They say that if something feels off, it’s probably because something really is. That’s what our instincts are for. And when it comes to instincts, a mother’s instinct is probably the strongest of them all.
Source: FactAhead
This mom had her mother’s instinct in overdrive when she sent her son to a two-week-long summer camp. And indeed, something terrible happened to prove that her instincts were right all along.
Meet Stacy
Stacy is a young, single mother who would do anything for her six-year-old son, Timmy. She has worked several jobs at the same time to make sure that Timmy would not be able to experience any financial difficulties.
Source: FactAhead
Stacy did her best to raise Timmy to be a good and respectful boy. She gave what he needed but not to the point of spoiling him. She was able to make him understand the value of being content with whatever they had at the moment.
An absent father
Timmy’s father was a high school sweetheart and he was barely in the picture. Back in high school, Stacy thought she had found true love. They were the ideal couple who went to every dance together and everyone envied them.
Source: FactAhead
However, things changed when Stacy unexpectedly got pregnant. Timmy’s father was not ready for the responsibility and left her. He wanted nothing to do with the child. After a painful breakup, Timmy’s father moved to another town and disappeared.
A single mother
Facing the responsibility of carrying a child alone, Stacy was very troubled. But despite the circumstances, she decided to keep the baby. After giving birth, she decided to contact her ex-boyfriend for any support. Maybe seeing his son would change his mind.
Source: FactAhead
Unfortunately, she was unable to find him. Nobody knew where their family moved. Realizing that she was really on her own, she decided to do everything herself. She was no longer going to chase after her ex. She got a job and believed she could raise Timmy alone.
Financial difficulties
And in the end, Stacy did make it. It took a lot of hard work but she never once regretted having him. Timmy was her reason and inspiration to keep fighting and moving forward no matter how difficult the circumstances can be.
Source: FactAhead
As much as Stacy wanted to give Timmy everything he wanted, raising a child is expensive. Stacy was willing to work more hours, the jobs she can take are limited to what she can do while Timmy is in school or is sleeping at night.
One wish
Unfortunately, the point came when Stacy could only afford the basic necessities. Fortunately, Timmy was not the type of kid who wants a lot of things. He is very reasonable with his wants and he grew up not asking for much.
Source: FactAhead
Although Timmy was not materialistic, there is one thing that he had always desired and he has been asking Stacy for it every chance he could get and it was getting harder to say “no” to him. The thing is, this was something that Stacy could not afford.
Her little boy scout
You see, Timmy wanted to attend a camping trip that his scouting group does every year. Stacy was able to enroll Timmy into a state-financed scouting group that meets and does activities on the weekends.
Source: FactAhead
Every activity is free except for special events like this two-week-long camping trip. Stacy saw the cost of the camping trip and told Timmy that she could not promise him anything. But even so, she started saving up for it.
Wish granted
Stacy was not able to save enough money for last year’s summer camping trip but this time, she was able to put in some extra work and save more. Stacy immediately told Timmy that he would be able to join this year’s summer camp.
Source: FactAhead
The joy in Timmy’s eyes meant everything to Stacy. He was ecstatic about the good news. He was a bit disappointed last year when he was not able to go and was not expecting much this year so this was a big surprise for him.
An excited kid
Summer was still about two months away but Timmy immediately started planning what he would do on his camping trip. He mentioned the events and activities that he was looking forward to and which friends he wanted to hang out with.
Source: FactAhead
Stacy reminded him of some ground rules that he should follow while he was on camp. Timmy promised Stacy that he would make the best out of the whole experience and that he would send her updates and pictures every day.
Separation anxiety
Although seeing Timmy that happy was heartwarming, Stacy was also nervous about the fact that he would be gone for two whole weeks. That would be the longest they would be apart ever since she gave birth to him.
Source: FactAhead
But she knew that this was a good opportunity for her kid and who knows when would he be able to go again. She could not be selfish. So, she decided to set aside her worries and stopped herself from turning into an overprotective mother.
Summer camp time
The months flew by and before they knew it, it was time for summer camp. Timmy was practically shaking with excitement. His bag was already packed at least a week before the big day.
Source: FactAhead
Stacy was starting to get nervous again. When she dropped him off at the bus that would take him to the campsite, she watched Timmy interact with his friends before they hopped on the bus together.
A mother’s instinct
Stacy suddenly had a weird feeling – as if something was not right. Stacy shook her head and dismissed it, thinking that her motherly worries are making her paranoid. She put on a smile on her face and waved at her son as the bus left.
Source: FactAhead
Once the bus was out of sight, Stacy felt the worry creep back in. She has had this feeling before and it was always followed by something bad happening. But she would not dare pull out Timmy from camp. After all, she had already paid for it and there were no refunds.
The feeling never went away
Timmy stayed true to his promise of sending her photos every day. He met a lot of new friends and he clearly looked like he was having the time of his life. Despite the evidence, the bad feeling did not go away.
Source: FactAhead
It came to the point that Stacy was starting to feel annoyed at herself for worrying that much. Timmy deserves to have fun. She forced herself to adjust the way she thinks but just as she was ready to let go, something happened.
Something in the background
It was day six of summer camp when Stacy got another bunch of photos showing what happened during that day. Timmy did not have his own phone but he was using his friend’s smartphone to send photos to Stacy.
Source: FactAhead
One of the photos on that day made her know her mother’s instincts were right all along. She noticed something shocking in the background of one particular photo. She did a zoomed in to get a closer look and confirm her suspicions.
Panic sets in
In the picture, there was something inside the tent behind Timmy. Stacy was panicking and she tried to calm herself down. She knew that what she would do next is very important so she needed to be calm and collected to make the best decision.
Source: FactAhead
Stacy called Timmy’s friend several times but there was no answer. They were probably busy doing another camping activity. But then she realized that maybe Timmy and his friend were not answering because something had already happened to them.
Calling the supervisor
Stacy tried to relax by taking a couple of deep breaths. If Stacy could not reach Timmy through his friends, then she’d have to find another way. She pulled up the number of a camp supervisor that was given out to the parents.
Source: FactAhead
To Stacy’s frustration, even the camp supervisor was not answering her calls. This made Stacy feel worse. What if something had already happened? She sees no other option but to go to the campsite herself. But Stacy did not have a car and she does not think she could afford to commute to the campsite.
Call a friend
Stacy was becoming desperate. She then remembered one person she can turn to for help. Not too long ago, Stacy was able to befriend a police officer in their neighborhood. Maybe he could help. Stacy pulled up his number and gave him a call.
Source: FactAhead
Stacy’s police friend picked up on the first ring. Stacy quickly explained the situation and asked if he can drive her to the campsite to check on Timmy and the kids. The police officer was happy to help out – especially when there were kids involved.
Rushing to camp
Ten minutes after the call, her friend and his partner were at Stacy’s door. Stacy immediately dashed out of the door and got in the vehicle as fast as she could. Every wasted time could mean a lot if Timmy is indeed in trouble.
Source: FactAhead
The police officer sensed Stay’s urgency and put on the siren. This allowed them to go faster and reach the camping site in less than an hour. During the entire ride, she tried to keep herself together and silently prayed that Timmy and the kids are okay.
An unexpected scene
When they arrived at the campsite, you can immediately tell that something was very wrong. Nothing had prepared them for the scene they arrived in. The camp was in complete chaos. Children were running around screaming.
Source: FactAhead
Supervisors were chasing after the children, trying to regain control. They were trying to lead the campers into the central house. It is no wonder nobody was answering Stacy’s calls. The camp was a mess.
Searching for her son
Stacy ran to one of the supervisors and tried to ask her what was going on but the supervisor was paying her no attention. The supervisor was focused on getting the kids inside the central house.
Source: FactAhead
Stacy decided to go into the central house just like everybody else. Perhaps Timmy was already inside. Inside the central house, there were tons of kids. Some were crying and screaming, while some were sitting down, looking tired.
What happened?
The central house looked like an evacuation center and everyone had been through some version of a disaster. In front of them, another camp supervisor was doing a headcount. Her hands were visibly shaking as she pointed and count.
Source: Pixabay
The police officers spread out to ask around and figure out what was going on. Stacy searched the room but she could not find Timmy among the children. Could he still be out there?
Looking for Timmy’s tent
Ignoring the shouts from her police officer friends and the camp supervisor, Stacy ran out of the central house to search for her son. When she reached the tents, she forced herself to calm down so that she could remember Timmy’s tent number.
Source: FactAhead
She pulled out her phone to look at the pictures Timmy had sent her and looked for one with him outside his tent with a number sign. Confirming his tent number, she followed the signs and quickly figured out that Timmy’s tent was one of the tents at the back.
They told her to turn back
Stacy made her way to the back of the camp. Everyone she encountered on the way tells her to stay away and go back but she ignores them. She had to find Timmy. Her son was not in the central house and she needs to make sure that he was safe.
Source: FactAhead
When Stacy reached the back of the camp, she found it to be in a mess and it look abandoned. Nobody seemed to be around but something nearby was making a noise. When Stacy turned to look, she can’t believe what she was seeing.
Mama bear
About a hundred feet away from her, Stacy can see the backside of a big brown bear. The bear was sniffing around and growling at the same time. It was clear to see that this was the mother of the cub she saw in the background of the picture Timmy sent.
Source: FactAhead
Panicking, Stacy immediately tried to look for Timmy’s tent. Stacy could spot it from where she was standing and wondered if he was still in there. Everything was quiet but she had to check to be sure. After all, she was already there.
Safe but not quite
One thing is clear, Stacy had to get to Timmy’s tent before the bear did. She tried to sneak her way to Timmy’s tent, making sure she made little noise. When she finally made it, she was relieved to see that Timmy was inside and he looked unharmed.
Source: FactAhead
But then, the relief turned to fear when she realized who else was there. She thought she was about to faint when she saw the bear cub beside Timmy. It looked like the two had become fast friends and were playing when she got in the tent.
Maternal love
Stacy tried to get herself together. Timmy needed her now and at the moment, a very angry mama bear is looking for her cub just outside the tent. Timmy had been playing with the cub the whole time.
Source: FactAhead
Stacy found herself relating to the mama bear outside. She must be worried about her baby just as she had been worried for Timmy. Being a mother herself, Stacy knew that the bear won’t leave camp without her cub.
She had an idea
But now that the mother bear is close, Stacy was sure that she would pick up the cub’s scent soon and would eventually reach the tent. Stacy knew she had to act fast. Stacy thought of giving the cub back to the mother bear.
Source: FactAhead
It was not the safest idea but it was probably the best shot they had to make out of this experience alive. Stacy ordered Timmy to stay in the tent while she picks up the cub. She carries it outside and started to look for the mother bear.
Giving the baby back
The mother bear was not far from the tent. Stacy put the cub down on the ground silently and then backed away before calling out to the bigger bear. The mother bear immediately looked in her direction and Stacy held her breath. She was not sure about what to do in this situation.
Source: FactAhead
But then, the big bear spotted the cub in front of Stacy and immediately ran towards it, ignoring her and everything else. Stacy was able to rush back into Timmy’s tent, ready to protect Timmy in case the bear followed.
A reunion and a departure
But when she looked back, the bear was not chasing her. She was busy reuniting with her cub. After the mother bear licked her baby for a while, the two of them peacefully went back into the woods.
Source: Pixabay
Once the two creatures were out of sight, Stacy was able to let out a sigh of relief. She immediately hugged Timmy tightly and made sure that he was alright. Timmy could not believe how brave his mother had been. he was very impressed.
Joining the others
After taking a moment to recover from what just happened, Stacy picked Timmy up and told him it was time to join the others. They walked back to the central building where the campers, supervisors, and her police officer friends were gathered.
Source: Pixabay
It seemed everyone was shocked at the sight of the big brown bear going around the campsite. It was definitely something they did not expect to happen. The police officers were glad to see Stacy had found Timmy and asked where they have been.
His mom was a hero
Before Stacy could speak, Timmy excitedly ran forward and told everyone what happened. Everyone was listening, transfixed as Timmy gave a blow-by-blow story of his mom’s encounter with the bear. He did a good job of painting Stacy as a hero in his story.
Source: FactAhead
Although Stacy had to swoop in to correct him on some details like the bear was not as big as the house and that no, she was not planning to wrestle the bear. But in the end, the main point was clear – Stacy returned the cub to the mother bear and the bears are gone now.
The camp was cut short
Everyone was shocked at the braveness Stacy showed – even the police officers were impressed. At this point though, even if the bears were out of the campsite, the police officers told the camp supervisors that it was probably best to send everyone home.
Source: FactAhead
And the supervisors agreed. It had been a long and tiring day. They certainly did not want to put anyone at risk again. The supervisors immediately made arrangements and started calling parents to ask them to pick up their kids.
A happy ending
Stacy and Timmy hitched a ride back home with the police officers. Stacy hugged Timmy on the ride home, glad that he is safe. She definitely felt better that she was able to listen to her instincts and jump into action before it was too late.
Source: FactAhead
On the way home, Stacy told Timmy that she hoped he was not upset that camp had to end early. Timmy immediately told her that it was okay since he had a lot of fun and had more adventure than he could ever ask for when the bears showed up.