On March 12th, Primetime (middle school & junior high) girls from Springdale and Bentonville had the opportunity to see the beauty of the Natural State up close and personal. Over 20 students and leaders from the collective cities descended upon Devil’s Den state park south of Fayetteville for a day of hiking, exploring and a great time on a beautiful day.
And with temperatures in the 70s and not a cloud in the sky, a beautiful day it was!
Upon arriving to the park, the girls got acquainted through an icebreaker activity. Soon after, the girls prepared their own sack lunches and it was time to head to the trail.
The excitement was palpable as the girls passed into the woods, and began their trek up a rocky slope. Even as the sun rose higher in the sky and foreheads began to shimmer with sweat, the girls were troopers, making the best of everything, maintaining great attitudes. As they hiked, girls were instructed in trail safety and the importance of “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics.
After an hour of walking (and a few water breaks), the group arrived at the destination. The girls marveled at the beauty of the sight, glad to get a chance to sit and take it all in! It was time for sandwiches and oranges, apples and trail mix, and the girls were more than ready for a refueling break.
Once pictures were taken and views were soaked in, Bentonville Ozone Director, Ellie Chase, gave a brief teaching from Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Girls were challenged to recognize God’s greatness, faithfulness and righteousness not only in the vastness of the world around them, but in their own lives as well.
After a hike down the mountain with newly found energy, the girls dipped their feet in the creek and skipped quite a few stones. All in all, the day was an incredible opportunity for the girls to experience recreation outside of their usual day to day. There were no cell phones, no computers, only nature and community. Springdale Ozone Director, Erin Wiltse, said of the experience, “It was amazing to spend the day with the girls in a place that was a bit out of their comfort zone, really just enjoying each other and the gifts our Creator has given us.”
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