Camping With The Bears?

I'm not sure how I got roped into camping with three van loads of sixteen and seventeen year olds, but it happened before I realized it and I learned to make the best of it right? I learned to stretch myself and get out of my comfort zone. I needed a new challenge in life anyway didn't I? Hardly, but I did agree to do this church youth camping trip. HA

First of all, I've always sworn to any person within listening range that I will not, ever ever, ever in my whole life do the youth camping trips. Well, needless to say, after swearing it off for over ten years I was roped into camp this year and not only one camp, but the regular girls camp held in middle of July. How could I say no when my church leader was pleading with me from across his desk in his office as he asked me to please help them out this year. I'm a sucker for punishment when it comes to the youth of today. OK! Alright already! I'll do it, just don't ask me to rough it. Please understand, I've had such bad experiences with camping that I just don't enjoy them, but I'll sacrifice and put myself to the challenge.

As the caravan of vans pulled up to the Sequoia ranger station we noticed a small bulletin board standing beside the station reading "ACTIVE BEAR COUNTRY". Well, how active could they be right? Bears around people? Hardly. I could never imagine the forest service allowing us to be in truly active bear country. Our thoughts to the girls we were driving to this adventure was, "we might see one bear off in the distance, but don't worry, we are safe." SAFE? Did I say that word along with the word, BEAR? We unloaded and got everyone settled with their tents and camping gear. Twenty two girls along with seven leaders. Things were going smooth. A small hike to the restroom (flushing toilets, how bad could this camp be?) As it neared dusk we fixed dinner and then managed to put everything away. We settled around the campfire to begin our stories and to wind down from the eight hour drive we'd had. Rustling was heard behind us near one of the tents. No thought of it, just one of the girls getting some of her gear. Then I counted all the girls and realized we were all near the fire and the rustling noise was getting louder. Flashlights were turned toward the noise and in the glowing light for the fire and the glow of the flashlights we saw glowing eyes starring back at us with a pouch of food hanging from its mouth.

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