"My
Camping Adventure”
Read the Story
Words
in red are the personalized words
Note: Story shown here may not be exact.
"My Camping Adventure” was created especially for Garrett Cole
Powers at the age of 5 With Love From, Aunt Lisa &
Uncle Roy December 25, 2001 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 Garrett.
"It's over that ridge," Dad
told Garrett.
"We'll have to camp overnight." "We better check our supplies, Garrett. We
wouldn't want to forget anything," said Dad. Garrett's
friends, Paw Paw, Tevin, and Ty, were there to
help load the van. Everyone was very
curious about the treasure. 4 There
was so much camping gear that Garrett, Paw Paw, Tevin,
and Ty 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! 7 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, Tevin studied the map with Garrett.
"Look, Garrett, we'll go this
way." 8 That night, Garrett 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. 11 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 Ty, while ripping it up and stuffing it into the trash
bag. Garrett thought the paper looked a lot like
the map. No... it couldn't be. 12 "It's
a rough trail, and we'll have to go by horseback," said Dad. "Garrett,
stay close to Paw Paw, Tevin and Ty." "Don't worry, Dad. You can
count on me," said Garrett. Dad was glad
to have Garrett with them. 15 Up the mountain, the trail became narrow and winding. Garrett was
amazed at the beautiful plant life surrounding them. Finally, everyone stopped for lunch. "Who has the map?" asked Dad. "Not me," said Garrett. "Not me," said Tevin. "Not me," said Ty. "It's gone!" exclaimed Garrett.
"How will we ever find the treasure?" "Hmmm... " said Dad.
"Perhaps I can remember the way." 16 Dad seemed confident about
the way to the treasure. This made Garrett feel better about the lost map. "Let's catch some fish for lunch!"
Dad said.
Garrett, Paw Paw, Tevin and Ty cast their
lines into the clear mountain stream. Garrett immediately hooked a big fish... big enough
for everyone to eat. 19 While everyone helped prepare dinner, Dad spoke to Garrett, Paw Paw,
Tevin and Ty. "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. 20 "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." 23 The next morning brought dew and beautiful singing
birds. Garrett
smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe. Garrett
reminded everyone to put on a life jacket. 24 Paw Paw leaned over to get
a life jacket and fell head first into the cold mountain stream. "Help!" Paw
Paw cried. Everyone was
alarmed. Garrett
quickly grabbed a life jacket and threw it out to help Paw
Paw swim ashore. 27 Garrett helped Paw Paw out of the stream and onto the grassy
bank. Dad
put an arm around Garrett. "That was quick thinking, Garrett," 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." 28 Later that day, Dad told
everyone to gather around. "How
much farther, Dad?" asked Garrett. "We are here," Dad remarked, to everyone's surprise. "But where's the treasure?"
asked Garrett. "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." 31 At first, Garrett, Paw Paw, Tevin
and Ty were puzzled. Then, Garrett 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! 32 Garrett
would always remember this special camping adventure, and would tell all of his
friends in San Angelo, Texas about his discovery
of the real treasures of the mountain. 35 From
that day forward, Garrett always remembered to
respect the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer...and so should
everyone.