Embark in the Service of God

The first Young Women camp for the District of Luanda-Angola was held 30 April until 2 May 2015. Fifty young women participated in this historical event. Twenty young women leaders, as well as numerous others, planned and prepared for the camp, taught workshops, insured the safety of the attendees and prepared delicious food.                              

The camp theme was 'Embark in the Service of God,” this year’s theme for the youth throughout the Church.

Spiritual

The camp was planned to meet the spiritual and recreational needs of the young women.

It began with a fireside on the topic of 'Young Men' given by Brother Sergio Armada, an institute teacher in the Benfica Branch and former branch president. The young women had the opportunity to learn more about the virtues, behavior, and types of young men that they should choose to associate with as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brother Nequetela, second counselor in the district presidency, shared Elder Uchtdorf's message of 'Bullying-Stop It,' an important issue for our society today. Two instructive and reflective videos were shown from lds.org followed by a heart-felt discussion.

Recreational

The young women joined together in wholesome recreation activities as an important part of the camp. The activities and workshops were planned around the Young Women values and the standards in For the Strength of Youth. Activities consisted of games, workshops, live music, and the sharing of musical talents, along with simply enjoying mealtime together. The young women especially enjoyed participating in the camp post office. They took time to write notes of encouragement and friendship to each other that were placed in a personal mailbox. This activity was instrumental in strengthening the bonds of friendship between young women in the varyious branches of the district. 

The most touching part of this camp was the testimonies shared by the young women. Each young woman had the opportunity to express and share her feelings about the benefits received by taking part in this camp, especially about how her life was enriched by living the Young Women values. Each Young Women leader also took the opportunity to share her testimony of the inspired program for young women.

The leaders have felt that the camp had a major positive impact on every young woman who participated. They feel that the participation in the next camp will be even greater, especially as the district continues to grow and becomes the Luanda Stake.

The leaders are very grateful for all who supported them and made it possible for this camp to take place so successfully.