"We better check our supplies, Jessica. We wouldn't want to forget anything," said Dad. Jessica's friend, Amy, was there to help load the van. Everyone was very curious about the treasure.

There was so much camping gear that Jessica and Amy had to get behind Dad and push to make it all fit. Finally, the van was packed. Everyone squeezed in, and off they went. The adventure had begun!

It was a long day of traveling, and the children were tired. The setting sun stirred the natural sounds of the forest. After everyone made camp, Amy studied the map with Jessica. "Look, Jessica, we'll go this way."

That night, Jessica could hear an owl hooting in the distance. She found it very difficult to sleep. Everyone was so excited about the treasure! The snoring coming from Dad didn't help matters either.

Finally, morning came, and everyone was up early and ready to go. "We want to be sure not to leave any trash behind, so let's clean up our campsite," ordered Dad.
"Here is some paper," said Amy, while ripping it up and stuffing it into the trash bag. Jessica thought the paper looked a lot like the map. No... it couldn't be.

"It's a rough trail, and we'll have to go by horseback," said Dad. "Jessica, stay close to Amy."
"Don't worry, Dad. You can count on me," said Jessica. Dad was glad to have Jessica with them.

Up the mountain, the trail became narrow and winding. Jessica was amazed at the beautiful plant life surrounding them. Finally, everyone stopped for lunch.
"Who has the map?" asked Dad.
"Not me," said Jessica.
"Not me," said Amy.
"It's gone!" exclaimed Jessica. "How will we ever find the treasure?"
"Hmmm... " said Dad. "Perhaps I can remember the way."

Dad seemed confident about the way to the treasure. This made Jessica feel better about the lost map. "Let's catch some fish for lunch!" Dad said. Jessica and Amy cast their lines into the clear mountain stream. Jessica immediately hooked a big fish... big enough for everyone to eat.

While everyone helped prepare dinner, Dad spoke to Jessica and Amy. "When I was a young cub like you, I met Old Teddy Bear, the hermit, out here in these very woods. I'll tell you his story tonight after dinner." The food was served and everyone ate until they could eat no more.

"The old hermit told me of the mountain's great treasures many years ago. He said only the wisest of bears would discover the treasure's true value. Tomorrow, we will travel down the mountain stream."

The next morning brought dew and beautiful singing birds. Jessica smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe. Jessica reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.

Amy leaned over to get a life jacket and fell head first into the cold mountain stream. "Help!" Amy cried. Everyone was alarmed. Jessica quickly grabbed a life jacket and threw it out to help Amy swim ashore.

Jessica helped Amy out of the stream and onto the grassy bank. Dad put an arm around Jessica. "That was quick thinking, Jessica," said Dad. "I'm very proud of you. Next time, we'll all remember to put on our life jackets before we get in the canoe."

Later that day, Dad told everyone to gather around. "How much farther, Dad?" asked Jessica.
"We are here," Dad remarked, to everyone's surprise.
"But where's the treasure?" asked Jessica.
"Don't you see?" said Dad. "It's all around us, and it's been here all along. It's the natural sounds of the forest. It's in the green trees, the fresh air and clean water. These things are the real treasures of the mountain."

At first, Jessica and Amy were puzzled. Then, Jessica realized what Dad meant! She envisioned the old hermit telling Dad that only the wisest of the bears could find the real treasure of the mountain... and he was right!

Jessica would always remember this special camping adventure, and would tell all of her friends in Atlanta about her discovery of the real treasures of the mountain.

From that day forward, Jessica always remembered to respect the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer...and so should everyone.