The first ever Camp Zion for the Mesquite Nevada Stake was held on Kolob Mountain June 28-July 1 for Young Men and Young Women ages 16 thru 18 years of age. Days were filled with activities from 6:30 am to 10:30 at night that centered on the theme found in James 1:5-6.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
The goals of the camp was to feel the Spirit, become a better disciple of Jesus Christ, learn to become more like Him and turn to Him in times of trouble and to know how to access His Atonement in their lives.
Sixteen adult leaders were always present with the 47 Young Men and 48 Young Women who attended. More adults came throughout the days to assist and give presentations. The planning and execution of the camp was carried out by youth committees lead by Youth Presidents Reid Jensen and Bernice Fiso. They were assisted by Layton Woods, Brayton Tobler, Andrew Memmott, Burgundy Hall, and Kennedi Ludvigson. This Mission styled camp was further divided into Zones and Districts with youth leadership. Attendees were assigned a companion and much like missions were told to do their activities together.
Cecilia Wahl pronounced Camp Zion to be “one of the best experiences of my life. I was determined to treat camp like a mission. My favorite part was reading scriptures with my companion.” She added “Kari Wakefield was the FUNEST zone leader!”
Scripture reading and goal setting were large parts of Camp Zion. The goal of pre-specified scripture memorization was met by all the girls and most of the boys. Individual prayers, journal keeping and a kind, friendly attitude were also stressed as important goals throughout camp. Reading and discussions were held in groups and individual companionships.
The camp on Kolob Mountain centered on the eating/meeting area with the girls camping at the north end and the boys at the south end, all in 2-4 person tents. “It was awesome,” said Brother Bob Sweetin, Stake YM President, “though when I first heard about a camp with nearly 100 teenaged girls AND boys I did not think it could work.” But it did.
After attending the Culture Night with returned missionaries from all over the world Brayton Tobler said “The spirit can be felt no matter the language. You can make a difference in people’s lives.” Cade Anderson said “Camp Zion really makes me excited for my mission.”
Kennedi Ludvigson said “I felt the spirit so strongly, everyone was doing as they should, reading scriptures, praying and serving others. I know that camp really had an impact on lives.”
After working hard for months leading up to Camp Zion Bernice Fiso said she could truly say “I absolutely loved every second. I really learned the importance of good leadership. I worked hard to learn the skills it takes to lead. Patience is a huge part. I learned that the Spirit can be my best friend. I had to turn to it often. I loved Bro. Barnum’s talk about learning the language of the Spirit.”
Kylee Tobler voiced what was often heard, “Camp Zion was truly inspired.”