The center of attention in the family kitchen that morning was not the stove or refrigerator, but the wall calendar that hung by the back door. Ted and Patricia stood side-by-side, not interested in the photograph of the automobile prominently displayed above, but rather the days of the week laid out below, or more accurately the weekends.
“So, we’re agreed,” Ted said. “Saturday morning will head up to the Point for an outing.”
“Yes. That should give Junior a chance to brush up on his campfire skillsbefore the Jamboree next month.”
“Ah, Camping.” Abandoning the calendar, Ted sat down at the kitchen table. “What fun I had as a kid. I was quite the experienced woodsman, you know.”
“Of course.” While Patricia believed her husband’s confident claim, she had a boast of her own. “I also spent a lot of my youth in the great outdoors.”
“You?”
“Sure. Girls are scouts too, as you well know, since you and I spent a lot of time driving our daughter to and from her troop meetings. I believe Susie and I are as capable as you and Junior when it comes to living off the land.”
“Oh really? Do you want to place a wager on that,” Ted said with a sly smile.
Intriguing, Patricia thought. “What do you have in mind?”
“Why don’t we have a little camping competition. Junior and I make up one team. You and Susie the other. Whoever sets up their tent site first, wins the challenge.”
“Okay. What are the stakes?”
Ted considered for a moment, then snapped his fingers. “I know, the victor gets to choose our next big purchase.”
“That’s a wonderful idea! I’ve been eager to replace our old clunker with a new refrigerator.”
“And I’d love a bigger grill in the backyard.” Ted stuck out his hand. “Is it a bet?”
Patricia shook to seal the deal. “You’re on!”
Five Days Ago! The Girls Visit a Department Store!
“Come on, Susie,” Patricia said. “If we are going to win our bet, we need to be properly prepared.”
“Let’s head down to the lower level. That’s where they sell sporting goods and supplies.”
The room at the bottom of the escalator had been transformed into an outdoor wonderland. On display, every item of camping gear one could desire. Also available, a booklet that explained it all, and included a handy checklist.
A Camping Challenge Checklist!
Following the advice in the pamphlet, Patricia and Susie selected their gear.
Plan Your Trip Carefully!Portable Cooking Equipment is Essential in a Camping Challenge!Live in Luxury Even in the Outdoors!
Their shopping complete, they were ready to conquer the wilderness!
Camping Day!
The Bailey station wagon, packed to the brim with two sets of supplies, arrived safely at the campground before noon. Both opposing teams signaled a truce, working together long enough to select the perfect site, right next to a babbling brook.
A Critical Camping Challenge. Selecting the Right Site!
“Okay”, Ted said. “You girls set up over on the left and we’ll pitch camp on the right. The first team that gets their tent assembled and supplies put away will win. Deal?”
“Deal!”
The family unpacked the car and moved the supplies to their designated areas.
“Remember,” Ted said. “No peeking at the other campsite until everyone is done, right?”
“Right!”
“Okay then, ready, set, go!”
The boys and the girls split off in two different directions, each team choosing to start by setting up their tent first.
To Win a Camping Challenge, Pick the Right Tent!Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you!A camping challenge is easy when your tent has the right accessoriesIt’s Important to Keep your Tent Free of Mildew!Camping Challenge To Do List!
It only took Patricia and Susie ten minutes to deploy their shelter, raising their umbrella tent with a minimum of fuss. The next step, bringing the remaining equipment inside the enclosure.
A Critical Camping Challenge, Understanding your Climate!There’s More than Meets the Eye when Picking the Right Sleeping Bag!
Two straps surrounded Susie’s sleeping bag, keeping it rolled up tight. She plucked at the knots, trying to get them undone. It took a little effort, then her bag was free. Susie started to roll it across the floor of the tent, when her mom called out to her.
“Hold on. I have a little surprise.” Patricia extracted a long, cylinder shaped case from the pile of supplies.
Susie had never seen anything like it before. “What have you got there?”
“I borrowed these from our neighbors. They’re camping beds.”
A Camp bed is Portable and Comfortable!
“With our bags on top of these, we don’t have to sleep on the ground.”
“That’s neat,” Susie said.
“They fold up nicely when you’re done, ready to be used later in so many different ways.”
A Camp Bed Comes in Handy, Even in your Home!Win a Camping Challenge Anywhere, Even the Beach!Quality Construction Equals Durability!
“After the trip we will have to buy a set of our own for future use.”
Susie, hands on hips, examined the little home they had created inside their tent. The cots were deployed and the sleeping bags in place. “All we have left are the cooking things.”
An Outdoor Experience is Enhanced by the Right Food!
“Yes. Let’s hurry and set them up, then we’ll win this race!”
They arranged the camp stove, ice chest and food supplies on their little folding table, then they were done.
Patricia cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted— “Finished,” just before her husband echoed the same.
The competition was over.
Patricia and Susie examined the boy’s campsite, which was almost as pristine as their own.
“Great job, men,” Patricia said, “but you have to admit we were done a split second before you, so we win!”
“Fair is fair,” Ted acknowledged. “The girls are the victors. You will get your prize at a later date. As for now—”
“Dad and I will start the campfire,” Junior popped up. Then we can eat!”
Everyone laughed at the proper priorities!
As the Bailey family settled down to enjoy their outdoor adventure, we got to experience classic camping, thanks to GVS, Glorious Vintage Stuff!
