Brighton Girls Camp celebrates its 100-year history
A 3-day Brighton Girls Camp Centennial Celebration will be held Aug. 19-21
Lori Judd and Lisa Adams hug after running into each other at Brighton Girls Camp in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Both were counselors in 1977. This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the oldest camp owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brighton Girls Camp celebrates its 100-year history
A 3-day Brighton Girls Camp Centennial Celebration will be held Aug. 19-21
Lori Judd and Lisa Adams hug after running into each other at Brighton Girls Camp in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Both were counselors in 1977. This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the oldest camp owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
One hundred years ago, President Heber J. Grant, seventh President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided at the official opening of the M.I.A. Girls’ Summer Home at Brighton on Aug. 18, 1922.
Since then Brighton Girls Camp — believed to be the oldest youth camp of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — has represented a spirit of love, unity and faith. The mountain retreat nestled at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, has become a second home to thousands of young women in the Salt Lake area.
Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon knows well the value of multi-day camp experiences — like Brighton — for young women.
“Heavenly Father’s beloved daughters exploring His creations and feeling of His Spirit — I can’t think of a better way to strengthen our young women, unify them and help them draw closer to their Savior,” President Cordon told the Church News last year. “The laughter, love and learning that happens in those few short days each year will fortify them for a lifetime.”
To celebrate the camp’s rich history, a three-day Brighton Girls Camp Centennial Celebration will be held Aug. 19-21. All former campers and staff members and fans of Brighton are invited.
Friday, Aug. 19
- 7 p.m. — Opening meeting in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square featuring a new video, singing, honoring Brighton legends, and the introduction of a newly released book on the history of camp.
Saturday, Aug. 20
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Open house at Brighton Girls Camp with hikes, tours, memorabilia display, brownie hikes, crafts, a service project and lots of singing. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches.
Sunday, Aug. 21
- 9 a.m. — “Music & the Spoken Word” in the Conference Center.
- 7 p.m. — Closing fireside in the Salt Lake Parleys Stake center with Sister Michelle D. Craig, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency.
Register at brightongirlscampcentennial.com/registration. There is a registration fee.
Brighton Girls Camp in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the oldest camp owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
