Quickwater Ranch

We drove Brinley north to the Quickwater Ranch where she "lived" from July 12-26.

Ellie, Brinley, Rebekah, Kaite (mentor), Katie, Sara

 There were "teams" of five girls each ages 13-16 with one mentor assigned to each of the five groups.  There were also youth leaders (over age 17) that planned and assisted with different activities.  All of the girls shared in various ranch responsibilities and slept in a platform tent together for two weeks.

Photography class, Victoria, Brinley, Lindsey, Rebecca, Leah

 And only two showers for 25 girls in addition to other youth leaders. 
Apparently, it can be done!

 Tai Chi practice

A variety of classes were offered and the girls could select a few to participate in.

 Brinley enjoyed the photography class and we're glad to have a few pictures of her time away.

 Unfortunately, the battery ran out (and we didn't send charger) just a few days into the camp so Brinley didn't capture all she wanted to.  At least she has some from the photography class!

 Along with photography, Brinley enjoyed basket-weaving, water-color painting and wood-working classes.

 The girls had meal assignments, moved sprinkler pipe, fed the goats, watered & fed the pigs, endured a 21-mile overnight back-packing hike, sang a musical number at a local sacrament meeting, rode horses, washed dishes, weeded a garden, ate yummy food, stayed up late, enjoyed daily devotionals, etc.

Mabel & Beth - the goats

 No electronics allowed.  Period. 

 For some that may have required a real adjustment. 
Not so much for Brinley - the only phone she uses for now is mine.

Jackie. Catherine, Rebekah, Brinley

 Brinley wrote home a few times and we loved hearing of her adventures.
This was our only communication with her for two weeks.

 You can see where the girls slept - platform tents.

Brinley and Katie

 All too soon, it was time for us to pick her up from Quickwater Ranch.

 Brinley with her mentor, Kaite.

Camilla, Brinley, and Natalie

 When the families arrived, the campers had a little show for us.

Green team

 Each group performed a funny skit portraying some aspect of their time together at the ranch.

 These girls became BFF's'.

 The entire group sang a beautiful song and we felt the peace and serenity of a magical place called Quickwater Ranch.

 The green team on their final day together.

Brinley and Ellie

Brinley & Abby (youth leader)

 Lou (the boss) & Brinley

 The other kids were excited to welcome Brinley home.

 Entrance to her bedroom.

 Say good-bye to a well-worn pair flip flops.

 After returning home, Aaron and I immersed ourselves in a few Saturday projects.  When I took notice of how quiet the house had become, I went upstairs to investigate.

 I found that Anna, Quinn and Elsie had congregated in Brinley's bedroom with her - making crafts and just hanging out together.  When you have a teenage daughter (they like their space), to find such a thing is priceless.

 Here are a few of the treasures Brinley created while at the ranch.

 Whether at home or away, this girl loves to craft and create.

 Anna - just hanging out or rather, upside-down.

Yep, this is how I found them.  Being silly together.

We are so grateful Brinley was able to experience Quickwater Ranch this year.  It was an incredible opportunity for her and she'll be forever impacted by her time spent there.