InsaneJournal

Outdoor Exploration's first weekend trip of the year is here, just before the inevitable chill of winter sets in. Mr. Thorn still warns students to dress warm, because once they get higher in altitude, they may run into snow. If you don't pack your coat, you're not coming with!

Mr. Thorn is being accompanied by Mr. Covington to help manage the group.

Supplies are spread out amongst the students, so everyone has to carry a little. "No exceptions!" Mr. Thorn barks. "We're suffering as a team, kiddos!" It includes, tents, food, a first aid kit, and other various and sundry supplies.

CAMPING RULES:

• Bring a coat.
• No large electronics of any kind. If you brought something he doesn't like, Thorn's confiscating it, no questions. The only exceptions are: flashlights, small music players with headphones, GPS devices, cameras. And before you ask, no, portable video game systems are not allowed. Thorn says: "Come on, why sign up for a camping trip just to play on your little no-maj thingies? You can do that when we get back."
• Buddy system at all times. Do not go off on your own.
• Don't leave the trail.
• Respect your tent-mates. If Thorn suspects there's a problem, he's stepping in.
• Lights out is 10:00 PM. All students must be quiet with lights off after this hour.
• You must help carry the group's equipment.
• Clean up after yourself.
• All the rules that apply on campus apply here, kids! The only things you're escaping are your uniforms and classes.
• If you act up, you're being sent home early with Mr. Covington and will be banned from future OE trips.

Mr. Thorn picks the following seniors to be his #2s, based to their proficiency in the great outdoors. Yes, he has four #2s. Don't question it. It basically means that you're expected to keep your eyes on the group, make sure no one falls behind, and help set up camp.

• Nathaniel Bird
• Henrietta Gray
• Levi Kramer
• Diego Morales

MORNING: The group leaves at 10:00 AM and are excused from all classes that day. The weather is brisk but pleasant, with scattered clouds.
AFTERNOON: The group hikes through picturesque landscapes, taking a break for lunch, which is bagged sandwiches. Students with special dietary needs will have a lunch that suits them. Levi Kramer shares some of their bread with a chipmunk that proceeds to follow the group for about a mile.
ARRIVAL: Here at last! The group sets up camp in a lovely little basin by a lake. The group is directed to set up camp, with Thorn and Covington relying on the #2 seniors to direct efforts. Will Chase has bad luck setting up their tent, and gets smacked in the face by a pole.
EVENING: Wes Carpenter and Cecil Honeychurch help Mr. Covington make a hearty meal in a dutch oven, which is topped off by peach cobbler. Wow, he's a surprisingly good cook.
NIGHT: Time for bed! You can chat quietly and have wand lights and flashlights on, but after 10:00 PM, Thorn expects to hear nothing but peaceful snoring. If you try to sneak into another tent, there's a 25% chance of being caught.

TENT ASSIGNMENTS: Due to last minute sign-ups, some things got shuffled around! Assignments are two or three to a tent. They're regular nonmagical pop-up tents decorated with the Gooseberry emblems. (Yes, you are expected to put in elbow grease instead of using magic.) Students are provided with sleeping bags and pillows if they don't have their own.

Solomon & Ferris & Essie	Cricket & Anuhea	Cecil & Henrietta & Ravi
Nate & Levi	Bailey & Kurt	Wes & Will & Diego
Nia & Trixie & Veronica	Clem & Dom