The Camps Guide

The fire was cackling under the darkening sky. It was almost night and that's when the fun would begin. At Camp Strix all the kids would play pranks on each other and mess with the camp leaders, it's basically just complete mayhem which is perfect for a kid who just got sent away to camp for the summer just so the parents can get some alone time. Honestly, what would mom and dad even need alone time for? Oh well, at least the kids here know how to have some fun. I thought this summer was gonna be boring when I found out I would be spending it here.

I was sitting at the fire enjoying my smore when one of the camp leaders blew their whistle "Time for bed everyone, we have an early day tomorrow," It's almost time now, I couldn't hide my grin as I walked to the boys cabin. About an hour has passed. All that could be heard were the sounds of the forest, nothing like the loud city noises I'm used to. When is this gonna start already. Not a single boy in this cabin have moved from their beds since lights out. Did I hear the rumors wrong? This camp was supposed to be big on pranking, why isn't anyone planning anything?

I would ask but it doesn't seem like anyone's awake, not to mention I don't know anyone here. I'd rather not deal with awkward conversing. Maybe it's just not time yet, something might still happen and there's no way I'm missing out on that. It would be even better if I beat everyone to the party. I slowly crept out of bed and outside the cabin. I walked out to the camp fire which was now filled with dying embers. Now what should I do? I should have done more planning. Might as well just jump into it.

Maybe the supplies shed will have something to spark an idea. It's so dark out here I can barely see the outline of the cabins from the moonlight. I'm pretty sure the shed is in this direction. I walk for what feels like twenty minutes. You would think the supplies shed would be closest to camp. Maybe it's not in this direction at all, I look around but all there is in sight are the faint outlines of trees. There is no way I got myself lost already. Maybe if I just retrace my steps I'll find my way back. I turn to what I believe is the direction I came from and begin to walk again.

It feels like I've been walking for hours. I should pick up the pace, these trees feel as if they're endless. I slowly begin to jog through the woods. Every now and then I'll hear some sort of animal scurry through the leaves. I get into a sprint. I can't believe I'm lost out here. What did I get myself into? I should have just gone to sleep instead of going out alone. All this over a stupid prank which not to mention wont even happen cause I managed to get lost in the freaking forest. I keep running faster and faster. It feels as though my legs are on fire but the fear of some animal getting me keeps me going. I run and run for what feels like hours.

I can't go on like this. I finally stopped running. I lean onto a tree desperately trying to catch my breath. All I can feel is the numbness in my legs from forcing myself to run all that time. My head is pounding and my heart feels as though it wants to jump out my chest. I'm pretty sure I've sprained my ankle but that might just be me overreacting. I sit against a tree trying to calm myself. I bury my face into my knees and sit there. I'm drenched in sweat, my legs are numb, and I am lost in the woods at night. What a great start to this summer.

I wish I never came to this camp. Why did my parents have to send me here? I sat there against that tree for several minutes. I miss my mom and Dad. I just wanna go home. My eyes begin to fill with tears. I hold my knees tightly as the tears roll down my face and drip onto the dry leaves under me. This goes on until a loud screech pierces my ears. I look up in fear. I spot a silhouette on a branch above me. Oh, it's just a barn owl. The owl stares down at my tear stained face with its big glowing eyes. "Wouldn't mind showing the way back to camp would you mister owl?'' I yell to the bird. The small owl tilts its head and flies off into the night leaving me by myself. I guess that's a no. I can feel the numbness in my legs start to fade. I pull myself off the ground, alright it's time I've gotten myself out of this mess. I strangely feel a lot more calm, maybe the breakdown helped me just a bit. I begin walking and suddenly hear a screech echo throughout the woods. It must be that owl again. I never believed in those spirit guide stories of animals helping lost people but just in case Ima follow that owl. I mean what's the worst that could happen? It's not like I can get even more lost. I follow the sounds of the owl screeches on and on through the forest.

It feels like I've been following this owl forever. Every now and then I catch a glimpse of its small figure sitting on a tree branch ahead of me. I'd be completely blind out here if it wasn't for the moonlight. I eventually come into an opening. I see the outlines of the cabins once more. I've been saved! I can't believe following that owl actually worked! I look up into the trees and see the owl watching me. Maybe those spirit guide stories are real after all. I call out to the owl "thank you for leading me home mister owl, i'll be sure to leave you treats in the woods for the rest of this summer!'' The owl flies off into the dark once more leaving me alone with a smile on my face. I run into the boys cabin and straight to my bed. Before I can even think of what I just went through my exhaustion finally catches up with me and I drift swiftly to sleep.