My Camping Adventure

was created especially for
Steven John Joyce
at the age of 8


With love from
Mom and Dad
December 25, 2003

 It was "Old Teddy Bear," the hermit, who told Dad the story of the mountain's treasure. Now Dad would pass the story along to Steven. "It's over that ridge," Dad told Steven. "We'll have to camp overnight."

 "We should check our supplies, Steven. We wouldn't want to forget anything," said Dad. Steven's friends, Larissa, Richie, and Clarice, were there to help load the van. Everyone was very curious about the treasure.

 There was so much camping gear that Steven, Larissa, Richie, and Clarice had to get behind Dad and push to make it all fit. Finally, the van was packed. Everyone squeezed in, and off they went. The adventure had begun!

It was a long day of traveling, and the children were tired. The setting sun stirred the natural sounds of the forest. After everyone had made camp, Richie studied the map with Steven. "Look, Steven, we'll go this way."

 That night, Steven could hear an owl hooting in the distance. He found it very difficult to sleep. Everyone was so excited about the treasure! The snoring that was coming from Dad didn't help matters either.

 Finally, morning came. Everyone was up early and ready to go. "We want to be sure not to leave any trash behind, so let's clean up our campsite," ordered Dad.
"Here is some paper," said Clarice, while ripping it up and stuffing it into the trash bag. Steven thought that the paper looked a lot like the map. No, it couldn't be.

 "It's a rough trail, and we'll have to go by horseback," said Dad. "Steven, stay close to Larissa, Richie and Clarice."
"Don't worry, Dad. You can count on me," said Steven. Dad was glad to have Steven with them.

 Up the mountain, the trail became narrow and winding. Steven was amazed by the beautiful plant life surrounding them. Finally, everyone stopped for lunch.
"Who has the map?" asked Dad.
"Not me," said Steven.
"Not me," said Richie.
"Not me," said Clarice.

 Dad seemed confident about the way to the treasure. This made Steven feel better about the lost map. "Let's catch some fish for lunch!" Dad said. Steven, Larissa, Richie and Clarice cast their lines into the clear mountain stream. Steven immediately hooked a big fish. It was big enough for everyone to eat.

 While everyone helped to prepare dinner, Dad spoke to Steven, Larissa, Richie and Clarice. "When I was a young cub like you, I met Old Teddy Bear, the hermit, out here in these very woods. I'll tell you his story tonight after dinner." The food was served, and everyone ate until they could eat no more.

 "The old hermit told me of the mountain's great treasures many years ago. He said that only the wisest of all of the bears would discover the treasure's true value. Tomorrow, we will travel down the mountain stream."

 The next morning brought dew and beautiful singing birds. Steven smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe. Steven reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.

 Larissa leaned over to get a life jacket and fell head first into the cold mountain stream. "Help!" Larissa cried. Everyone was alarmed. Steven quickly grabbed a life jacket and threw it out to help Larissa swim ashore.

 Steven helped Larissa out of the stream and onto the grassy bank. Dad put an arm around Steven. "That was quick thinking, Steven," said Dad. "I'm very proud of you. Next time, we'll all remember to put on our life jackets before we get in the canoe."

 Later that day, Dad told everyone to gather around. "How much farther, Dad?" asked Steven.
"We are here," Dad remarked, to everyone's surprise.
"But where's the treasure?" asked Steven.
"Don't you see?" said Dad. "It's all around us, and it's been here all along. It's the natural sounds of the forest. It's in the green trees, the fresh air, and clean water. These things are the real treasures of the mountain."

 At first, Steven, Larissa, Richie and Clarice were puzzled. Then, Steven realized what Dad meant! He envisioned the old hermit telling Dad that only the wisest of all of the bears could find the real treasure of the mountain, and he was right!

 Steven would always remember this special camping adventure, and he would tell all of his friends in Waukegan about his discovery of the real treasures of the mountain.

 From that day forward, Steven always remembered to respect the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer, and so should everyone.