"My Camping Adventure

was created especially for

John Robert Bradford

at the age of 5

To a SUPER camper,

Aunt Lisa & Uncle Bob

July 25, 2002

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John Robert Bradford of Westland, Michigan is going camping!   Uncle Bob is going too.  They will have lots of fun.

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John gets the tent.  He asks Uncle Bob,  “What else do we need?”  Uncle Bob helps him pack

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Now John and Uncle Bob are ready to go.  They put on their backpacks.  John says,  “I wish Jimmy, Justin and Ryan could go too.”

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Uncle Bob says, Let’s look for a campsite next to a stream. Then we can hike, fish or swim.”  John smiles,  “I will take pictures of all the animals I see.”

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Some campers are not careful where they throw their trash away.  John says,  “That is bad because a forest is the home for many animals.”  He is happy to help Uncle Bob pick up the litter.

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Uncle Bob shows John how to pick the perfect place for their campsite.  John likes to help set up the tent.  “Sleeping in a tent will be so much fun!” laughs John.

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John and Uncle Bob go fishing.  John catches a fish all by himself!  “I can’t wait to tell Jimmy, Justin and Ryan about my big fish,” grins John.

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Uncle Bob and John cook the fish.  “Mmmmmm! This fish sure does taste good!” says John as he licks his lips.  After their meal, they wash and dry the dishes using cloth towels.

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Next, John says, “Lets go canoeing, Uncle Bob.”  They both put on their life jackets.  John knows safety is very important around water.

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After canoeing, John asks,  “Now can we go on a hike?”  Uncle Bob grins, “Okay, but first let’s draw a map so we can find our way back.”  John asks,  “May I please be the leader?”

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John says, “Uncle Bob, that hike was too short.”  Uncle Bob explains, “It is getting late, but tomorrow we’ll go exploring.  We must remember to take ribbons to mark our trail and our first-aid kit for an emergency.  “Don’t forget the trail mix for our snack,” laughs John

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“Talking about food makes me hungry!” says John.  “Have a snack now while I get our camp fire going,” answers Uncle Bob.  “We must be very careful to prevent forest fires.”

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John and Uncle Bob clean the campsite and put out their fire.  Then they look at the stars and listen to the sounds of the night.  “I’m having so much fun, I wish we could stay up all night,” sighs John just before he falls asleep.

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John and Uncle Bob woke up early the next morning.  They were ready to go exploring when two rangers called out, “Good Morning.”  “We have a surprise for you, John!”  says one of the rangers.

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You are a very good camper, John,” the first ranger says.  We have a special award for campers who help us take care of our planet,” smiles the second ranger.  John beams with pride.

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John tells Uncle Bob, “I can’t wait to show this award to Jimmy, Justin and Ryan!”   Uncle Bob says, “Maybe they can come with us next time.”  “I really do like camping with you, Uncle Bob, and it sure is fun being a good camper,” John smiles.

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Favorites for

John Robert Bradford

Place to camp

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  Camp food

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Camping activity

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Recycling project

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Other camping partners

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"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.

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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!

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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."

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.  Garrett smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe.  Garrett reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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!

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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.

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