Brighton Camp, Week 2: June 29-July 4

Theme: PATRIOT (in honor of the 4th)

Week 2 was fabulous now that I've gotten a routine down. Waking up at 6:30AM and going to bed at 11PM isn't exactly my cup of tea, but I'll survive. Love, love, love my roomies! (Boots, Hazel and Squeaky--in The Hovel.)

 Waiting in costumes for the girls to arrive

 Radar & I were a story stop along the Legend Trail (red stripe)

 Cute Radar, real cute

 Stitch & Squeaky

 Me & one of my best friend's little sisters, Emma

 I helped out with a unit this week because the counselor had a girl with special health needs which took a couple hours each day. When I asked if they needed help planning their skit, they all chimed in "No Ric Rac, we're done and memorized, we don't need your help" Okay then, I chuckled. Boy, what a responsible group of young ladies. They say we're the ones teaching the girls, but I think the girls taught me more. At the end of the week, their counselor (Denver) says "Girls, did Ric Rac shape you up?" and in response they said "No, we shaped her up!" :)

 The cabin my "temporary" girls stayed in; felt so proud to be a part-time counselor!

 Morning TNT skit; I was "Uncle Sam-antha"

 Found these wooden bowling pins up in the Craft Shack attic. Brought them down, dressed them up with some artistic genius and sold them. A hit among the girls, were completely sold out in 3 days!My favorite included a pink poodle whom we later named Prince who is now the mascot of The Hovel.

 Tried finding mini-versions of counselors this week. I present mini-Mermaid!

 Me & mini-Ric Rac; she was quite adorable!

 Scout, Waffle, Hazel, Mermaid and Sunny

 Pinecones/Headbands Night where the SOS and Kitchen Staff get together to finish all the preparations for Legend Ceremony and Pinecone Legend. This particular night turned into a karaoke/dance party to Hannah Montana, Taylor Swift, and more. Fun times! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life....

 Fives chillin' while the dance party continues

 Sunny, Hazel, Mermaid and Bug jammin' out

 Mermaid (scroll up to compare to the mini version)

 Yet another TNT skit, Codger (a senior missionary) played Paul Revere

 Sunny & I (A British soldier-ette & "Uncle Sam-antha")

 Boots getting ready to rappel her girls down the rock where I was helping

 Group of girls after Lifeline--one just couldn't stand the wait and had to take a quick nap

 Emma rappelling down the rock, she's a champ!

 One of my counselors when I went to Brighton as a Beehive! Basically the reason I applied to work here. Sparkle is amazing!!! :D

 Emma & I saying our goodbyes, yes, there were tears between both of us

 Boots & I; best friends for life

The squirrels at Brighton are definitely NOT shy, no zooming in or anything, this little guy was ONLY like 6 inches away from me! Must be all the girls smuggling food outside to feed them...

Brighton Camp, Week 1: June 22-27

Theme: SUPERHERO

Hooray for the first week of camp! It was very stressful and tiring, but definitely a learning experience and fun! It was great to see some the Beehives from mine & Sunny's old stake and even ward. Those girls had to be especially careful not to tell everyone our real names. :) Maybe now I can finally settle into a regular schedule and know what to expect as far as camp goes.

Dressed up and all ready for the first girls of the summer!

 Peaches as Batman

 The SOS (Staff On Support) along with the KD's.

We unload all the luggage while the girls meet their counselors up on the rock.

 Me (Ric Rac) with Penny-Waggon, one of the counselors

 Sunny calling out the names of her first campers--tender!

 Introducing TNT (Tops N' Tidy) with a costume-clad skit

 The little Brownie homes along the Brownie Trail

 Day 2 of TNT skits

 Smiles before Legend Ceremony starts

 Getting gussied up for Legend

 Abu & I were at one of the story stops along the trail (headbands)

 Buttercup & Sunny

 Sunny & I

 Poppy, Mermaid and Rodeo

 Bird & Peaches

 Ruby, Jett and Squeaky

 Sunny with her girls at the last stop of Legend Ceremony

 Me rappelling on my SOS day

Sophie (girl from past ward) & I

Brighton PreCamp--Week of June 15th-20th

Theme: MUSICALS

Finally getting photos of PreCamp up, been meaning to but been major busy ya know, doing camp stuff. So here they are (drum roll please):


"Nibik"--one of the cabins down Hernia Hill

Look at all the snow!

The Craft Shack after re-organizing, cleaning, and updating EVERYTHING

Making samples of the crafts we offer so the girls
can see the finished product

Here Comes the Bride!

Upon finding out that our cousin P proposed to his girlfriend, we were ecstatic! We absolutely love her and she is a fabulous addition to our family! Since we knew and loved her so well, we volunteered to throw a bridal shower for her at our house. We kept the theme a secret and planned accordingly. Us girls know how to throw a mean party (if I do say so myself). The theme was Mickey Mouse and I thought all the decor, food and games were perfect! Overall, a fantastic party for an outstanding bride! Love you A!!!

C and Aunt B

J and Cousin B

The bride with her soon-to-be mother in law, Aunt L

C, Mom, and J

Aunt B, Cousins B & E

M & I

A & Cousin B

Aunt L, A & Cousin B

J, M, A, C & Me

J, M, A, C, Mom & Me

An Anticipated Event

After days of searching for a graduation dress, addressing & mailing announcements, organizing an after-graduation dinner/BBQ and more, graduation day finally came! My little sis J graduated and it was a wonderful event--something she's been too excited for for a very long time. Sadly, G&G J could not come for the event, but with some other family there, it was fabulous! On either side of J sat two of her closest friends and her smile was HUGE! Suffice to say, all the planning and organizing was worth it! (Now only 3 more years till the next graduate)

Mom & Dad w/ J

The lucky little graduate herself

J w/ her friend A

The Fam (all who could make it)