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Gavin

I was so proud of Wyatt I could barely contain my excitement. He’d figured out the compass and led himself to the treat without any help. After being so unsure of himself and doubting his reason for being here, he’d more than proven he was capable. Now to get him to really believe it for himself.

“Let’s go back and see who else was able to find the right coordinates,” I said.

“Was there more than one?” Wyatt asked and ate another cookie while we walked together.

“Yes, there was enough for every group to find one. But sometimes not all of them are found at first. I like to make sure whoever has trouble gets help from another camper if they need it.” We walked together back to where we’d started, and I was surprised to see we were the first to arrive.

“Wyatt, did you find it?” Dani asked as she jogged over with her own container, followed close behind by Lyn Reed who had joined us late last night after working all day at a rafting company in Sacramento.

“Yes, I’m not really sure how but it all made sense to me,” Wyatt said, and the two of them compared their slips of paper with coordinates while Lyn stood back and grinned.

“Did you have fun?” I asked her.

“Yeah, it was great.”

“Have you used a compass before?” I asked.

“Not really. I help lead rafting trips, but we always take the same route so there’s no need for it.” Her eyes never left Dani who was still talking to Wyatt.

“I’m glad you had fun.” I patted her on the back before walking over to the next group that arrived. They’d also been successful and sat on the ground to enjoy their prize and to wait for the other campers.

“Gavin?” I turned to find Wyatt right behind me, grinning.

“Hey, Wyatt, what can I do for you?”

“Would you be able to join me tonight to stargaze? I’ve never done it before, and I would really like it if you could join me.” He looked a little nervous, but the fact he was interested in enjoying the outdoors was enough to make me accept his invitation.

“Sure, how about I meet you outside the mess hall around seven. That’ll give us time to find a good viewing spot before it’s completely dark,” I said, and tried to hide the fact I couldn’t wait to spend more time with him.

“That sounds perfect. I’ll meet you there,” he said and walked back to where Lyn and Dani still stood.

The other campers trickled in and before too long everyone was back with their cookie treats.

None of the coordinates were very difficult, but since none of them had ever used a compass before, it was challenging but gave them all a sense of accomplishment.

“Okay, everyone, next we’re going to go over which plants to avoid while you’re in the forest. I know I showed some of you what poison oak looks like, but I want to make sure all of you can identify it.

” I led them to the display we’d made that held real plants behind plexiglass so there was no doubt what it looked like.

There were a few other plants to avoid, and I’d go over them all.

“Now I’m sure you’re all familiar with poison oak, leaves of three let it be.

See how it resembles an oak leaf but if you look closer the leaves are always in a cluster of three and usually coated with oil.

That oil is what will do you wrong. So wrong. ” I grimaced at far too many memories.

“I’ve had it before, it’s horrible,” John said.

“Especially if you’re one of the unlucky ones that is severely allergic. Please keep an eye out for it. We try to keep the camp cleared of it, but in the forest, you’ll need to be careful.”

“What if we touch it?” Wyatt asked.

“You’ll want to get it off your skin as soon as possible using cool water and a special soap we always have on hand.

There is also poison ivy here. It’s not that common but be aware.

” I showed them what it looked like and explained how to treat it the same as poison oak.

“The deadliest plant in North America is water hemlock. As with most plants you find in the forest, unless you know exactly what it is, do not put it in your mouth.” Everyone laughed but sadly I’d seen it happen—more than once.

“What’s that one?” Dani asked.

“Stinging nettle. Another one you’ll want to avoid.

It’s mostly in marshy areas by lakes or streams but it’s best to be safe and know what it looks like.

There are many more, but these are the ones we’ve found near camp.

So please familiarize yourself with them.

” Everyone stepped closer to the display and took turns looking at each plant carefully.

Just like every season, I hoped this little bit of knowledge would keep them safe, and when I caught Wyatt’s eyes on me, I couldn’t wait to show him the stars later tonight, and I barely contained the smile I had only for him.