195 Dresses

"Inspiring"
What a wonderful idea!

STEP UP and bring someone with you

 Our theme for Stake Girl's Camp this year is a dance inspired theme:
 "Step Up" a.k.a. Set The Example Personally
(photos from our Step-Up camp can be found here)
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M O S I A H  1 8 :  8 - 9
 "…As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life - "

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CAMP KICK-OFF:
Last night was our Camp Kick-Off.  Can I just say that I am so excited for camp this year!  Kim, thank you for your ideas on introductions.  Unfortunately, I was too embarrassed to do "Evolution of Dance".  And due to waiting until the last minute there was really no time to put together the "SNL Cheerleading Skit".  Either of those would have been awesome.  We ended up doing a simple cheerleading roll call:
Ready?  Okay.
Roll Call!
I'm Sister _____.
*clap *clap
And I like _____.
*clap *clap
We all clapped together, as each one took a turn introducing themselves.
We said silly little things for what we liked:  pickles, hugs, floss, rocks,
dancing, 4th years (which obviously got a lot of cheers from the 4th years)
We ended by yelling out:
"Does anybody want to dance?!"
Then the music started.
I was afraid it would be too cheesy, but the girls seemed to love it!  We were immediately surrounded with young women, dancing and freezing then dancing again.  Brie asked me later if I heard her yell out in the beginning, "That's my mom!"  I wish I had.  I guess I didn't embarrass her and Maddy too much.  :)
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YW CAMP
The following is what the Stake Camp Committee has planned for camp.  I am simply working with activities and crafts.  But you know how my mind works...  I love creating idea pages, I'll warn you when those ideas are about to surface!
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DANCE STYLE ASSIGNMENTS:
1st years:  Hula
2nd years:  Jazz
3rd years:  Swing
4th years:  Techtonic
YCL's/Seniors:  Hip Hop
Adult Leaders:  Cheerleaders
Cooks:  Salsa
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DAILY THEMES:
Tuesday:
Ballet
"Stay on your toes."
Helaman 5:12

Wednesday:
Break Dance
"Just move it."
Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-28
Thursday:
Interpretive
"Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful."
1 Samuel 16:7
Friday:
Line Dancing
"Don’t get out of sync."
2 Nephi 28:32
Saturday:
Step Up
"And bring someone with you."
2 Nephi 28:32
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WARNING:
Here come the idea pages.
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DECOR:
Wooden silhouettes of dancers for each cabin.  Painted black.  Possibly 4 feet tall.  Decorated by each cabin - to go along with their dance style assignment.  Maybe a few extra to go around camp.  I think it would look really cool.
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ACTIVITIES/CRAFTS:
  • The craft cabin will not be called the craft barn or cabin this year.  It will be "The Step-Up Academy of Dance and Creativity."
  • It may be a good idea to have "dance cards" to be punched as projects are completed.
  • At the end of the week, if they complete a certain amount of projects and/or activities they will receive a certificate of completion.  This is what I created to go along with the theme:

  • Possible craft ideas here.
  • Buckets of Red Vine licorice twists with the labels replaced with "Let's Do The Twist!"  Anyone coming into the Academy is welcome to take a piece of licorice, but they must "do the twist" first.  :)
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ALL CAMP ACTIVITY:
Now for the activity for the whole camp.  Usually held at the end of the week.  History tells us that the all camp activity is all about fun! And a bit of competition.  Here are a few ideas running around my head:
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IDEA #1:  "So You Think You Can Dance?" Competition
  • Take place at ampitheater
  • Judges table
  • Costume Boxes
  • Hat filled with slips of paper with different styles of dances printed on them.
  • In turn, each team will choose a dance style from the hat.
  • IMPROV: They must choreograph a dance, create costumes, perform within a set amount of time.
  • "So You Think You Can Dance?" count down a must!

IDEA #2:  "So You Think You Can Dance?" Obstacle Course
(a play on words/using names of different styles of dance)
  • Ballet
  • Break Dance (sling shot target practice, breaking plates - with letters on them spelling DANCE)
  • Hip Hop (potato sack race, wearing bunny ears)
  • Hula (hula hoop competition)
  • Swing
  • Line Dancing
  • Fox Trot
IDEA #3:  Masquerade Ball
  • To begin, everyone will create a mask, representing the teams (cabins/year) they are apart of.
  • Then we will play one of the following:  steal the disco ball (steal the flag), quad soccer, dodge ball
IDEA #4:  Flash Mob Dance
(to a camp inspired "Step-Up Dance Mix" )
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PERSONAL PROGRESS:
  • Knowledge #3
Memorize Article of Faith number thirteen and recite it to a parent, a leader, or another adult. Then visit a museum or exhibit or attend a performance that involves dance, music, speech, or drama. Using this article of faith as a guide, evaluate what you saw and heard. In your journal write your thoughts about how you can use this article of faith as a guide for all you do so the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion. Share those thoughts with a parent or leader.
  • Individual Worth #5
Participate in a dance, speech, music, or drama performance at school, in your community, or at church. How did your participation in this activity strengthen your feelings of individual worth and self-confidence? Record your thoughts in your journal.
  • Choice and Accountability #8
Under the direction of your parents or leaders, help plan and direct a youth dance or other activity that features appropriate dancing instruction and wholesome music, lighting, and atmosphere.
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QUOTES INSPIRED BY DANCE:
  • It was Brigham Young who said, “If you want to dance … do it, and exercise your bodies, and let your minds rest,” and “If you wish to dance, dance; and you are just as much prepared for a prayer meeting after dancing as ever you were, if you are Saints.”
  • Doctrine and Covenants 136:28  "If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving."
  • "Instead of waiting for the storm to pass, dance in the rain."
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

"Shine On" Necklace

This is one of the crafts we made at YW Camp this year.  Thought it might be fun for the girls to hang in their cabins, or around their necks during the night hike.
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SUPPLIES
glass votive
tacky glue
string
ribbon
creativity - make it into a piece of art!
battery operated tea light
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INSTRUCTIONS
Glue the string/ribbon to the glass votive.
Glue ribbon around top of votive, covering string ends.
Allow to dry completely before picking up by string.
Add tea light.
Shine On!

Easter 2011

A few fun Easter finds:
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Secret Service Mission

Tonight the Beehives were in charge of the "All Girls Night".  What a fun night!  It was a Secret Service Mission.
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BEFORE THE ACTIVITY
The Sunday before the activity, one of the Beehives stood up during opening exercises to make an announcement about the activity.  She was sportin' a black hat and dark sunglasses.  As she explained the upcoming activity she remained in total under cover spy character.  So cute!
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ON THE NIGHT OF THE ACTIVITY
  • We were divided into three teams.
  • Each team was given a cipher wheel  (which they Beehives made themselves).

  • Next, each team was then given a manilla evelope with the words TOP SECRET stamped on the front.
  • Each envelope held a clue, which led us to our first location and told us what service we were to give.
  • When the service was completed, we were given our next clue.
  • Each team went to three different locations.
  • These were a few of the service activities they set up for the night:  squeezing lemons, dusting blinds, pulling weeds, vaccuming,
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MAKE YOUR OWN CIPHER WHEEL

1.Print the two wheels you find below on card stock.
2.Cut out both wheels. Make sure you don't cut off the black triangle on the smaller one.
3.With a sharp point, make a small hole in the middle of both wheels.
4.Join the two wheels together (small one on top of the big one) with a split pin or cotter pin.

Knot Your Average Pony

found here
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This is definitely an easy, gorgeous spring/summer ‘do. Here’s how to get this very uncomplicated knotted ponytail:
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TOOLS:
  • light holding styling mousse
  • comb
  • small clear elastic
  • large bobbypin
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Apply a light holding styling mousse all over from roots to ends for texture and seperation. Hair can be damp or dry. (If it’s dry, be sure it’s a light holding mousse or you could end up with a strong holding mess.)
2) Separate the hair over your shoulder into two pieces. The piece from the back should come forward and down (see photo).
3,4) Using your girl scout skills, tie hair into a simple knot.
5.) Secure the two ends together using a clear elastic. Once it’s in there, slide it up underneath the knot to conceal it.
6) Throw a bobby pin in there for extra security.
7) Back comb the ponytail a little for texture and then comb through it with your fingers to settle it.
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Tip: Once the steps are complete, tug on it and mess it up a bit. This look is better when it’s a little disheveled!

Floor Cushions

Going to pick out fabric today (if I'm lucky)!  A single seater floor cushion - complete with a handle for easy transfers for the little ones.  I'm thinking Christmas.
Easy to follow tutorial here
I even saw one made without the piping!
Sew easy!
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Becky...  I know you want to make one!
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Here's what you'll need:
1 yard Home Dec Fabric
2 pkgs. 1/2 " pre made piping
Contrasting Thread
16-24oz. Fiberfill

YW Camp Craft Ideas

I was called to head up our Stake Young Women Camp's activities and crafts.  Not only am I excited to go to girl's camp again this year...  I am giddy about the women I will be working with.  Each of them are talented, inspiring, and all out fun to be around!
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Now for a growing list of ideas...  feel free to share your ideas!
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NOTE:  Some of these would be great as Super Saturday crafts, gifts for Mother's day, or crafts for the Faith in God girls.
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Check back for details, I am still gathering ideas.
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STAMPED ALUMINUM ADJUSTABLE RINGS
found here
video tutorial here
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BUTTON CHARM BRACELET
found here (project #7)
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SEQUIN WRAP BRACELET
tutorial here
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FROSTED GLASS JAR LANTERNS
found here
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PRETTY PLATES
tutorial here
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LEATHER BRACELETS
tutorial here
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COVERED BOOK OF MORMON
tutorial here
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BANDANA DRAWSTRING BAG
tutorial here
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POCKET-SIZED BOOK OF MORMON
tutorial here
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FABRIC BUTTON RINGS
tutorial here
photo from here
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BUTTON RINGS
tutorial here
photo from here
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BUTTON BRACELETS
easy tutorial here
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fabricheadbands
FLORAL HEADBANDS
tutorial here
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FABRIC FLOWERS
tutorial here
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WASHER NECKLACE
tutorial here
photo from here
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PAPER COVERED WASHERS for jewlery
tutorial here
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WOODEN BANGLE BRACELETS
tutorial here

DIY LANYARDS
tutorial here
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WATER BOTTLE AND PAPER BANGELS
tutorial here
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CARVED LEATHER BRACELETS
tutorial here
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FABRIC BEAD NECKLACE
tutorial here
photo from here
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FABRIC WRAPPED BANGEL EARRINGS
tutorial here

Around the World in 80 minutes

This activity was a fun, active activity.  It takes your group on a trip around the world (in a manner of speaking).  Begin by dividing your group into even teams.  At each location they are given a challenge (Minute To Win It style) to complete before moving on. 
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We had a similar party for Maddy and her friends at the end of the school year.  We adapted the challenges a bit to fit teams made up of only two people.
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The photos are a combination of both the YM/YW Activity and the End of School Year Party.
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CHINA
Paper Dragon: First team to wind each of their rolls of crepe paper around their arms wins.
Supplies:  Red Crepe Paper Rolls for each team
ANTARCTICA
Ice Sculpture:  Using Ice Blocks… Each team has 5 minutes to create an ice sculpture.  Using Ice Cubes… must stack 10 ice cubes on top of each other.  First team to successfully stack 10 ice cubes without having it fall down wins.
Supplies:  Ice block or Ice Cubes for each team
MEXICO
Tortilla Toss:    Everyone wrote their name on the tortillas with permanent marker.  Team with the furthest toss wins.
Supplies:  Corn Tortillas, permanent marker
ENGLAND
Tied Up Tea Party:  Teams sit in a circle, with hands tied together.  First team to unwrap and eat cakes wins.
Supplies:  Ties for wrists, tea cakes (ding dongs/twinkies/powdered donuts) for each person.
IRELAND
Blarney Stone:  First team to find the largest, smoothest stone wins.
Supplies:  n/a
EGYPT
Mummy Wrap:  First team to wrap chosen team member with 3 rolls of toilet paper wins.
Supplies:  3 rolls of toilet paper for each team
GERMANY
Root Beer Chug:  First team to finish 2 liter of root beer wins.  (Cans of root beer were used with two-player teams.)
Supplies:  2 liter root beer for each team, paper cup for each team member
AFRICA
Blind Tribal Drum Walk: Baskets to be carried on team member’s heads, blindfolded, following the beat of the tribal drum. First team to get everyone to the drum wins.  The teams chose to walk together.
Supplies:  One drum. Blindfolds for each team. Baskets optional.
ITALY
Pizza Dough Toss: Each team to stand in a line.  The dough is to be tossed up the line and back.  First team with a nicely tossed pizza crust wins.
Supplies:  Large Ball of Pizza Dough for each team
AUSTRALIA
Boomerang Train:  Teams stand in a line.  Each team has a large spoon with a spool of yarn tied to it.  The first team to weave the spoon through each team member all the way down the line (and back if you want) wins.  Yes, through pants and shirts, nothing more.
Supplies:  Spoon, Yarn for each team

Paper Blossoms

I am loving the blossom filled trees right now!  I saw these paper blossoms and thought they might extend spring a little longer.  Enjoy!
Kristen_cherryblossom2
tutorial found here
What You’ll Need:
  • Pink paper (thin paper will be easier to fold)
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Bare branches
  • Vase or frame
Step One:
If you are not using origami paper, cut your paper into squares. I used two different sizes of squares, 3 in. and 2.5 in.
Step Two:
Cut your branches to a size that will suit the frame or vase that your will be using.
Step Three:
Fold your squares into cherry blossoms. You can find out how to fold them here (http://www.origami-club.com/en/flowers/sakura2/index.html). You can create slight variations in the flowers by the you cut them.
Step Four:
After you have arranged your branches in a vase or frame, attach the folded cherry blossoms to the branches using tape. I happened to have a pink masking tape that matched my paper, but clear tape would also work.
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BLOSSOMS 101