The Camp Fire Girls; Or, The Secret of an Old Mill

by Howard Roger Garis

"The Camp Fire Girls; Or, The Secret of an Old Mill" by Marion Davidson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows a group of four girls—Alice, Mabel, Marie, and Natalie—as they join the Camp Fire Girls organization, embarking on adventures that celebrate the outdoors and personal growth. The narrative centers around their whimsical challenges and spirit of camaraderie as they prepare for a summer of camping and exploration. At the start of the story, the girls are initiated into the Camp Fire Girls, reveling in their new status as "Wood Gatherers." They express excitement about future adventures in camping, despite some initial trepidation about the practical aspects of outdoor life. The narrative introduces their male counterparts, who challenge them to undertake a genuine camping experience, sparking a confident resolution among the girls to prove themselves. The chapter sets the stage for their summer journey marked by challenges, companionship, and mystery, including an encounter with a fortunetelling Gypsy that leads to the mysterious disappearance of a diamond ring belonging to one of their mothers.