The Girl Who Dreams

Chapter 11: Strawberry Hill Camp

"Hurry up guys! We're going to be late!" Maria's voice echoed throughout the entire house Today's the day her children will be leaving for summer camp. She figured that she'd rather send them off to camp instead of having them be lazy around all day."

"Simon! Samantha! Come eat your breakfast quickly! The bus is gonna be here any minute!"

"Yes, mom we're coming!" Sam, their eldest replied. She hastily finishes packing her backpack. Upon leaving her room she accidentally bumps into her younger brother.

"Oh come on. Watch where you're going!"

"Are you kidding? You bumped into me first!"

"Let's settle this later. We don't want to keep mom waiting."

"Agreed."

After eating their hearty breakfast, the siblings waited for the bus outside their house. A few minutes later and the bus finally arrives. Maria gave each of her children a quick hug and kiss. They'll be only gone for a week, yet for her, it feels like forever. After waving goodbye to their mother the siblings got on the bus. Sam took out her music player while Simon began to read his comics. Their moment of peace was interrupted when one of the teachers began to speak on the microphone.

"Hello? Mic test 1-2-3?"

A few of the students groaned.

"Good morning everyone, my name is Mr. Matthew Robins, and I'm one of your facilitators at Strawberry Hill Camp. Your other facilitators are already at camp since yesterday as they're preparing the activities for the next two weeks. Anyway, the camp's six-eight hours away so feel free to relax for a bit. Also just a bit of fyi, you guys might be wondering why the name Strawberry Hill? Back in the 90's the land used to be owned by strawberry farmers. Eventually in 2005 after the death of its original owners, it was sold to a teacher, who has then built a summer camp over the farms. The teacher named the camp Strawberry Hill in honor of its original owners."

Some of the students nodded in agreement, most likely not to offend professor Robins, while others resumed their routine. Upon realizing that many weren't listening, he decided to end his speech. Gotta save his energy for the activities later at camp.

"Okay, everyone. To those who've listened, I appreciate you lending your ears to me, while to those not paying attention, well let's hope you guys won't have that same attitude later at camp. Be on your best behavior at all times. Thank you, that would be all."

—

After a long drive, they finally arrive at Strawberry Hill Camp. Professor Robins instructed all students to settle their belongings at their cabins. Each gender had separate cabins, while another is designated for the facilitators. Each cabin has five bunk beds with a shared common bathroom. It could also even accommodate up to ten students.

Sam entered the cabin first. It was painted pink on the outside, to distinguish that this was exclusively for girls only. On the inside, it was painted white with little butterfly designs. Its atmosphere didn't feel like being in camp at all. She chose the bunkbed near the bathroom. After taking fixing her belongings her other fellow students entered one by one. She wanted to befriend them but didn't quite know where to start. While the other girls have already started talking with each other, Sam sat timidly, pretending to act busy. Finally, the last girl entered and upon realizing that almost every bunk bed is currently occupied, she had no choice but to approach Sam.

"Umm hello, do you mind if I share the bunk bed with you?" The girl asked.

Sam nodded.

"Thank you. Oh, btw the name's Lily. What's yours?"

"Samantha. But you can call me Sam."

"Nice to meet you, Sam."

The two girls were shy at first until eventually, they started opening up to each other. Both of them had a lot of things in common, including being the eldest and having a younger sibling.

As the girls were busy getting to know each other one of the facilitators knocked on the door. The room fell silent almost at once. Upon entering the room she introduced herself.

"Hello everyone my name is Ms. Hana Williams and I'm the facilitator assigned to this cabin. Just dropping by to let you guys know that afternoon snacks will be served shortly and that we'll begin the activities after later."

The girls dispersed shortly outside after Ms. Williams left. The snacks were all laid out on one long table. There were chips, sandwiches, biscuits, fruits, juices, etc. Sam and Lily both chose sandwiches. While the students were eating the other Mr. Robins handed out flyers. It contained the list of activities per day and the facilitators assigned. After everyone was done eating, Mr. Robins then began another speech.

"Once again hello everyone. Hope you all enjoyed your afternoon snacks, courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Jones."

He waves to the couple in front of him.

"As for today, we'll begin with an icebreaker, just to have everyone acquainted with each other. We will do these separately, Ms. Williams will handle the girls while Mr. Jones will handle the boys."

Each facilitator instructed their group to form a circle. They were shy at first but slowly began to warm up. A few told jokes, some showcased their talent, while others shared their life story. It was a fun way to start camp. After the icebreaker, they began the night's activities. For the girls, they were taught how to make flower arrangements, while the boys were taught how to cook food without using any technology. Shortly thereafter dinner was soon served afterward. The girls decorated the tables with beautiful and colorful flower arrangements. Their meal consisted of baked potatoes scrambled eggs, chicken soup, and fruit juices. After dinner, they gathered around the campfire and sang songs. Simon volunteered to sing first, much to his sister's embarrassment. He managed to surprise everyone with his beautiful voice. Others played instruments using various rocks & sticks. It was only the first day of camp, and fortunately, the students seemed to enjoy it so far.

Sam couldn't help but smile to herself as she lay to sleep. She initially hated the thought of going to summer camp, but now she's happy. She's made new friends, learned new hobbies and most importantly she had fun.

Soon it was lights out. They had an early call time the next day, plus they needed to recharge their energy for tomorrow's activities. The facilitators took turns watching over the students to ensure their safety. A brand new adventure awaits them at Strawberry Hill Farm.