HRE: Chapter 1 by RCL Benziger

ONLI NEWEEKLYSERI ALSTORY

The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 1 [Note: If you are reading this in your classroom, you may decide to vote as a class and have your catechist or teacher submit your vote each week. If you read the story at home, you can submit your own vote from a home computer. You can only vote once from the same computer.]

Chapter 1 “This has been a great Christmas vacation!” exclaimed Jake. “Our hockey team won our tournament, Keiko was on TV, and Manuel had a great trip to Mexico.” “And,” added Keiko, “I learned to ride my new bike! I know everybody else learned when they were five or something, but I never had a bicycle before, so this was the highlight of my vacation.”

Character 1: Jake

“I should think that winning a national music competition and being on American Morning on the same day that Justin Bieber was a guest would be the highlight of anyone’s vacation, Keiko,” laughed Ellie.

Character 2: Keiko

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The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 1

“Yes, that was very nice also, “ said Keiko, shyly. “Yeah, that was great, Keiko,” said Jake, “even if the violin is not my favorite instrument—to say the least! But let’s get down to business here. Back in September, we started this club. We’ve been meeting twice a week, once during the week, and once on the weekend, and we’ve finished a big project.” “Yes, collecting five truckloads of toys for homeless children for Christmas was an accomplishment to be sure. The goals of our club are adventure, exploration, and discipleship. By the time we finished the project, we had done all three!” said Manuel.

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Character 3: Manuel

The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 1

“I’d like to bring up an old agenda item,” began Ellie. “Back in September when we started the club, I asked if kids outside our neighborhood could belong if we voted them in. You know, like kids from the apartment buildings a few blocks over. A lot of them are friends with Keiko and me.” “I still don’t think so,” said Jake,, who had been voted the group leader. “This is a neighborhood club. We all have other friends, but the four of us are best friends. We’ve known each other since we were in preschool. Our moms and dads all know each other. You know, it’s different.” “Well, could we invite them to be part of our projects sometimes—now and then?” asked Manuel.

Character 4: Ellie

“Yes, I think that would be nice,” said Keiko. “I do too,” added Ellie. “My friend Carly has lots of talents—she could help us out with lots of things.” Page 3 of 5

The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 1

“I’ve thought that over since then,” said Jake. “I still think it should be our own club, but we could invite others for special projects.” After some discussion, all agree. “There’s one more thing,” said Jake. This time his voice was not as confident. “It’s about my little brother, Benjie.” “What about him?“ asked Manuel, sounding concerned. “He’s not sick, is he?” “Benjie? No, he’s not sick. My mom says he is the healthiest one in the family, with more energy than the rest of us combined!” said Jake. “No, the problem is this. He needs to come to our meetings on the weekdays. Character 5: Benjie

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I’m supposed to watch him after school this semester. He doesn’t want to go to after school care anymore, and Mom said if I would watch him, he could come home after school. I’m not supposed to let him out of my sight.”

The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 1

“Oh great!” said Ellie, without enthusiasm. “A super-‐active little kid who’s not even in double digits yet! This will really hold us back. What if we wanted to go out of our neighborhood on one of our projects or adventures? We’re all allowed to go farther from home—like down to Murphy Park—as long as we stick together and take our cell phones. But I’ll bet Benjie can’t do that yet-‐-‐even with you.” “No, you’re right. He can’t. Even with me,” said Jake, dejectedly. “She says there are too many people there and I could lose him.” “Why doesn’t he just stay at day care,” said Manuel, hopefully. “Lots of kids his age still go. Won’t his friends still be there?” “I think it has something to do with money,” responded Jake. “My parents are trying to save more so we can take a trip next summer.”

“Why don’t we have a secret vote and let the majority rule,” suggested Keiko. “That’s the only way to come to a decision.” The group agreed, and Manuel ran into his house to get some paper and pencils. __________ TIME TO VOTE

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