The camp was located deep in the mountains of Colorado, surrounded by tall pine trees and snow-capped peaks. It looked like something from a movie. Annah had never seen anything like it before. The air was fresh and cool, and the skies were clear blue.
On the first night, the camp director, Mrs. Carter, stood on a wooden stage at the center of camp and welcomed everyone.
"This is not just any camp," she said. "You're here to learn how to be leaders, explorers, and problem solvers. Every week, you'll face a challenge. You'll have to work as a team. You'll be tested. But I promise you, by the end of your time here, you'll discover a power inside you that you never knew existed."
Annah's heart beat faster. It sounded exciting… but also scary.
Their first challenge came the next morning.
"Welcome to the Maze of Courage," Coach Mike said as Team Eagle stood before a huge wooden fence. "Inside this forest maze, you'll face puzzles, physical tasks, and obstacles. The goal is to reach the center and plant your team's flag before sunset."
Annah looked at her teammates. Everyone looked serious. Zoe tied her hair back. Raj pulled out a small compass. Sarah cracked her knuckles. Lucas smiled confidently.
"We got this," he said.
As they entered the maze, it was clear that teamwork would be everything. The path twisted in strange directions. There were muddy hills, shaky rope bridges, and confusing signs.
"Left or right?" Zoe asked at a fork in the road.
Raj checked his compass. "I think left, but I'm not sure."
Annah felt her stomach twist. She wanted to help, but what if she made a mistake?
Then she remembered something from school—how moss always grows on the north side of trees. She looked at a nearby tree and pointed. "That's north. So left should take us deeper into the maze."
Everyone looked surprised.
"How did you know that?" Lucas asked.
Annah smiled shyly. "It's something I learned in science class."
"Well done, Annah!" Sarah said.
They followed her direction—and it was correct.
Chapter 3: The First Victory
Hours passed. They crawled through tunnels, climbed walls, and solved riddles. Each time someone felt tired, the others encouraged them. When Lucas slipped into a mud hole, everyone helped pull him out, laughing.
By late afternoon, they finally reached the center of the maze. A tall wooden pole stood in the middle, and at its base was a box with their team's name.
Zoe opened the box and pulled out a red flag with an eagle on it. "This is it!"
Annah held the pole steady while Lucas climbed up and planted the flag at the top. Everyone cheered.
"We did it!" Sarah shouted.
They hugged, sweaty and tired, but proud.
Coach Mike met them at the entrance of the maze when they came out. "Great teamwork, Team Eagle. You were the second group to finish. Not bad for your first day."
That night, they sat around the campfire roasting marshmallows. Annah looked around at her new friends and felt something warm in her heart.
"I didn't think I could do something like this," she said softly.
Zoe looked at her. "Why not?"
"I was scared. New place, new people…"
"But you helped us find our way in the maze," Raj said. "You're smart and brave."
Annah smiled. Maybe she was brave. Maybe she just needed a chance to show it.