The Rickards Family: 6th Grade Camp With Jessica

I survived 6th grade camp, pregnant and all!! I loved every minute of it!

Last year, I told Jessica that I would go to 6th grade camp with her, but I wasn't planning on being pregnant. I'm so glad I decided to go anyway. It was an amazing experience.

We stopped along the way to camp to visit the old town of Columbia. Here is me with my two friends and co chaperones for the trip.

Heather, Me, and Shelley

These are the cute girls we were responsible forAlison, Kylie, Carrie (in the back), Jessica, Megan, and Sami

In some ways, camp was just as I expected. We slept on bunk beds.

My bed

The girls slept across the hall. (Slept is a term used loosely in this situation, which was also expected.)

There were "cool" chaperons and grouchy ones. (Well, more like one grouchy chaperon, but she kept things interesting and made us giggle.)

The food was... what you would expect. Luckily, we counted on that and brought lots of snacks!

The rest, I didn't know what to expect and I had no idea it would be such an amazing experience for the kids. After breakfast each morning, we got ready for our classes for the day. I loved the outdoor setting and all of the hands on experience.

this is a typical "classroom"

We did a lot of hiking. If we ever came across anything interesting or someone had a question, we would all strop and talk about it. Jessica almost stepped on this snake during one of our hikes.The teacher giving the kids a chance to touch the snake before sending it on its way.

Because so many of our "classes" were spent sitting in the dirt, the teacher encouraged the kids "to become one with nature" and get a little dirty. Jessica LOVED this idea!

My group with cute little hand prints on their faces.

And Jessica taking it to the extreme! ( love the earrings Jess!)

One of my favorite things we did on the trip was the silent mile. We were all spread out, on this beautiful trail and asked to walk alone in silence.

I have always loved nature. It gives me such a sense of peace and always make me feel closer to my Heavenly Father. I found myself being so grateful this beautiful world and all that I have.

It also made me realize how much I think about Jason. When ever I am doing something new or anything happens, I always wish he was with me. My mind wandered to all of the experiences we have had and it left me feeling so grateful for our relationship. There aren't really words to describe the type of comfort and satisfaction that I find in our friendship. He is my other half and he makes me feel complete.

At the end of the silent mile was "heart attack hill." This picture isn't even close to doing it justice.

Some of the kids decided to race to the top. Of course, Jessica was among them. She was so proud to have finished 3rd, behind "two of the fastest boys!".

I was starting to see a side of Jessica that I didn't really know was there. I know how she is at home and around family. I see her when her friends come over, but I don't hover or follow her around, so there are things you just don't see. I can definitely say I gained a new understanding and a new appreciation for Jessica.

I love how she isn't afraid to just be herself. She is incredibly confident, which makes her really funny to be around. She doesn't get embarrassed easily, so not much holds her back.

rockin' out to YMCA

Kylie doing one of the relays.

Another really fun class we had was called, Wilderness Survival. We learned how to use a compass and with our group, went on sort of a scavenger hunt using our compasses.

We had to get through some pretty thick brush at times to stay on course!

We were a little scratched up by the end, but it was a great way for the kids to learn. We also learned what to do if you ever got lost in the woods and how to build a shelter.

our group in front of their shelter

Me and Jess

One of Jessica's favorite classes what about the animals. I can't remember what it was called, but I sort of check out when they started feeding the vulture a dead animal. I am not usually squeamish, but being pregnant is almost like being a different person. I saw blood and guts being ripped from the little things and I had to leave unless they wanted to a mini lesson on what I had for breakfast. I did come back to get this great picture of an eagle.