Ward Camp Out

Last weekend the Bermuda Dunes ward went on a camp out to Hurkey Creek.  It was the last day of school, so everyone was already pretty excited.  As soon as we drive up, the kids were out and running around in the cool mountain air.  Laser Tag!

When we got there everybody have clean shiny faces.

But it didn't take long for every young face to look like these. (Except Dylan.  That kid didn't get a speck of dirt on him the whole trip!)

Dirty faces are fodder for photographers like Lillie.  Smile!

Soon it was time for s'mores.  The picnic table was PILED with marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers - enough to feed an army!

Luke wasn't very brave about the fire, so he used the longest stick he could find, stood very far away and really reached to get that marshmallow somewhere near the fire.

The s'mores received great reviews from everybody.

Well, almost everybody.

They also provided hot chocolate, but everyone was on their own for dinner.  we had foil dinners.  They were really good.  But the best smelling food came from outside the Valdez' tent where Maria was grilling carne asada.  I lurked around their tent until they offered me some.  Yum!

Then we all gathered around the camp fire for a wonderful lesson on dealing with hard times.

It was so fun to all be together.

Then there were some activities for the kids like a game of Red Rover, and a parachute ball toss.

Jeff and two of his cute kids.

 Shea is very very pregnant and very very brave.  I'm so glad she came anyway.

Give me five... but first give me Purell.

Derek sporting his five o'clock shadow.

It was worth sleeping on the ground to get the breakfast provided in the morning.  More hot chocolate and a breakfast feast!  Yummy!

The kids played, and the adults visited.  There was a fun craft activity for the primary kids - rock and wire necklaces to remind the kids that Christ is our rock.  Ryan got out of his tent, but not quite out of his bag.

Luke and Mila,  "baby" as he calls her, were kissing the Pooh Bear and Tigger pictures on the backs of the chairs.

Then he fed her a whole banana.  (Sorry about those nasty hands, Lillie!)

There was some SERIOUS competition over in the horseshoes arena.  Dennis was the gold ones above.  He tore it up!  I think he was just showing off for his woman.

Caleb found an hollow log...

and I found a crack.

My mountain man Nate.

Some of the little kiddos took a little trip down to the creek.

Luke's water shoes... well, they are now.

It was good to cool off a bit before heading back down to the desert heat.

Everyone had a great time, and we hope they make this a tradition.

THE END