As the end of the school year approaches, Holling’s class looks forward to the annual camping trip that Mrs. Baker takes with all of her classes. Mrs. Baker, however, warns the class about mosquitos, dew, and sleeping on rocks. Despite Mrs. Baker’s negativity about camping, Holling notices that she can’t stop smiling because Lieutenant Baker will be coming home soon.

Holling starts reading Much Ado About Nothing, and despite its categorization as a comedy, he doesn’t find it funny, nor does he find it realistic in its portrayal of love or the world in general. When the news reports that Bobby Kennedy has been shot, Holling goes with Heather to light a candle and pray; Bobby Kennedy dies the next day.

The day of the camping trip finally arrives, and Holling’s class takes a bus into the Catskill Mountains. They must hike to their campsite, and everyone is issued a backpack of supplies. Holling’s pack is filled with all the eating utensils and four large cans of chili, and he struggles under the weight of the pack as the last person on the path. By the time they reach the beautiful campsite with a stream and a waterfall, Holling’s pack is feeling considerably lighter.