The Rival Campers; Or, The Adventures of Henry Burns

"The Rival Campers; Or, The Adventures of Henry Burns" by Ruel Perley Smith is a story about young boys enjoying exciting camping trips during the summer on Grand Island. The heart of the adventure follows Henry Burns and his friends as they explore the outdoors, bonding over both playful fun and tricky problems they must solve while camping and boating. A sense of excitement is established at the start in the fishing town of Southport as we meet three brothers eagerly waiting for their friends. While the anticipated arrival is delayed, the group's anticipation increases as they come up with an exciting plan to surprise the campers. As the story builds, hints of a dangerous storm create a pathway for adventure, especially for two boys trying to navigate the rough waters in their canoe. Overall, the story captures the joy of friendship and the spirit of young adventure with good humor and lively descriptions.