Start the campfire

The orange-red shade faded with every tick heard from the clock. End of evening twilight, light disappears slowly.

Day 4, the final day of the trip is approaching its dusk, except the night is only going to get lit up from the campfire. The kid's voice slowly rose along with the rising night sky.

Lots of enthusiasm stretched the corridors as the students were getting ready for their final day of the trip.

The staff had already collected the things required for the night. Seth, along with the guides, went to their campsite early before the students arrive. The guides have helped them these past four days generously without complaining, and so to thank them, Seth invited the guides to join the campfire.

The campsite situated at the backside is within walking distance from their accommodation – say like 5 minutes of walk, one can reach the campsite. The adults went first to prepare the site for the campfire.

They reached the spot and started cleaning the place to dig a shallow hole.

Two of them went to collect big stones to line the rim of the pit which can act as the protective barrier to help retain the heat, and it should keep the fire from spilling beyond its boundaries. Meanwhile, Seth was in charge of separating the logs, branches, and twigs that can serve as fuel.

The campfire will be the final event for the students, and so, Seth proposed to keep it a long time for everyone to enjoy and experience.

Once the hole is dug out, large stones were lined around the rim to form a barrier. The remaining gap got filled with smaller rocks and soil.

Next, Seth carried the logs; Logs from hardwood trees like Oak and Birch can last longer throughout the night than softwood trees. Carefully he stacked them to form the 'tipi' and filled it with only fallen branches that are dead and very dry.

Next is kindling, the flammable material that leads the fire to the bed of twigs and leaves. Anything that will catch fire quickly and ignite the wood can act as fuel such as thin bark, dry leaves, newspaper, cardboard, pine needles, etc.

By the time Seth finished, the night sky, coating darkness out all along the horizon.

Nonetheless, within a few minutes, the fire babies will burst little, by little eventually leading to a huge bonfire, permeating light around the night.

Seth waited for the kids to arrive initially before starting the fire.

***

Time – 6:50 PM

Seth noticed from far that the kids started showing up to the spot. As soon as they reached along with a few other groups, Seth waited no more and lightened the kindling to start the fire.

The students surrounded Seth and the staff to watch it eagerly. It was the first time they are witnessing it with friends.

They all watched the fuel burn in the fire. Soon, the branches got lit in it, and within the next few minutes, the logs caught on fire.

Everyone cheered out loud when the logs caught on fire, burning out in the night sky. Some of the kids danced, and chest bumped as they couldn't handle the excitement filling the air.

Almost all of the students reached the campsite by now including Anna and Giselle. Ivy dragged Bridgette and stuck with Sara and Carmel while Josh, Diego, and their friends cramped next to Seth, cheering in joy. Mike was also seen standing along with them. He appeared more relaxed and his face fully healed, leaving no marks. Since they were at a place that is home to a few medicinal herbs, Mike received better treatment.

Seth announced the kids to get settled around the fire, not to close, and leaving a certain distance. He also placed the additional fuel material, logs, and branches – just in case to keep the fire going.

The adults gathered at one corner, leaving the kids to take the rest of the free spot of the circle. Quickly after listening to his voice, the kids dispersed and sat down with their friends. There were no fights or any racket amongst them because everyone is living the moment; enjoying the mood and having fun.

As they seated, a few of the kids created a scene. Seth, at once, noticed and raised his voice.

When asked about it, he learned that one of the kids dreamed of singing during the night campfire but is feeling extremely shy to sing out loud. Hence, his friends supported him to step up and do it.

"Do it, Robby."

Seth's voice broke in-between and surprised the kid and his friends.