My Camping Adventure
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"My Camping Adventure"
was created especially for
Zachary Scott Richardson
at the age of 5
With love from
Mom and Dad
Christmas 2003
Page 3
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 Zachary. "It's over that ridge," Dad told Zachary. "We'll have to camp overnight."
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"We better check our supplies, Zachary. We wouldn't want to forget anything," said Dad. Zachary's friends, Michael, Scott and Tony, were there to help load the van. Everyone was very curious about the treasure.
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There was so much camping gear that Zachary, Michael, Scott and Tony 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!
Page 8
It was a long day of traveling, and the children were tired. The setting sun stirred the natural sounds of the forest. After everyone made camp, Scott studied the map with Zachary. "Look, Zachary, we'll go this way."
Page 11
That night, Zachary could hear an owl hooting in the distance. He found it very difficult to sleep. Everyone was so excited about the treasure! The snoring coming from Dad didn't help matters either.
Page 12
Finally, morning came, and 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 Tony, while ripping it up and stuffing it into the trash bag. Zachary thought the paper looked a lot like the map. No... it couldn't be.
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"It's a rough trail, and we'll have to go by horseback," said Dad. "Zachary, stay close to Michael, Scott and Tony."
"Don't worry, Dad. You can count on me," said Zachary. Dad was glad to have Zachary with them.
Page 16
Up the mountain, the trail became narrow and winding. Zachary was amazed at the beautiful plant life surrounding them. Finally, everyone stopped for lunch.
"Who has the map?" asked Dad.
"Not me," said Zachary.
"Not me," said Scott.
"Not me," said Tony.
"It's gone!" exclaimed Zachary. "How will we ever find the treasure?"
"Hmmm... " said Dad. "Perhaps I can remember the way."
Page 19
Dad seemed confident about the way to the treasure. This made Zachary feel better about the lost map. "Let's catch some fish for lunch!" Dad said. Zachary, Michael, Scott and Tony cast their lines into the clear mountain stream. Zachary immediately hooked a big fish... big enough for everyone to eat.
Page 20
While everyone helped prepare dinner, Dad spoke to Zachary, Michael, Scott and Tony. "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.
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"The old hermit told me of the mountain's great treasures many years ago. He said only the wisest of bears would discover the treasure's true value. Tomorrow, we will travel down the mountain stream."
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The next morning brought dew and beautiful singing birds. Zachary smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe. Zachary reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.
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Michael leaned over to get a life jacket and fell head first into the cold mountain stream. "Help!" Michael cried. Everyone was alarmed. Zachary quickly grabbed a life jacket and threw it out to help Michael swim ashore.
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Zachary helped Michael out of the stream and onto the grassy bank. Dad put an arm around Zachary. "That was quick thinking, Zachary," 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."
Page 31
Later that day, Dad told everyone to gather around. "How much farther, Dad?" asked Zachary.
"We are here," Dad remarked, to everyone's surprise.
"But where's the treasure?" asked Zachary.
"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."
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At first, Zachary, Michael, Scott and Tony were puzzled. Then, Zachary realized what Dad meant! He envisioned the old hermit telling Dad that only the wisest of the bears could find the real treasure of the mountain... and he was right!
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Zachary would always remember this special camping adventure, and would tell all of his friends in Hurst, Texas about his discovery of the real treasures of the mountain.
Page 36
From that day forward, Zachary always remembered to respect the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer...and so should everyone.
