Be Prepared
Baden and Mikaela had just returned from an extended Scout and Guide camp and were proudly showing off their newly acquired skills to their parents, Eric and Roxy, and their older sister, Mackenzie.
Unbeknownst to the Renards, the subject of their conversation was skulking around the back of their caravan and had heard every word. “Naughty am I Auntie Roxy? I’ll show you naughty!”
Whilst everyone was distracted and looking elsewhere, Buster crept into the caravan and stealthily opened up the trapdoor to the under floor storage. Careful not to be seen, he lowered himself down into the darkness and waited...
Baden was preparing to spend a penny as Mikaela brought in the dregs of the cocoa.
The results were better than even he could have imagined. To his delight, Baden got his tail trapped in the toilet seat as he whipped round to see who it was, Uncle Eric dropped the washing up all over the floor and Mikaela spilled the cocoa. But best of all, Auntie Roxy was no longer on the ladder but dangling precariously from the caravan wall. Mackenzie sat up and looked on in horror.
After a quick chuckle, Buster realised now was the time to scarper and hoisted himself out as Baden and Mikaela closed in on him.
“Oh no you don’t,” shouted Baden, “We’ve got our Citizens Arrest badge, don’t you know?” “Ha!” laughed Buster, “I don’t need a silly scout badge to out fox you.” Fortunately, Mikaela’s guide motto, “Be Prepared” kicked in. She was prepared for anything, including getting out from under her mother and soon they were dashing after their wayward cousin.
“Good job we have our racing badge,” Baden called to his sister. For a moment he thought he was trapped until he saw the open window. Sensing someone hot on his tail, he scrambled out of the window and saw the way clear ahead of him.
As always, prepared for anything, Mikaela had come round the back of the tent ready to cut off his escape route. “I knew that wrestling badge would come in handy one day,” exclaimed Mikaela triumphantly. Buster groaned in defeat as his cousins hauled him up and marched him in disgrace to their parents.
Whilst Eric oversaw Buster’s punishment, the children fussed over Roxy.
Buster sulked moodily as he began to scrub the toilet bowl. “I may not be a scout,” he thought, “but next time I will plan an escape route. It does pay to “Be Prepared” after all!”
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As they happily chatted away, the conversation turned towards their wayward cousin, Buster Slydale.
“How did Buster get on with scout camp?” asked Roxy, “I know how pleased your Auntie Velvette was that he was going. She hoped you two would be a good influence on him.” “Oh didn’t you hear,” replied Baden, “He didn’t get as far as camp, he didn’t even make it onto the bus!” Roxy shook her head in despair. “Oh he is a naughty fox!” Soon the Renards had finished their evening cups of cocoa and were sorting out their camp before settling down for the night.
A while later, Roxy was tucking Mackenzie into her sleeping bag whilst Eric made a start on the washing up.
Down below Buster could hear the footsteps and decided now was the time to strike. In one swift movement, he burst out shouting “BOO!” at the top of his voice.
At that moment, Roxy’s grip on the wall loosened and she came tumbling down on top of Mikaela, blocking Badens route through to Buster. Buster took advantage and made good his escape.
Realising the danger, Buster ducked into the tent in a panic.
With a two pronged attack, Baden and Mikaela soon overpowered Buster and had him pinned to the ground.
“Buster, you really are a very naughty fox!” pronounced Eric crossly. “Your Auntie Roxy could have been badly hurt.”
“I didn’t want to hurt anyone,” muttered Buster meekly, “How was I to know she was up a ladder, I couldn’t see!” “That’s no excuse Buster. You need to start taking responsibility for the consequences of your actions. The consequences for you tonight are tidying up our caravan, starting with cleaning the toilet!” Baden made her another mug of cocoa. “Good job I have my hospitality badge,” he said proudly as Mikaela checked her mother for injuries. “Good job I have my first aid badge,” she added.
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