and what others<br />
are—or seem to be—and also between what we have and what others have. Although it is true that making comparisons<br />
can be beneficial and may motivate us to accomplish much good and to improve our lives, we often allow unfair and improper<br />
comparisons to destroy our happiness when they cause us to feel unfulfilled or inadequate or unsuccessful. Sometimes,<br />
because of these feelings, we are led into error and dwell on our failures while ignoring aspects of our lives that may<br />
contain elements of true greatness.<br />
In 1905, President Joseph F. Smith made this most profound statement about true greatness:“Those things which we call<br />
extraordinary, remarkable, or unusual may make history, but they do not make real life.“After all, to do well those things<br />
which God ordained to be the common lot of all mankind, is the truest greatness. To be a successful father or a successful<br />
mother is greater than to be a successful general or a successful statesman.” (Juvenile Instructor, 15 Dec. 1905, p. 752.)<br />
We all want to achieve a measure of greatness in this life. Many have already achieved great things; others are striving to<br />
achieve greatness. Let me encourage you to achieve and, at the same time, to remember who you are. Don’t let the illusion<br />
of fleeting worldly greatness overcome you. Many people are losing their souls to such temptations. Your good name is not<br />
worth selling—for any price. True greatness is to remain true—“True to the faith that our parents have cherished, True to the<br />
truth for which martyrs have perished.” (Hymns, 1985, no. 254.)<br />
. . . True greatness is never a result of a chance occurrence or a onetime effort or achievement. Greatness requires the development<br />
of character. It requires a multitude of correct decisions in the everyday choices between good and evil that Elder<br />
Boyd K. Packer spoke about when he said, “Over the years these little choices will be bundled together and show clearly<br />
what we value.” (Ensign, Nov. 1980, p. 21.) Those choices will also show clearly what we are . . .<br />
It appears to me that the kind of greatness our Father in Heaven would have us pursue is within the grasp of all who are<br />
within the gospel net. We have an unlimited number of opportunities to do the many simple and minor things that will ultimately<br />
make us great.”<br />
The other day my wife and I were in the grocery store. While we were waiting in line at the check-out counter, I glanced at<br />
the magazines. I saw portrayed on the covers of many magazines the idols of the movie screen, the heroes of the athletic<br />
field, those faces and bodies that many young people try to emulate even as these heroes defy the laws of God and rationalize<br />
away sinful practices, seemingly with no ill effect. Don’t you believe it for a minute. They are destroying their futures.<br />
Elder Craig Zwick: “The other day my wife and I were in the grocery store. While we were waiting in line at the check-out<br />
counter, I glanced at the magazines. I saw portrayed on the covers of many magazines the idols of the movie screen, the<br />
heroes of the athletic field, those faces and bodies that many young people try to emulate even as these heroes defy the<br />
laws of God and rationalize away sinful practices, seemingly with no ill effect. Don’t you believe it for a minute. They are destroying<br />
their futures. Satan doesn’t want you to reach your ultimate destination, and he doesn’t want you to fulfill your divine<br />
roles, so he tries to lead you astray. He makes things that are wrong appear right and even exciting. He wants you to<br />
destroy your bodies, and he encourages you to break the commandments. He makes the wrong road look smooth and enticing.<br />
(“Taking the Higher Road,” Ensign, Aug 2002, 42–47
Live it like . . . Joseph Smith Day<br />
Songs: Morning devotional: “Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning”; Evening Devotional: “Praise to the Man”<br />
Fun Activities<br />
-Stick pulling (Two people hold onto a stick, sitting down, facing each other. One person has their hands on the inside, and one on the outside. The<br />
first players to pull up the other player wins.)<br />
-Marbles<br />
-Horseshoes<br />
-Taffy Pull<br />
-Square Dancing<br />
-Fiddle Playing<br />
Joseph Smith History<br />
Have the young women read the Joseph Smith History. If possible, have them read in a quiet, peaceful setting outside.<br />
Devotional <strong>Ideas</strong><br />
-Have several leaders bear their testimonies of Joseph Smith<br />
-Play the recorded narrations “Testimonies of Joseph Smith” and “Joseph’s Martyrdom” (available on the free downloads page of<br />
www.jennyphillips.com--you can download it and burn it to a CD free of charge)<br />
Live it like . . . Esther Day<br />
Songs: “Beauty Is” (from the CD “Arise and Shine Forth”)<br />
Fun Activities<br />
--”Princess Spa”--paint toenails and fingernails, do facials, foot scrubs. Have “spa-style” music playing.<br />
The Fairest of Them All Hike<br />
Before the hike, talk about how Esther was beautiful physically, but the reason she is remembered and revered today was because of the beauty of<br />
her faith and courage. Explain it is hard work to become beautiful inside. But we get their step by step. These little steps will be bundled together and<br />
determine our character and who we become. If we set our sights higher and always look up to the Lord and work hard, we can eventually become<br />
like Him. Have signs posted along the way with a characteristic of Christ: Kindness, Patience, Humility, Virtue, Service, Wisdom, Integrity, Obedience,<br />
Faith, Gratitude. Give each girl a string tied in a knot that will fit easily over their heads. At each sign, have a ribbon with one of the traits of<br />
Christ on it. They can tie the ribbon to their necklace. By the time they get to the top, they will have all the traits tied onto their necklace.<br />
Other <strong>Ideas</strong><br />
-Read the book “The Parable of the Princesses” by <strong>Jenny</strong> <strong>Phillips</strong> to the girls.<br />
-Courageous Queen Esther Obstacle Course/Zip Line. Use the courage it takes to do the zip line, etc. to compare the courage it took Queen Esther<br />
to go before the king. Talk about the courage it takes to live the gospel today. Or talk about the “obstacles” that get in our way of having courage and<br />
faith like Esther did after completing the obstacle course.<br />
Live it like . . . the stripling warriors Day<br />
Songs: We’ll Bring the World His Truth, Arise and Shine Forth<br />
Fun Activities<br />
-Do everything army style. Give out dog tags, Call sleeping areas barracks, Mess Hall (for food area)<br />
-Play capture the flag<br />
-Army obstacle course<br />
Live it like . . . Captain Moroni Day<br />
Songs: Onward Christian Soldiers, Arise and Shine Forth<br />
-Make titles of liberty<br />
See handouts on Captain Moroni on the following pages.
Tell this story of Captain Moroni: In the time of Captain Moroni, there was a wicked Nephite named Amalickiah who<br />
wanted to be king. Amalickiah drew many people away from the church, and he and his followers eventually fled to the<br />
Lamanites. Using deceit and even murder, Amalickiah became the king of the Lamanites. He wanted to destroy the<br />
Nephites and bring them into bondage, and he began preparations to come to battle against the Nephites.<br />
The scriptures say: “Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni,<br />
on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God. Yea, he had been<br />
strengthening the armies of the Nephites, and erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round<br />
about to enclose his armies.” (Alma 48:7-8) The armies of Amalikiah eventually came against Moroni and the Nephites.<br />
Read as a group, taking turns, Alma 49:1-23<br />
Discussion: Express how incredible it is that these cities which had once been weak and were destroyed by the Lamanites,<br />
had now become so strong, that they could not be penetrated by the enemy. Discuss the following questions:<br />
1) What was the first thing Moroni did to prepare for the enemy? (see Alma 48:7) Why do you think he did this first?<br />
2) What did they do next? (Alma 48:8). They went to work!!<br />
3) Ask your family to imagine the work that went into creating those massive banks of earth around the city. Explain that it<br />
was built shovel full by shovel full. What seemed to them at the time as repetitive, small, mundane steps, ended up creating<br />
something so strong that no enemy could penetrate it.<br />
Read the following quote: Howard W. Hunter: "The achievement of true greatness is a long-term process. It may involve<br />
occasional setbacks. The end result may not always be clearly visible, but it seems that it always requires regular, consistent,<br />
small, and sometimes ordinary and mundane steps over a long period of time. We should remember that it was the<br />
Lord who said, "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great." (D&C 64:33.)<br />
4) Compare the small, repetitive shovel fulls of dirt the Lamanites used to build their defense to our lives. What small, repetitive<br />
steps can we take every day to create a defense that strong? Who is our enemy today? What happens if we haven’t<br />
prepared defenses around our spirit against the adversary?<br />
Read the following quote: John A Widstoe: “A man who goes into battle cleanses his sword, looks after his gun, and he is<br />
ready for the battle when it comes. We are in the midst of a great battle today, the battle of the ages, foretold by prophets<br />
throughout the long ages of the past. We must begin with a certain understanding of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and<br />
a willing, ready acceptance of it .... There is no other way. But have we done that? Have we looked into our own hearts, to<br />
our testimonies, and added that which is wanting, taken out that which is unworthy? We should be fit for the battle ....Let us<br />
look into our testimonies. Are they just words on our tongues, or do they really represent our convictions? If they need<br />
mending, mend them; if they need building, build them. (John A. Widtsoe, Conference<br />
Report, Apr. 1951, pp. 100, 102.)<br />
5) What would’ve happened to the Nephites if they only prepared their minds to be<br />
faithful to their God, but then they did no work to prepare to defend themselves? Do<br />
you think God would’ve helped protect them if they didn’t do any preparation or work?<br />
In our lives, it is not enough to believe in our minds that Jesus is the Christ and that the<br />
gospel is true. We have to build defenses and strong faith. The bible dictionary teaches<br />
us that strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel. If we want to be strong<br />
and prepared against our enemy, we must live the gospel, step by step, shovel full by<br />
shovel full. And if we do, we will be prepared when Satan attacks. We can gain the<br />
strength needed so that Satan can have no power of us to injure or destroy us. Bear<br />
your testimony of these principles.<br />
Ask each youth fill out the sheet: “My Defense Plan Agains the Adversary.”<br />
REFRESHMENT IDEA: Serve “Dirt Cups”<br />
S t r e n g t h e n i n g O u r D e f e n s e s<br />
C a p t a i n M o r o n i ’ s G r e a t W a l l s o f D i r t<br />
G i r l ’ s C a m p W o r k s h o p / A c t i v i t y<br />
b<br />
Dirt Cups (Oreo Dirt Dessert)<br />
2 cups cold milk<br />
1 4-serving size package instant<br />
chocolate pudding<br />
8 oz. frozen whipped topping (such as<br />
Cool Whip), thawed<br />
1-1/2 cups crushed sandwich cookies<br />
(such as Oreos)<br />
1. Whisk together milk and instant pudding<br />
for two minutes, until pudding is completely<br />
dissolved and. Let stand 5 minutes to<br />
thicken. Stir in frozen whipped topping and<br />
1/2 cup of the crushed cookies. Spoon into<br />
10 cups. Sprinkle remaining crushed cookies<br />
over the pudding mixture. Chill until<br />
ready to serve. Makes 10 servings.
My “Plan of Defense” Against the Adversary<br />
Bruce R. McConkie:<br />
"Every member of the Church is on one side or the other . . . In this war all who do not stand forth<br />
courageously and valiantly are by that fact alone aiding the cause of the enemy. "They who are not<br />
for me are against me, saith our God" (2 Ne. 10:16; Matt. 12:30) . . . There is no middle ground.<br />
And the Lord loves a courageous man who fights openly and boldly in his army.<br />
(Sermons and Writings of Bruce R. McConkie, pg. 360-361)<br />
Using the Pattern of Captain Moroni:<br />
1. Read Alma 48:7:<br />
Moroni first had the people prepare their minds to be faithful to God. What things does the adversary use in your life to try<br />
to distract you from preparing your mind to be faithful to God?<br />
Create a plan for more fully preparing your mind to be faithful to God:<br />
2. Alma 48:8: Next, he had them erect “small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round about to enclose<br />
his armies, and also building walls of stone . . .” The banks of earth must’ve been made shovelful by shovelful. The<br />
stones were placed one by one. This would’ve been a lot of small steps over many days. What small steps can you take<br />
day by day in your life that will help make your defenses against Satan strong?<br />
3. Read Alma 48:9. Moroni placed the greatest amount of strength in the weakest places. What are your the weakest<br />
spots in your life where Satan has the most influence?<br />
How can you strengthen those places?
C a m p J o u r n a l<br />
Live Like you<br />
Believe!<br />
H<br />
B e l o n g s t o :<br />
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
C a m p J o u r n a l<br />
Year: _________ My Age: _________<br />
Location of <strong>Camp</strong>: __________________<br />
<strong>Camp</strong> <strong>Theme</strong>: ____________________<br />
Best food we had at camp: ____________________<br />
My favorite thing we did at camp: ____________________<br />
What I learned: ________________________________<br />
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Live Like You Believe, Like like you know, it’s one sure way your faith will grow
Date: ____________<br />
Live Like you believe!<br />
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Live it Like . . . Joseph Smith<br />
Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus<br />
only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever<br />
lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book<br />
of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been<br />
the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting<br />
gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has<br />
brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of<br />
Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for<br />
the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day<br />
Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain.<br />
He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like<br />
most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his<br />
works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not<br />
divided, and in death they were not separated! (D&C 135:3.)<br />
Parley P. Pratt Tells of Joseph Rebuking the Guards at Richmond Jail<br />
“In one of those tedious nights we had lain as if in sleep, till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and<br />
hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful<br />
blasphemies and filthy language of our guards, Colonel Price at their head, as they recounted to each other<br />
their deeds of rapine, murder, robbery, etc., which they had committed among the Mormons while at Far West<br />
and vicinity.<br />
They even boasted of defiling by force wives, daughters and virgins, and of shooting or dashing out the brains<br />
of men, women and children.<br />
I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice, that<br />
I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards, but I had said nothing to Joseph or<br />
anyone else, although I lay next to him, and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet and spoke<br />
in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:<br />
"Silence! Ye fiends of the infernal pit! In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still. I<br />
will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die this instant!"<br />
He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon, calm, unruffled, and<br />
dignified as an angel, he looked down upon his quailing guards, whose knees smote together, and who, shrinking<br />
into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon, and remained quiet until an exchange of guards.<br />
I have seen ministers of justice, clothed in ministerial robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was<br />
suspended upon a breath in the courts of England; I have witnessed a congress in solemn session to give laws<br />
to nations; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of thrones and crowns; and of emperors assembled<br />
to decide the fate of kingdoms; but dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight<br />
in a dungeon, in an obscure village of Missouri.” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, op. cit., p. 210.)
Parley P. Pratt Describes the Prophet:<br />
“President Joseph Smith was in person tall and well built,<br />
strong and active; of a light complexion, light hair, blue eyes,<br />
very little beard, and of an expression peculiar to himself, on<br />
which the eye naturally rested with interest, and was never<br />
weary of beholding. His countenance was ever mild, affable,<br />
beaming with intelligence and benevolence; mingled with a<br />
look of interest and an unconscious smile or cheerfulness,<br />
and entirely free from all restraint or affectation of gravity;<br />
and there was something connected with the serene and<br />
steady penetrating glance of his eye, as if he would penetrate<br />
the deepest abyss of the human heart, gaze into eternity, penetrate<br />
the heavens, and comprehend all worlds.<br />
He possessed a noble boldness and independence of character;<br />
his manner was easy and familiar; his rebuke terrible as<br />
the lion; his benevolence unbounded as the ocean; his intelligence<br />
universal, and his language abounding in original eloquence<br />
peculiar to himself—not polished—not studied—not<br />
smoothed and softened by education and refined by art; but<br />
flowing forth in its own native simplicity, and profusely<br />
abounding in variety of subject and manner. He interested<br />
and edified, while, at the same time, he amused and entertained<br />
his audience; and none listened to him that were ever<br />
weary with his discourse. I have even known him to retain a<br />
congregation of willing and anxious listeners for many hours<br />
together, in the midst of cold or sunshine, rain or wind, while<br />
they were laughing at one moment and weeping the next.<br />
Even his most bitter enemies were generally overcome, if he<br />
could once get their ears.” (Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt,<br />
pp.45-46.)<br />
A Tribute by George Q. Cannon<br />
List Some Christ-Like Characteristics that Parley P.<br />
Pratt Describes Joseph Smith as Having:<br />
__________________________________<br />
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Whether engaging in manly sport, during hours of relaxation, or proclaiming words of wisdom in pulpit or grove, he<br />
was ever the leader. His magnetism was masterful, and his heroic qualities won universal admiration. Where he moved<br />
all classes were forced to recognize in him the man of power. Strangers journeying to see him from a distance, knew<br />
him the moment their eyes beheld his person. Men have crossed ocean and continent to meet him, and have selected<br />
him instantly from among a multitude.<br />
It was the author's [George Q. Cannon's] privilege thus to meet the Prophet for the first time. The occasion was the arrival<br />
of a large company of Latter-day Saints at the upper landing at Nauvoo. The general conference of the Church was<br />
in session and large numbers crowded to the landing place to welcome the emigrants. Nearly every prominent man in<br />
the community was there. Familiar with the names of all and the persons of many of the prominent elders, the author<br />
sought with a boy's curiosity and eagerness, to discover those whom he knew, and especially to get sight of the Prophet<br />
and his brother Hyrum, neither of whom he had ever met. When his eyes fell upon the Prophet, without a word from<br />
anyone to point him out, or any reason to separate him from others who stood around, he knew him instantly. He<br />
would have known him among ten thousand. There was that about him, which to the author's eyes, distinguished him<br />
from all the men he had ever seen. (Cannon, op. cit., pp. 20-21.)
Live it Like . . . Esther<br />
“Esther was a queen, but all of us have the potential of being kings<br />
and queens, priests and priestesses, gods and goddesses. Like Esther we<br />
are called to live with faith and with service. We, too, whatever our<br />
circumstances, must meet those circumstances as queens and kings who<br />
are called and challenged to be here in this hour.” ~Chieko N. Okazaki<br />
James E. Faust: “One woman can make a great difference for a whole nation. I cite two examples<br />
from the scriptures, one for evil and one for good.<br />
In the book of Ether, Jared’s beautiful daughter enticed Akish to marry her through a seductive dance.<br />
Akish was to pay for her hand in marriage by murdering her grandfather, King Omer, so that her father<br />
could become the king. At her urging, Akish formed oath-bound secret combinations which caused the<br />
destruction of the Jaredite nation. 16<br />
On the other hand, Esther, a Jewess in the Old Testament, saved her people. When the Jews were in<br />
captivity, Esther was married to King Ahasuerus. The king signed a decree that all Jews were to be put<br />
to death. Esther’s cousin Mordecai urged her to intercede with the king on behalf of her people by saying<br />
to her, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 17 Esther, at<br />
the peril of her own life, pled with the king that her people should be spared. The king listened to her<br />
entreaty, and they were saved. One woman can make a great difference, even for a nation.<br />
These are challenging times. I believe your spirits may have been reserved for these latter days; that<br />
you, like Esther, have come to earth “for such a time as this.” It may be that your most significant, everlasting<br />
achievements will be your righteous influence on others, that your divine feminine inner beauty<br />
and intuition will find expression in your quiet strength, gentleness, dignity, charm, graciousness, creativity,<br />
sensitivity, radiance, and spirituality. Enhance these sublime feminine gifts. They will make you<br />
appealing and even irresistible as you serve others as the handmaidens of God.” (“The Virtues of<br />
Righteous Daughters of God,” Ensign, May 2003, 108)<br />
Thomas S. Monson: “Esther, through fasting, faith, and courage, had saved a nation.<br />
You will probably not be called upon to put your life on the line, as did Esther, for that which you believe.<br />
You will, however, most likely find yourself in situations where great courage will be required as<br />
you stand firm for truth and righteousness.<br />
Again, my dear young sisters, although there have always been challenges in the world, many of those<br />
which you face are unique to this time. But you are some of our Heavenly Father’s strongest children,<br />
and He has saved you to come to the earth “for such a time as this.” 20 With His help, you will have<br />
the courage to face whatever comes. Though the world may at times appear dark, you have the light<br />
of the gospel, which will be as a beacon to guide your way. “(“May You Have Courage, General Conference<br />
April 2009)
Live it Like . . . The Stripling Warriors<br />
“'Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word<br />
of command with exactness.' (Alma 57:21.)<br />
M. Russell Ballard: “This was an extraordinary task for a group of 2,000 young men, but they were<br />
extraordinary young men. According to the scriptural record: “They were exceedingly valiant for<br />
courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were<br />
true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.<br />
“Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of<br />
God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:20–21).<br />
The rest of the story tells how these young men fought valiantly against the much older and much<br />
more experienced Lamanite army. According to their leader, Helaman, “They … fought as if with the<br />
strength of God; … and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites, that they did<br />
frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war” (Alma<br />
56:56).<br />
Imagine that! These inexperienced young men were so spiritually and physically prepared, and so<br />
powerful, that they frightened their foes into surrendering! Although all 2,000 of the young men were<br />
wounded in battle at one time or another, not one was killed (see Alma 57:25). Again quoting Helaman,<br />
“And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in<br />
that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt,<br />
that they should be preserved by his marvelous power” (Alma 57:26).<br />
. . . today we are fighting a battle that in many ways is more perilous, more fraught with danger than<br />
the battle between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Our enemy is cunning and resourceful. We fight<br />
against Lucifer, the father of all lies, the enemy of all that is good and right and holy . . .<br />
This isn’t a time for spiritual weaklings . . .As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I call upon you to<br />
begin right now—tonight—to be fully and completely worthy. Resolve and commit to yourselves and<br />
to God that from this moment forward you will strive diligently to keep your hearts, hands, and minds<br />
pure and unsullied from any kind of moral transgression.” (“The Greatest Generation of Missionaries,”<br />
Ensign, Nov 2002, 46)<br />
Ezra Taft Benson: “You are to be the royal army of the Lord in the last days. You are “youth of the<br />
noble birthright.” (Hymns, 1985, no. 255.)<br />
In the spiritual battles you are waging, I see you as today’s sons of Helaman. Remember well the<br />
Book of Mormon account of Helaman’s two thousand stripling warriors and how the teachings of their<br />
mothers gave them strength and faith. These marvelous mothers taught them to put on the whole<br />
armor of God, to place their trust in the Lord, and to doubt not. By so doing, not one of these young<br />
men was lost. (See Alma 53:10–23; Alma 56:41–56.)” (“To the ‘Youth of the Noble Birthright’,” Ensign,<br />
May 1986, 43)
Live it Like . . . Captain Moroni<br />
“'Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever<br />
would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been<br />
shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the<br />
children of men” (Alma 48:17).<br />
Elder Joe J. Christensen: “Captain Moroni provides young and old with the kind of hero the world so critically<br />
needs-a hero who deserves to be emulated. He possessed personal characteristics that set him apart as<br />
a remarkable individual. The prophet Mormon recognized the rare values found in Captain Moroni's life and experience<br />
and generously chose to share them with us in our day and time.<br />
Perhaps Mormon chose the name Moroni for his son-who concluded the Book of Mormon record-because he<br />
considered Captain Moroni to be so exceptional . . .<br />
Moroni was a believer and a defender of the truth . . .<br />
Additional character and personality traits of Captain Moroni that merit mention and emulation include the following:<br />
1. He had prepared himself throughout his early years so that at age twenty-five he was qualified and trusted<br />
enough to be appointed leader of all the armies of the Nephites (see Alma 43:17).<br />
2. He was compassionate and wise.<br />
3. He was spiritual and sensitive to ecclesiastical leadership. He sought, obtained, and followed the counsel of<br />
the prophet Alma (see Alma 43:23-26). He delighted in doing good, in preserving his people, and in keeping<br />
the commandments of God (see Alma 48:16).<br />
4. He was intelligent. He used a variety of tactics and strategies to defeat his enemies (for example, see Alma<br />
43:27-35). Even some modern military leaders have indicated that Moroni's military skills were obvious and ingenious.<br />
5. He was a leader who surrounded himself with good and able people. "Helaman and his brethren were no<br />
less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize<br />
unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words" (Alma 48:19).<br />
6. He demonstrated great leadership ability, including charisma,and was able to rally a people to the title of liberty<br />
(see Alma 46:13). In Moroni's day "there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi" (Alma<br />
50:23). His leadership likely inspired the two thousand stripling warriors who were led into battle so successfully<br />
by Helaman (see Alma 53, 56-57).<br />
7. He knew the value of organization and labor. He knew that when he caused the Lamanite prisoners to work,<br />
it was easier to guard them (see Alma 53:5).<br />
8. He was family-oriented. The Nephite armies would not take prisoners of women and children.<br />
9. He was a man of courage. He personally scaled the wall of a Lamanite city and directed his men to a victory<br />
through remarkable valor and strategy (see Alma 62:20-23) (“Heroes from the Book of Mormon, pgs 129-132)
Craft Idea: “Live It” Jar<br />
Encourage the girls to “live it” well after camp is over. Create a “Live it” jar by:<br />
1) Printing out and cutting the “Live It” labels on the the next page and sticking them on a cute<br />
piece of scrapbook paper with double sided tape.<br />
2) Put the piece of scrapbook paper on the jar with double sided tape.<br />
3) Add decorative ribbon to the jar.<br />
4) Have 20 small pieces of solid colored paper (different colors) for each of the girls. Have them<br />
write the 20 scriptures down on each piece of paper, fold the papers, and then put them in the<br />
jar.<br />
5) Encourage the girls when they get home, to choose a paper every morning. They read the<br />
scripture and then make a goal of how to try to “live” the principle they read about and then follow<br />
that goal that day.<br />
6) OR have them take their jar home with blank pieces of paper. Encourage them each morning to write a goal of how to more fully<br />
live the gospel that day, on one of the blank papers and when they accomplish the goal, to fold it up and put it in the jar. When they<br />
have filled the jar with all the papers, they can bring the jar to show you for a special gift (like a <strong>Jenny</strong> <strong>Phillips</strong> CD, as low as $1.99 each<br />
or “Daughter of a King” necklaces as low as $2.50 on www.jennyphillips.com)<br />
Daily “Live It” Scriptures”<br />
3 Nephi 12:16 Proverbs 4:26 D&C 60:13 Ether 12:27 John 15:14<br />
Matthew 4:5 D&C 78:19 Moroni 7:45 Matthew 5:9 3 Nephi 18: 15<br />
D&C 121:45 Alma 26:22 Acts 27:22 2 Nephi 32:8-9 D&C 88: 124<br />
1st Timothy 2:9 Mosiah 2:17 3 Nephi 18:11 Alma 34:38 D&C 19:23<br />
unplug yourself for the spirit<br />
Read the following story from Boyd K. Packer:<br />
"It has been many years, but I have not forgotten that as pilots in World War II we did not have the electronic equipment<br />
that we have today. Our hope in a storm was to follow a radio beam. A steady signal, and you were on course. If you<br />
moved to one side of the steady signal, it would break up to a "dit-da," the Morse code for the letter A. If you strayed to<br />
the other side of the signal, the beam would break up into a "da-dit," the Morse code signal for N. In stormy weather there<br />
was always static and interference. But the life of many a pilot has depended on his hearing, above the roar of the engines<br />
and through all the static and interference, that sometimes weak signal from a distant airfield. There is a spiritual beam,<br />
with a constant signal. If you know how to listen, spiritually listen, you may move through life, through clear weather,<br />
through storms, through wars, through peace, and be all right."<br />
Next, ask the girls to open their scriptures to a certain scripture (you choose). Tell them they have one minute to read the<br />
passage and to prepare to share their feelings when time is up. As soon as you start the clock, turn on some very loud rock<br />
music (make sure it is clean!). Turn it as loud as you can so it will be very distracting for them to focus. When the minute<br />
is up, ask them how well they did focusing on the scripture. Were they able to learn? Were they able to hear promptings<br />
from the spirit?<br />
If our minds are continually full of "noise," we will not be able to hear the spirit. Our minds need "quiet time" for the Holy<br />
Ghost to be able to teach and guide us.<br />
Discuss the technological world that we now live in. People are constantly "plugged in" to music, television, movies,<br />
video games, cell phones, and computers. Just as President Packer needed to hear the faint radio signal above the roaring<br />
engines and static, so we need to learn how to hear the still small voice above the noisy roar of the world. We can start by<br />
occasionally "unplugging" ourselves.
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e<br />
Live It!<br />
T h i s i s m y d a y<br />
I w i l l s t a n d b y H i m<br />
w i t h e v e r y b r e a t h I t a k e