Willa’s Wilderness Campout

Strictly Necessary

Sitting alone in the lean-to Willa is shivering. She’s awfully cold and lonely, even under the big sky. Just then, the other girls approach her. They tell her they think they’re missing one thing that’s strictly necessary: Willa! Camille asks if they all can join Willa and sleep out under the stars. Willa says yes, of course.

Ashlyn hands Willa a sleeping bag, and they lay all five sleeping bags out in a circle with the heads in the middle. Together, they point out the fireflies dancing and twinkling, and the stars glimmering in the sky.

Willa says she’s glad they all came outside with her. Turning to Ashlyn, she says thanks for bringing the extras. She’s happy Ashlyn was so well prepared. Ashlyn admits that maybe she was a little too prepared. It turns out, they don’t need the tent! As long as it’s not too cold or too wet, of course.

Emerson said she thinks Wilderness Wendy was wrong. It’s not about what you bring, it’s about who you’re with. Friends may not be on any camping list, but they are strictly necessary. And then softly, she sings a song to the tune of “Yankee Doodle”: