My Camping Adventure

Following is the entire text of the story. The words in red represent the personalized information.

My Camping Adventure
was created especially for
Michael Jeremy Smith
at the age of 8

With love from
Mom and Dad
June 12, 2002

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 Mike. "It's over that ridge," Dad told Mike. "We'll have to camp overnight."

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

There was so much camping gear that Mike, Larry, Wayne, and Billy 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, Wayne studied the map with Mike. "Look, Mike, we'll go this way."

That night, Mike 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 Billy, while ripping it up and stuffing it into the trash bag. Mike 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. "Mike, stay close to Larry, Wayne and Billy."

"Don't worry, Dad. You can count on me," said Mike. Dad was glad to have Mike with them.

Up the mountain, the trail became narrow and winding. Mike was amazed by the beautiful plant life surrounding them. Finally, everyone stopped for lunch.
"Who has the map?" asked Dad.
"Not me," said Mike.
"Not me," said Wayne.
"Not me," said Billy.
"It's gone!" exclaimed Mike. "How will we ever find the treasure?"
"Hmmm... " said Dad. "Perhaps I can remember the way."

While everyone helped to prepare dinner, Dad spoke to Mike, Larry, Wayne and Billy. "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. Mike smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe. Mike reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.

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

Mike helped Larry out of the stream and onto the grassy bank. Dad put an arm around Mike. "That was quick thinking, Mike," 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 Mike.
"We are here," Dad remarked, to everyone's surprise.
"But where's the treasure?" asked Mike.
"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, Mike, Larry, Wayne and Billy were puzzled. Then, Mike 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!

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

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

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• Quality, hard-cover personalized children's book
• Washable hard cover
• Fully illustrated color pages
• 36 pages
• Measures 6 3/4" x 8 1/4"