Packing List Due to our simple camp lifestyle and our even-more rustic wilderness trips anything you bring may get wet dirty lost or all three combined So leave the special stuff at home Do bring Daily camp supplies Shorts and T-shirts for warm weather Clothes for cooler temperatures Fleece clothing is good for camping because it dries quickly Socks Wool is good for hiking because it also dries quickly Hiking shoes or boots for trips and everyday shoes for camp Be sure to break in new boots or shoes before you get here Old sneakers water shoes for canoeing and creek hikes Swimming gear suit sunscreen towel Sheets blanket and pillow for your bunk in camp Bathroom items towel toothbrush toothpaste shampoo soap although we’ve noticed that some campers soaps don’t get used too often Wilderness trip supplies The basics a comfortable backpack lightweight sleeping bag roll-up camping pad mess kit plate cup fork and spoon water bottle flashlight with extra batteries waterproof poncho Optional camping knife check it in with your counselor
when you arrive camping pillow compass hat bandanna If you wear glasses bring a cord to hold them safely around your neck so you don’t lose them when boating or rock climbing Other optional items Good books Portable games such as cards and cribbage crossword puzzles Paper stamps envelopes pen addresses Your parents and friends will want to hear from you Art supplies journal nature guides binoculars musical instrument if it’s not too fragile or other hobby supplies Pocket money no more than 20 though Please do not bring any electronics or a cell phone They don’t survive getting wet dirty or lost And besides who needs them You’ll be hiking in the woods and swimming in the lake most of the time Who would you text A squirrel A fish Enjoy being free of screens except the kind that keeps bugs out for two weeks
Chapter One Say what asked Nate jolted into focus Earth to Nate said Vik I said do you want this He offered Nate a marshmallow so burnt that it looked like a lump of coal Thanks but I’ll pass said Nate grinning Besides I thought you were going for the World Record for Marshmallow Intake Yeah sighed Vik but I’m having an off night This would only be my twelfth But my teeth are starting to itch You’re sure you Hoo hoo Nate twisted around looking at the woods behind him So that’s where you are he thought I’m coming to find you Owl He stood and 11
zipped up his hooded sweatshirt Yo said Vik Where are you going I’m uh Nate hesitated At school kids teased him about how he liked birds That’s why Nate was still keeping his interest in birds a secret even from Vik When Nate didn’t finish his sentence Vik said Relax buddy You can’t go anywhere You and I are on fire duty remember Oh yeah said Nate He sank back down glancing over his shoulder at the woods What’s back there that’s got you so jumpy asked Vik Nothing said Nate Then he decided to trust Vik a little It’s just I heard an owl and I sort of want to see it Okay so after we douse the campfire we can go look for it said Vik He tossed the stick and the marshmallow into the fire Really asked Nate surprised You want to Sure said Vik We’ll hunt for you-know 12
