Scandinavia and the World Characters' Childhood

Nighttime Adventures: Sweden's Classroom Campout

October 27-28, 2000

It was a cool, crisp Friday morning, October 27, 2000, and excitement filled the air as Sweden and his classmates prepared for a long day of scouting activities. The whole school was buzzing with energy as students from all sections proudly wore their scouting uniforms. By 7 AM, the flag ceremony began, and Sweden, standing tall alongside his best friends Norway, Denmark, and Finland, saluted the flag as it rose high into the sky.

After the ceremony ended, their teacher, Mr. Andersson, clapped his hands. “Well done, scouts! Now that the program is finished, let’s enjoy the morning. You can all head to the playground and stretch your legs.”

Sweden’s face lit up. “Playground time! Let’s go!” he cheered, rushing with his friends toward the swings and jungle gym. Denmark sprinted ahead, shouting, “Bet I’ll reach the swings first!”

“Not if I beat you there!” Norway replied, quick on his feet. The boys laughed and raced across the playground, the wind catching their scarves as they zigzagged past other scouts.

Sweden made it to the swings just after Denmark, out of breath but grinning. “You win this time,” Sweden laughed, “but I’ll beat you in the next race!”

After running around the playground for a while, Mr. Andersson called the class back for lunch. “Scouts, time to return to the classroom! Grab your packed lunches and let’s have a nice meal together.”

Back in their classroom, the students sat around, unpacking their food. Sweden pulled out a container filled with Swedish meatballs, potatoes, and lingonberry jam. “Oh, this is going to be good,” he said, taking a big bite.

Denmark, sitting beside him with a sandwich, grinned. “I bet I can finish my lunch before you finish those meatballs!”

Sweden raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Oh really? You’re on!” The two boys scarfed down their lunches, laughing between bites as Norway and Finland watched, shaking their heads.

“Boys,” Norway sighed, “it’s always a competition with you two.”

Finland chuckled. “Let them have their fun. They’ll probably end up sleeping first during the campout anyway!”

After lunch, the class continued playing, this time inside the classroom. With pillows scattered around, they built makeshift forts and challenged each other to pillow fights. Sweden managed to dodge a pillow thrown by Denmark and grabbed one of his own, swinging it playfully.

“Take that!” Sweden shouted, laughing as Denmark ducked. The room was filled with laughter and fun as they goofed around.

As evening fell, something special happened. Sweden’s father came by for a visit, wanting to capture a memory of his son during the campout. He pulled out a camera and said, “Say ‘smörgåsbord!’”

Sweden grinned wide, standing tall with his scouting uniform. “Smörgåsbord!” he cheered as the camera flashed.

Before long, the class gathered for dinner. Sweden, Norway, and Denmark sat together, chatting and enjoying their meal. Suddenly, Norway nudged Sweden, motioning towards the back of the room. “Look at them,” he whispered with a grin.

Sweden turned to see Denmark and Finland dancing together clumsily, laughing uncontrollably. “What are they doing?” Sweden laughed.

“Who knows,” Norway replied, “but it looks like fun.”

Not one to miss out on fun, Sweden jumped up and joined them. “Alright, I’m in!” he shouted, spinning around with them as they giggled. Denmark pulled a silly face as he twirled, and Finland mimicked his moves. The three friends danced with wild abandon, forgetting about everything else for a moment.