Skunk
(writing): Dear Mum, hello from Scout
camp. I got my advanced standard badge yesterday and I had my photograph taken
with Dave awarding me it, but they had to take the photograph today because it
was too dark last night at the camp-fire and no-one had a flash. It’s been
really good fun this week, apart from being homesick sometimes at night when
everyone in our tent talks about all the things they miss from home. I got into
trouble on Wednesday for shooting the air rifle from my chest instead of my
shoulder, but I couldn't see down the barrel to line up the sights. I managed
to hit the cans every time but Dave said I wasn’t allowed to shoot like that,
even though it didn’t hurt and I managed to hit the cans. Yesterday afternoon I
did my six mile hike with Derek and Jamie and then I’d done everything for my
advanced standard badge. On our first afternoon we made a dam across the river
until there was quite a deep pool and some people were jumping in from the
little bridge and swimming. Some of them tried to throw me in but my ankle was
sore and itchy and I didn’t want it to get infected so I grabbed onto the main
tent pole and said if they threw me in the river they’d have to throw the tent
in too and then our tent leader Gavin made them leave me alone. Tomorrow we’re
going in to the nearest town to go to church in the morning. Tonight Dave gave
us all paper and an envelope with a stamp on it, and I’ll post this tomorrow in
the town. I’m looking forward to coming home next week and I’ll see you then. Lots
of love, Skunk. XX.
Months
later, in the housewide search for hidden Christmas gifts, he would
accidentally unearth this same envelope addressed in his own hand, salted away
and unopened.
