Saturday, August 9, 2008

Girls Camp- An Estrogen-Fueled Adventure

I teach the 12 and 13 year old girls at church every Sunday, and let me tell you, I ADORE the sweeties. They are my lovelies, my home girls, my chickitas. They're really great girls. They are also insane. Completely. Girls camp usually involves all the girls from 12-18, but this year, 6 very young teenagers were crammed together in the same teepee without the tempering influence of the older girls. The teepee was huge, so why was it crammed? Their attitudes. Oh, yeah.
Did you know that lack of sleep can turn usually sensible girls into screaming banshees? That it's possible to have 6 girls sobbing their hearts out, all at the same time, sure that they are the source of all trouble in the world? I learned many things week, let me tell you.


The first thing I learned, is that Sharing is Caring. I got to ride up to camp with one of my BFFs. As we were headed out the door, my husband kissed me soundly and quipped, "Sorry Noelle, none for you!" She chuckled tolerantly, but got the last laugh when she forgot her toothbrush and shared mine the whole time."I guess I ended up getting that kiss after all!"
Classic.

I learned that despite what you may think, I am no horse woman. When the wrangler asked if I was confident around horses I stood up straighter and said "Sure!" I'm used to making people obey me. It's actually what I do for a living. Do you know how long I would last if I couldn't maintain a little discipline? "Can you keep the horse from snacking?" I grinned smugly. I can defend a week's worth of lunch snacks from a ravenous horde, I think I can handle a horse. I kept it from snacking alright, but I couldn't keep the horse in front of us from kicking at us, or keep my horse from dancing all around in terror. And my bum, that's another story. It hurt to sit down for days! I was gratified this morning to see a bruise the size and shape of a quarter on my bum cheek. No, I'm not built for riding.

I learned that I like my peace and quiet. Boys are noisy, but if they went on a hike through a 2.5 mile train tunnel, they wouldn't sing at the top of their lungs the whole time. They would burp, make other rude sounds and hide and jump out at each other. They wouldn't sing. Give me burping farters any day of the week.

13 comments:

Jana said...

My condolensces to you. I know exactly where you are coming from. I need not say more - you know me too well. However, I will say this - your toothbrush sharing friend is so lucky to have you as a friend. And I mean really lucky. I love my BFF BS like I love my sisters - probably moreso - but I would never, and I do mean never let her use my toothbrush. I may have to call her and let her know this right now so we are both on the same page about this.

She is very lucky to have you.

One time my mother in law came for a little visit and left all her Gs at home and so I had to share. I luckily had some new ones in a drawer and when she was leaving and went to give them back I just said no thank you and bought me some new ones at a later date.

BS knows that I am not a good sharer though. But she still loves me.

Jana said...

By the way - I have to say that I was a little shocked that your husband reads my blog. Really? My husband would be like 'Earlwho'?

Sorry.

EarlGirl said...

Actually, he doesn't read anyone's blog but mine. He's loyal that way. He does, however, listen to me read aloud where there's something really good. And you have some very good stuff!

Home of the Muddy Kids said...

Aren't teenage girls the best? They are so up to trying new things, but grown up enough to talk to. *sigh* I just love 'em! I'm so sad that I didn't get to go to camp for more than one night this year.

Lee said...

I miss you. I miss the girls. I am glad you got to go. Give them love from me.
And girls camp.. that many girls.. all together.. lots of tears, fights, and love.
I don't miss girls camp.

Anonymous said...

Hehehe-So funny and so true! I must agree with Tia Juana I am very lucky! In so many ways! :) Love ya-N
PS Not my best picture-but then again it is called roughing it FOR A REASON!!! :)

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain because every now and again I have to take care of the girls unit at work. Of course, I can shoot them up with ativan when they get too wild. Thats what you need to take with you next time, Ativan!

Anonymous said...

I feel your pain because every now and again I have to take care of the girls unit at work. Of course, I can shoot them up with ativan when they get too wild. Thats what you need to take with you next time, Ativan!

Allison said...

I'm with YOU! I'll take the burping farters as well! N is VERY lucky indeed, and not just because you shared your toothbrush...

SkinnyJeanGirl said...

I loved girls camp. That said, and those days behind...I will take all of my burping, farters, rude noise makers, any day over screaming banshees.:)

Anonymous said...

That sounds like the activity girls I work with, only slightly older :)

I understand it, I had no idea, really, I didn't know how loud they could be, but looking back, it was a fun year and it's been my favorite calling so far, I can't wait to start a new year, with all the screaming, singing,and jumping girls, it does take lots of energy.

They have horse riding at camp?
I'd love it, I used to ride horses in summer back in Italy.

It's been years now, I was a teenager.

fivekidsandsomechocolate said...

.......Oooooh, oooooh, OOOOOH, Ugh! I am so not going on any trips with you guys- if you share toothbrushes....The birthday thing is so off!

Maybe, I will just bring a couple of extras.

Kimberly said...

Seriously? You would rather be in a nasty gas filled tunnel then sing at the top of your lungs? I would have been singing louder than any of them. :-)

All the comments seem to share your thoughts, but I just gotta say "Let's hear it for the girls..."

I'm all about the girlie moments. Bring 'em on.