By CASSIDIE JONES
Moapa Valley Progress
A total of 55 boys from the Moapa Valley attended a camp last week organized by the Logandale Nevada Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event, called Camp Helaman, was to strengthen faith and to prepare the boys for future service.
The young men, ages 15-18, and their leaders traveled to a large campground located in Heber, Utah that is owned by The Church. There they took part in four days of activities and training.
While there, the boys were able to participate in various service projects, games and classes. Although the camp and its activities were aimed toward the young men of the Logandale Nevada Stake, various leaders were also able to join and teach throughout the week.
“This was truly a wonderful event for me,” said President Chuck Burt, Second Counselor in the Logandale Stake Presidency. “This event was primarily intended for the young men, but I found myself going home grateful for the rich experiences I also had.”
The camp and its activities intended to stretch the youth and help them realize that they can accomplish difficult tasks and reach lofty goals. In the past, Camp Helaman has been held annually as an event that has emphasized physical challenges. But this year’s camp saw a change where attendees faced different challenges. Instead of four days of physical ordeals, the young men were encouraged to attend and participate in classes and study time that took place from sunrise to sunset each day.
Although there was a lot of learning involved, Camp Helaman was not all work and no play. Many of the young men participated in volleyball tournaments, canoeing and even dance parties with their ward and stake leaders.
“I don’t know if I can pin down just one favorite part of this event,” Burt said. “There were so many.”
Burt expressed appreciation for members of the Stake Young Men’s Presidency including President Kory Bodily; his counselors, Brandon Conk, Dennis Whitmore and secretary Merlin Wollenzien.
He also applauded the dedicated camp cooks that made sure no young man, or leader, ever went hungry. These included Brandon Conk, Merlin Wollenzien, Domingo Barazza and Ryan Frei.
