The Experienced Camper

As the only experienced camper in my Girl Scout troop, I took the lead in collecting firewood. While others grossed-out over banana slugs, I remained steadfast. Together, we sang jubilantly around the campfire: “Carry me ackee, go Linstead Market, not a quattie would sell.” Finally, in our sleeping bags, my tent-mates drifted off like cherubs. I lay awake, however, completely unhinged.
I made my first of many journeys to the troop leaders’ tent that night:
“I’m scared.”
“I have to go to the bathroom.”
“I hear weird noises.”
The list went on.
Seeing me in the morning, the troop leaders smirked. They then snickered amongst themselves about “the experienced camper.”