After more than a decade-long pause, girls’ camp has made a triumphant return in Mongolia—bringing with it laughter, spiritual growth, and life-changing experiences for the young women who attended.
Fifteen years ago, Mongolia held its first three girls’ camps. Shortly after, the introduction of youth conference led to a misunderstanding among local leaders, who believed it was meant to replace girls’ camp entirely. That assumption quietly persisted—until this year.
Everything changed when a General Young Women Leaders training informed local leaders that YW camp should be organized annually. With that revelation, the wheels were set in motion. With the support of the Asian North Area and local Young Women and Priesthood Leaders from Mongolia’s two stakes—West and East—as well as the Darkhan District, camp planning soon began. Despite many of them never having attended a girls' camp before, they poured their hearts into planning something special: a space where testimonies could be strengthened, friendships formed, and the Spirit felt deeply.
- Imports---8-of-264.jpg
- Imports---11-of-264.jpg
- Imports---16-of-264.jpg
- Imports---51-of-264.jpg
- Imports---106-of-264.jpg
- Imports---259-of-264.jpg
- Imports---258-of-264.jpg
- Imports---257-of-264.jpg
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Sister Ganchuder, East Stake Young Women President, shared her personal motivation:
Download Photo“When I was 15, I lost my brother. Shortly after, we found the Church, and the Plan of Salvation brought us peace. When I later attended FSY, I gained my own testimony. So when I heard we could hold a camp, I was excited to help other girls feel what I had felt. I prayed I could touch even just one heart, to help a girl know she’s loved—and that her Savior is her best friend.”
Sister Tegshjargal, West Stake YW President, echoed the sentiment:
Imports---261-of-264.jpg
West Stake Young Women Presidency, Left to Right: 1st Counselor, Sister Altantuya, President, Sister Tegshjargal, and 2nd Counselor, Sister Sarangerel2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“I want the girls to remember they are daughters of God with divine potential. Life brings struggles, and families may not always be there—but Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ always will be. If they can build a personal relationship with the Savior, they can get through anything.”
Both camps were packed with meaningful experiences—crafts, games, firesides, and more!
- Imports---124-of-264.jpg
- 527121034_1175015681317109_2315748276611370257_n.jpg
- Imports---163-of-264.jpg
- Imports---45-of-264.jpg
- Imports---68-of-264.jpg
- Imports---71-of-264.jpg
- Imports---74-of-264.jpg
- Imports---77-of-264.jpg
- Imports---180-of-264.jpg
- Imports---82-of-264.jpg
- Imports---192-of-264.jpg
- Imports---232-of-264.jpg
- Imports---217-of-264.jpg
- Imports---203-of-264.jpg
- Imports---204-of-264.jpg
- Imports---233-of-264.jpg
- Imports---251-of-264.jpg
- Imports---224-of-264.jpg
- Imports---254-of-264.jpg
- Imports---244-of-264.jpg
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
One event was an inspiring "Faith Walk". At this nighttime activity, the girls were instructed in various gospel topics, afterwhich they followed a lighted rope, representing the iron rod.
Download Photo
In the West Stake, the girls were blindfolded and led by leaders over a small hill—yet many felt they had climbed a mountain. The metaphor resonated deeply: sometimes life's challenges seem insurmountable, but with guidance from Church leaders and a firm grip on the "iron rod," they are conquerable.
At the end of the walk, a large, glowing temple cutout awaited, surrounded by photos of the girls—and next to it, an image of Christ. “We wanted to send the message that whatever we go through in life, if we look to Jesus Christ, He will be there,” Sister Tegshjargal explained.
Download PhotoFriendship and Connection: A Rare Gift
A unifying theme emerged as young women shared their thoughts: a longing to make new friends.
Because of Mongolia’s geography, most wards are spread out across great distances. Outside of FSY, which is held every other year, opportunities for youth from different areas to interact are rare.
For many, camp answered that need.
Download Photo“I’m an introverted person,” said Khulan, 14, from Choibalsan. “A while ago, I prayed to make friends and learn how to talk to people. My prayers were answered here.”
Khandmaa, 16, from Sainshand, was thrilled at the chance to attend camp: “I was called as the class YW president, so I thought this would be a good way to grow spiritually. It’s been great to make friends with girls I never thought I’d connect with.”
One key to this connection? Girls were grouped by age, not ward. “Our ward is the biggest, and the girls tend to stick together,” said Sister Mandukhi, Young Women President of the Bayanzurkh Ward. “Being in mixed groups taught them to include others and work together.”
Even girls not yet baptized felt the power of camp. “I love all of it!” said 16-year-old Enkhanu. “I want to stay here forever. At home, I’m always on my phone. Here, we’re spending real time together. It’s refreshing.”
Khongorzul, 17, one of Sister Tegshjargal’s three daughters at camp, reflected on her own growth: “I feel myself changing little by little. I’ve learned that if something goes wrong, I can change it. We can do anything if we have faith in Jesus.”
Sister Altantuya, first counselor in the West Stake YW Presidency, summed up the perfect timing of the camp: “This was exactly when the girls needed it. I lost my father a year ago and began to understand the role of a father. Soon after, I was called to the stake YW presidency. I wanted to help the young women come to know their Heavenly Father’s love for them.”
And that love was felt—profoundly.
As Sister Mandukhai reflected: “I know many of the young women are struggling. So it makes me so happy just to see them smile.”