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This is Jack. Today Jack is in a happy mood. It’s the school holidays and he is going camping with his family! Jack’s parents pack the car. It is stuffed to the very top. ‘Have we got everything?’ his dad asks. ‘I think so,’ says his mum. ‘What about the marshmallows?’ Jack asks. ‘Yes.’ Jack’s mum smiles.

‘Don’t worry. I wouldn’t forget the marshmallows.’ Jack grins. Toasted marshmallows are his favourite camping treat! They drive a long way until they reach the campsite. It is next to a beach. Jack can hear the roar and crash of waves in the distance.

‘Can we go for a swim?’ he begs. He can’t wait to get into the water. ‘Not just yet,’ his dad says.‘We have to put up the tent first.’ Jack helps his mum and dad put up the tent. It is very hard work. And Scraps definitely isn’t helping! Jack’s job is to hammer the pegs into the ground. Soon he is very hot and very sweaty. Finally the tent is up. They sit in the shade and have a cool drink.

‘Can we go to the beach now?’ asks Jack.‘Please?’ ‘Yes!’ Jack’s dad says. ‘Put your bathers on. I’ll grab the towels.’ Soon everyone is ready. They walk along a path that winds through the scrub. Jack chases Scraps up a sand dune. When he sees the sea, he cheers. He can’t wait to jump into the cool blue water.

Jack and his dad splash in the waves while his mum reads a book. They throw a tennis ball for Scraps.

‘He’s a good swimmer, isn’t he?’ Jack says. ‘He sure is,’ Jack’s dad says. ‘OK, time to get out now.’ ‘Aw, can’t I stay in a bit longer?’ Jack asks. ‘No, Jack,’ his dad says. ‘The current here is very strong.’ ‘It’s dangerous to go in the water without an adult, OK?’ his dad adds. ‘OK,’ sighs Jack. They trudge up the sand to get dry. Jack’s dad lies on his towel and closes his eyes. Jack’s mum is dozing, too.