Slow-Poke’s First Camping Trip

“Come on Slow-Poke,” said Mother Duck. “We have a lot of work to do for our camping trip.”

Slow-Poke was a little duck that liked to do things outdoors. However, Slow-Poke was always a bit slower than normal ducks. He always took his time and sometimes others would become frustrated with him.

“I was getting my sleeping bag,” said Slow-Poke. “It was in my closet.”

“I already got your sleeping bag,” said Mother. “Now come on. Hurry up, Slow-Poke.”

“No wonder I couldn’t find it,” said Slow-Poke. “I looked all over for it. I pretty much tore everything out of my closet.”

“I know,” said Mother. “I just finished cleaning up your room.”

“Thank you,” said Slow-Poke. “Now, what was it you wanted me to get?”

“Your bright yellow rubber boots,” said Mother.

“Oh yes,” said Slow-Poke, heading back into the house to get his bright yellow rubber boots.

“They are in the hall closet,” said Mother.

About half an hour later, Slow-Poke came out of the house. He actually had his rubber boots on, but they were his red ones not his yellow ones. Mother was very proud of him though because at least he had his rubber boots.

Slow-Poke and Mother walked to the edge of the pond and they set up their tent. Slow-Poke helped as much as he could but Mother decided it would be quicker if she set it up on her own.

“But,” said Slow-Poke. “I wanted to help you set up the tent.”

“I know you did,” said Mother. “However, we need to set it up before dark. We only have about an hour of daylight left. You can help put the sleeping bags into the tent, once it is setup.”

“Okay,” said Slow-Poke.

Mother setup the tent within the hour. She handed the sleeping bags to Slow-Poke. She decided she would prepare supper.

Slow-Poke as able to get the sleeping bags set up inside the tent. He was actually pretty quick about it. He decided he would take a nap because he was very tired.

“Slow-Poke,” called Mother, once supper was cooked. “Supper is ready. Come and get it.”

There was no answer. Slow-Poke was sound asleep.

“I wonder where Slow-Poke got to,” said Mother. “It shouldn’t have taken him all this time to get the sleeping bags set up.”

Mother called him again and there was still no answer. She decided to take a look inside the tent.

“Oh Slow-Poke,” said Mother, looking at how comfortable he looked while sleeping. “I guess you can eat your supper later.”

Mother let Slow-Poke sleep. She had all the food put away and had the dishes all done before Slow-Poke woke up.

Slow-Poke ate his dinner, which was fried worms and bugs and then he found some kindling. Mother and Slow-Poke enjoyed a bonfire. Slow-Poke especially enjoyed roasting marshmallows and listening to Mother tell him some campfire stories. Slow-Poke enjoyed his first camping trip very much and he was sad when it was over.

“We can go camping again,” said Mother.

“That would be great,” said Slow-Poke. “I would enjoy that very much.”

“Me too,” said Mother. “That was a lot of fun.”