Beech Tree News Network

Chapter 2-
“I can’t imagine what’s in the box,” Chloe said as we drove home from our appointment with Doc Albert.

“Maybe it’s a bottle of pills or vitamins,” I suggested.

“I thought about that, Woody,” Chloe said, “but Doc has never put our medicine in a big cardboard box and told us to wait until we get home to open it.”

Chloe had a point. Judging from the way Mom and Dad were looking at each other, I knew they were stumped, too.

“Maybe it’s an exercise video to help us get in shape,” Chloe offered.

“Maybe it’s a treadmill,” I said, hoping I was wrong.

“Why are you giggling?” I asked Chloe, Mom and Dad.

“I was remembering the time you turned the treadmill up too fast and you flew across the room,” Chloe said, her giggling turning to laughter. “Do you remember that, Woody?”

“How could I forget? I started out running on all fours, and the next thing I knew I was doing somersaults in the air and landed smack-dab on the head of the lady riding the stationary bicycle. It knocked the cuckoo out of me. And her too!

Everyone roared with laughter.

“Anyway, the box isn’t that big and heavy,” Dad said.

“There are hundreds of ways to exercise without equipment, videos or gym memberships, pups,” Mom told us. “We can exercise in our back yard.”

“Really?” Chloe and I asked at the same time.

“Sure,” Dad replied. “We can play tug-of-war, fetch or could go for a walk.”

“Without our leashes?” I asked, hopeful.

“You know the rules. You have to walk with your collar and leash. It’s for your safety,” Mom explained.

Chloe and I looked at each other, and I saw my sister raise her eyebrow as if to say, “At least we tried.” Once in a while we were able to play outside without our leashes, but only if we were in a fenced-in area. I didn’t like it, but I knew it was for our safety.

Once we were home, Dad carried in the box and placed it on the living room floor. Then he opened the box that contained the recipe to our wellness.

Rx for Woody, Chloe, Mom and Dad

Congratulations! The four of you are enrolled in Kentucky Boot Camp. The trainers of boot camp will provide all the information. Each envelope contains a prescription. When you finish completing the task, you are to open the next envelope contained in this box.

“Kentucky Boot Camp?” I said, interrupting before Dad finished reading the instructions. “I’ve never heard of Kentucky boots – and I can’t imagine why they need their own camp. Soccer camp? Basketball camp? Band camp? Sure! But boot camp? Seriously?”

“Woody,” Dad said as he laughed and shook his head. “Boot camp normally refers to military training, but it can also refer to any type of training activity where people are trying to get in shape. I’m assuming Kentucky Boot Camp is a program to help people get in physical shape while they explore various parts of Kentucky. Do you mind if I keep reading?” Dad asked while everyone giggled.

If you follow the directions on your prescription exactly as it says, you will lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, lose any excess weight and feel better. The best part is you won’t have to swallow nasty medicine or endure any painful shots. Boot camp won’t be easy. Remember, you didn’t develop unhealthy habits in one day and you won’t develop healthy habits in one day. You’ll be finished with your medicine when you have opened every envelope and completed each activity.

When you finish reading this letter, open the envelope labeled Rx 1.

Good luck!

Doc

Mom reached in the box, retrieved the envelope labeled Rx 1 and read it aloud.

“Pack your backpack for camp. You’ll need loose-fitting clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and lots of water. No electronics are permitted, but one cell phone per family is allowed. You’ll meet your first camp trainer, Sam, in the morning at Exit 33 off the Mountain Parkway. Be there at 8 a.m. sharp!”

No electronics, no sleeping in tomorrow morning! Yucky medicine was looking better all the time.

Go to www.kypress.com to hear Woody read each chapter and try the interactive chapter activities. Thanks to Kentucky Utilities/LG&E, Kentucky Office for Adventure Tourism, Kentucky Press Association and Newspaper in Education for helping to make this statewide literacy project possible.