Priesthood Power to Organize Young Women's Camp

​In January of this year, I was asked by the Stake Executive Secretary to meet with a member of the Stake Presidency. My husband and I speculated about what I would be asked to do. My husband knew that the stake calling I never wanted to do was to be the director of Stake Young Women's Camp. I've organized several one day or overnight Scout camps for 11 year-olds, but I had little experience with young women and don't like drama, crafts, or over-the-top productions. I've served in the young women organization two times for a short period and have been to camp as an adult only twice, once for the day and another time for one night and day. My husband told me I should never say I didn't want to do something, because the Lord would give me a chance to grow in that capacity. My husband was right.

Today I want to share with you what I learned about my priesthood power in organizing YW's camp. I was afraid and overwhelmed. Not only did I need to organize a Stake YW's camp in a few months, but I had to consider COVID restrictions. When I was set apart to do my calling by a member of the Stake Presidency, he blessed me with my "burdens" and then he stopped and said, "I should say your opportunities." When he set me apart to direct YW's camp, he gave me priesthood authority for the young women and leaders who would plan and attend stake YW's camp. I was able to access that priesthood authority and power as I followed the pattern of covenants.

I was first asked to present plans for camp with projected COVID restrictions. I read the current guidelines by the state of Idaho and realized that I did not have a task force to determine guidelines nor could I predict the future, but I knew the Lord could direct me. I sought revelation and during a discussion with my young adult daughter, came up with a solution that felt right. I submitted that solution and several others to the Stake Young Women’s Presidency and they were all rejected. Once I humbled myself and two assistant camp directors were called, we were able to counsel together and come up with a tentative plan. Soon after, the Stake Presidency issued recommendations for all group stake activities for the summer, and we proceeded with our plans. I had priesthood power to receive revelation for camp, that power was increased as I counseled with others asked to serve, and then I followed the guidelines of those with priesthood keys for our stake. This overwhelming task now became manageable. Countless times I felt that I did not know what I was doing. That I could not accomplish the organizing and executing of camp on my own. But I knew this was the Lord's work.

This past week I studied Doctrine and Covenants 88 and listened to the "Follow Me" podcast with Hank Smith and John Bytheway. Their guest, Dr. Anthony Sweat, taught about the temple and the covenants we make there. Then during our Sunday School lesson and discussion today, I realized how the temple endowment gave me priesthood power for YW's camp. In the temple endowment we make covenants which are sacred promises to God. Keeping those covenants such as the Law of Obedience, the Law of the Gospel, and the Law of Consecration gives us priesthood power which is the power God has given men and women to do His work on this earth. Even though I didn't know how I could be the director of YW's camp, I was obedient. As I was obedient, my heart was softened and I was blessed with revelation and other adults and young women to serve with me. I sacrificed a lot of time, I was continually humbled, repented, and gave of my talents, time, and resources to organize camp. In return, I received power to do God's work with the young women and young women leaders in the stake. That power came in the form of revelation, strength beyond my own, increased friendships, the support and service of young women and young women leaders, and the privilege of being part of the great work of stake camp.

On the first day of camp when the first few wards arrived, I wanted to hide. All the planning, personal prayers, study, and councils were great in theory and on paper--much of which I'd printed from google drive documents to access at camp. How could I, one person, be expected to be in charge of over 250 young women and adults? Again, the Spirit reminded me, that it wasn't all up to me. I had two great assistants, eight young women presidents, eight ward camp directors, five camp cooks, a nurse, stake leaders, adult leaders, youth camp leaders, and the power from the Lord. This wasn't my work. This was His work.

On the last night of camp, I attended the testimony meeting for my ward. I witnessed the growth of testimony and friendships in the young women and leaders. There was no way one person could have made all that happen. But because I had accepted the calling, I was privileged to be a part of the power of God in the lives of the young women and adults there.
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The theme of our Stake Young Women's Camp was "Bloom" as inspired by the church's youth theme for the year, "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days” (D&C 64:33-34). I was able to be part of His great work and able to witness the power of the priesthood, a power I have through my calling and my covenants.