Putting the "Her" in Hero!

I had a great opportunity to go up to girls camp for a few days this year. It was completely unexpected - a great turn of events.

My sister Lisa had been planning to go to camp for some time to help her taekwando teacher teach a self defense class to the girls. Her teacher was excited about the opportunity, but last minute she couldn't come, so in desperation they asked if I could teach it instead.

At first I was hesitant. I had done a lot of self defense with my former teacher, but nothing lately, and I sure have never taught it before. But they were desperate and this was girls camp after all. I LOVE girls camps, and a few days up in the mountains with the girlies sounded pretty sweet to me. Plus the chance to get some one on one time with my sister sounded fun too, so I said yes.

Frankly, I was terrified. The more I thought about it, the more I realized what an important class this was, and that I better do it right, especially if one of these girls might actually have to use what they learned here some day. I wanted to be serious about it, and yet still fun. I didn't want to freak anybody out and give them nightmares, but let the girls walk away feeling empowered and confident that there are things they can do to not be a victim.

I sent off an email to my dear former martial arts teacher who replied with some very helpful ideas and information. Then I went to my current teacher who showed me some easy but effective moves I could teach them. Then Lisa and I got together to plan our class and practice the moves. We did all this in just about 24 hours before it was time to head up the hill to camp.

Still, I walked into that class less than confidant, but did a good job of faking it, I think. But once I started teaching it, I felt the spirit so strong directing me what to say to them and the important things to emphasize. It was really great.

We spent the first half of the class just talking to the girls. The theme of camp was "Be the 'her' in 'hero'" and was a fun superhero thing, so to go along with that the self defense class was called "Finding your Super Powers." I started the class by asking the girls what two amazing super powers they had that they could use, especially in a bad situation? The answers: the Holy Ghost, our amazing super hero friend, and their own common sense. We talked about how relying on the spirit and their common sense could both keep them out of trouble and help them in a sticky situation. We gave them things to think about, and ways to protect themselves. Then Lisa talked to them about what to do if you do find yourself in a bad situation - there are more options available than you may realize. Finally we showed them some of the places on the human body that are most vulnerable (soft & squishy) and how to get at them most effectively (joints don't like to go the opposite direction they are intended), then demonstrated some easy moves (what to do if someone grabs your wrist, grabs your shirt, or grabs you from behind) and had them practice (carefully!) on each other.

It turned out to be a great class! The girls had so much fun and we really enjoyed teaching it.

Thanks to my friend Jen for taking all of the above pictures! They are just great.

We taught 2 classes the first day, and was super excited to teach it again the the rest of the girls the next day. But until then, all we had to do was play and enjoy the spirit (and fabulous food) of girls camp. Oh how I love girls camp! Oh how I love these girls!

And Oh how I love the leaders too!

Spirits were high, and there were super heroes in capes everywhere!

And cool stuff to take pics of.

And interesting people to get pics of, like this mysterious masked super hero. Wonder who that could be?

Pretty sure that is the secret identity of my girl Mary. Her super power is posing for my camera, I think.

That evening everybody climbed up the hill with their flashlights and warm super hero capes for the annual singing rocks.

Each ward sits on or behind a different huge bolder and takes turns turning on their flashlights and singing a some they have practiced. It was a really nice way to finish off the evening together.

We got to stay in the 5th year youth leader's cabin and was lucky enough to sit in on their devotional. They were each given wands and crowns and we all took turns telling each girl what their super powers (talents) were.

It turned out to be long and wonderful with laughter and tears. I know so well and love most of these girls from all my year as a YW leader, president, and seminary teacher. Im so glad I was asked to join them!

Morning came sooner than expected. It always does at girls camp.

The day started early with a tougher than expected hike in the mountains above Big Bear.

We got a bit off course and it was some work, but we finally got to the top!

Mothers, daughters, sisters,

and friends.

Back at camp the girls had some free time. Some made crafts or embellished their capes.

Lisa and I decided, just for fun, to offer just a regular taekwando class for whoever was interested during free time. This time we did some warm ups, then taught them some basic kicks and punches. We thought no one would show up because they were all too exhausted from that tough hike, but we had plenty of girls come, and they had a really great time kicking it up with us. I even found a nice board in the wood pile by my cabin, and asked anybody if they wanted to break it. Little Danielle volunteered and kicked that board snapping it in two. Everyone was impressed and she was thrilled, but I knew she could do it. She couldn't wait to show her brother!

We taught 2 more self defense classes that afternoon. By the second day we had it down, so it was even more fun.

And afterwards, all over camp, we saw stuff like this. No these girls are not having a knock down drag out girl fight - they are practicing their self defense moves.

I think those camp leaders might have regretted having us teach a self defense class by the end of the week.

I am SO glad I got this last minute opportunity to come up and enjoy a few days at girls camp and spend time with my sister and these great girls and ladies (and score one of the cool camp t-shirts which is seriously the coolest one ever!). And as an added bonus, I got to spend some extra time with my dear friend Staci who has just moved away. Sniff, sniff.

OK, so I am still a bit bummed that I did not get one of those awesome super hero capes (this is the one I wanted, right here!), but I also got to come up and have fun at camp and do whatever I wanted and not be in charge of anybody or anything, which is a pretty sweet deal. Besides, Lisa and I are still super heros right? I only wear a black belt and not a cape, because I have seem The Incredibles and I know that capes can have their downside.

POW!