The Camp Fire Girls at Long Lake; Or, Bessie King in Summer Camp

At a bustling summer farm in Long Lake, a lively troupe of Camp Fire Girls gathers for a week of outdoor adventure and friendly rivalry. Under the watchful eye of their mentor, Miss Eleanor Mercer, the girls—Zara, Dolly, Bessie, and their friends—spend their days stacking hay, sharing jokes, and learning the rhythms of country life. Their banter with the farmhands, especially the earnest Walter Stubbs, reveals a mix of youthful ambition, playful teasing, and the tug of future dreams.

Beyond the chores, the story explores how each girl balances her own aspirations with the expectations of a rural community. Bessie, new to farm work, discovers the value of teamwork while navigating the subtle tensions of jealousy and loyalty among her peers. As summer deepens, the camp becomes a place where confidence grows, friendships are tested, and the simple pleasures of nature shape the girls’ budding sense of independence.