Across five days of camp, young men ages 11-18 in the Texas San Antonio West Stake followed clues found within scriptures to complete a complex treasure hunt — only to find out they were digging in the wrong place.
They re-examined the clues and realized they had missed a few key words that took them 50 feet north, said Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, first counselor in the Young Men general presidency.
“That’s where they uncovered a treasure chest full of ‘pearls’ — spheres made of white stones,” Brother Wilcox said. “As the stone spheres were distributed to the young men, they reviewed Matthew 13:45-46 about the kingdom of heaven being like a pearl of great price and how a man who sold all that he had to possess it. I’m confident those young men will never forget that scripture.”
Brother Wilcox was also impressed with how the priests presented skits for the younger boys based on New Testament parables, led out in a service project, and had a Seder — a traditional Passover supper — during which the boys sat on the floor and were taught connections with the Last Supper and the sacrament.
These kinds of camp experiences will make a difference in their lives, said President Steven J. Lund of the Young Men general presidency.
“Young men need camps where they can gather away from worldly influences, build lasting, gospel-centered relationships and strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ,” he said.
Latter-day Saint stakes and wards are encouraged to have one multi-day camp a year for young women and young men. Young men should have 3-5 additional camps or overnighters throughout the year. Camp specialists can be called at both the stake and ward levels, said Brother Michael T. Nelson, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, who just returned from Mexico.
“The Mexican Saints have a long and rich camping tradition for both young men and young women,” Brother Nelson said. “We must build that tradition throughout the entire Church.”
In a world that is saturated by technology, including social media and electronic games, young men can greatly benefit from active, vigorous “unplugged” outdoor activity as they learn to grow “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). These experiences can have meaningful and lasting effects.
The 50-mile backpack trek
More than 20 years ago, a group of young deacons gathered in late summer near California’s Mammoth Mountain ski resort to begin a 50-mile backpack trek across the High Sierra mountains. I was one of the adult leaders, and two of my sons, 13-year-old Timothy and 12-year-old Christopher, were members of the quorum. Knowing that this would be no small task, these young deacons prepared for many weeks through regularly scheduled hikes and overnight campouts. Each young man carried his own food, sleeping bag and gear in his backpack.
Averaging 10 miles a day, they put one foot in front of the other as they passed glacial lakes and raging rivers. This was hard work for the boys (and for the adult leaders). Recently, I reached out to a number of these hikers, now grown men and fathers. I asked what lessons they learned from that epic adventure.
Taylor Chapman recalled the training: “We were running about three times a week to be prepared. During our ascent to Thousand Island Lake, I remember thinking, ‘These steps are giant for 12-year-olds.’ But we didn’t quit because we felt ready.”
Although Matt McLane is now 6-feet tall, he was one of the smallest deacons in the quorum. He told me, “I vividly remember having a backpack that looked nearly my size and probably weighed about half as much as I did. Carrying that pack 50 miles was very physically and mentally demanding. But that experience was formative in developing my mental fortitude and giving me confidence.”
The experience had a lasting impact on Stephen Stapleton, now the father of five sons.
“That hike gave me the opportunity to push through what at the time felt impossible,” he said. “Based on that experience, I tell my sons nothing worth doing is easy and that phrase has gotten them through.”
Josh Corbin: “For me, just being in the wilderness with my friends felt like such an adventure. We faced challenges but we prayed and worked together to overcome. That was beautiful.”
My son Tim developed some painful blisters the first two days. He hated the hike but felt determined to finish. Looking back, the experience taught him a lot about life.
“There are no shortcuts that will be more rewarding than seeing the experience through to the end,” he said. “I prayed for help, and it came. Now, as an adult, I would say it was one of the best experiences I have ever had.”
Spiritual experiences
Along with learning valuable life lessons, spending time in nature can bring one closer to God.
“Spiritual experiences cannot be forced, but camps can help create settings away from the distractions of life where it may be easier for young men to feel the Spirit, increase their faith in Christ and make commitments to follow Him,” President Lund said.
This was a desired result of the 50-miler, said Bill Chapman, another adult leader.
“Our goal was to teach these young men the importance of physical fitness, teamwork and leadership but also to feel gratitude for the beautiful creations of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ,” Chapman said.
I will never forget our last day as this group of dirty, tired young men triumphantly entered Yosemite Valley, passing clean day hikers along the way. A tourist from Italy stopped and asked, “Boys, where did you come from?” They pointed behind them and enthusiastically exclaimed, “From 50 miles back.” The hikers around us began applauding and shouted congratulations. The boys felt like Olympic champions.
Applause was not the only reward. Taylor Chapman remembered how the adult leaders motivated the boys by promising them ice cream when we finished.
“After eating dehydrated food for days, that ice cream tasted great,” he said.
