As the kids got off the bus, they were separated by age into three groups. The youngest boys were all Cub Scouts ranging from 5 to ten years old. They had the most supervision, with just over twenty boys supervised by four adults. Being the least experienced, they were herded over to the small bunk houses that Spring Lake had for those not ready for camping. Five boys and one adult would sleep in each of the cabins.
The Webelos set up tents, all being 10 to 12 and having previous camping trips under their belts. There were a dozen of these kids, but only two adults. Their campsite was just outside the bunk house area, and they would make use of the shower and latrine block building and fixed grilles with the Cub Scouts.
The largest group were the Boy Scouts, 13-18 years old and mostly well experienced in camping outdoors. They packed up their gear, and marched deep into the woods for a real camping experience. Twenty-seven Scouts only had two adults, mainly because few of the parents wanted to rough it. On the other hand, the older Scouts were assistants who could help out almost as much as the actual Troop Leader. The Boy Scouts made their way to a river bank about three miles into the wilderness, and set up a full camp with dug latrines and fire pits.
All of this activity was observed by bright purple eyes hidden high in the trees. Puck grinned to himself as he watched the various groups preparing for what they thought would be a long weekend of camping, many no doubt expecting to be bored. He flitted down to follow the Boy Scouts on their trek through the woods. Hardly any of them seemed to know how to walk through brush and trees, and he heard several scouts grumbling about wishing they could stay with the Cub Scouts in the bunk houses. About half seemed genuinely happy and eager to be here, while the rest just trudged along like this was some assignment they had to take care of.
After the Scouts finally found their camping spot and started setting up, Puck flew back to the faerie ring and roused Oberon. Oh, he was not the real Oberon, and Puck was not the actual sprite from legend, but this Oberon was King of their fae hive and Puck was the official mischief-maker, so the names had been adopted. There were hundreds of fairies and sprites in this hive, usually very secretive and unknown to outsiders. But many were getting restless, and Oberon had been looking for a distraction. Puck giggled as he approached the huge, ancient oak tree that served as the hive's home. Dozens of silly young humans miles from civilization and stumbling around the woods would make a wonderful distraction! More than a few of the beasts and trees in this wilderness had been solitary campers or hikers who simply 'disappeared' as playthings for Puck's amusement. Now they could all have fun!