The Camp Fire Girls at Driftwood Heights

In Short

This novel follows a group of young women, members of a Camp Fire Girls club known as the "Equitable Eight," as they navigate social tensions and a summer adventure at Driftwood Heights. When the group decides to invite an unpopular classmate, Blanche, to their reunion, they must reconcile their ideals of camaraderie with the reality of her manipulative behavior. The book is a period piece of early twentieth-century juvenile fiction that highlights the era's emphasis on character development, group loyalty, and the structured, idealistic morality of the Camp Fire movement.

The Story

The narrative centers on Ruth Garnier, a self-reliant and "sunny" leader who has attained the rank of Torch Bearer. As the school year ends, Ruth and her friends—the Equitable Eight—plan a summer reunion at Driftwood Heights, a cottage retreat overseen by their mentor, Miss Drexal. A conflict arises when Blanche Shirly, a girl known for her vanity and penchant for creating friction, manipulates her way into an invitation. Despite the reservations of her friends, Ruth insists that the group take Blanche on faith, believing that their collective influence and the atmosphere of the retreat will help her grow.

The group arrives at the lake, but the harmony is immediately strained by Blanche’s secretive behavior and her continued attempts to stir up animosity among the girls. Blanche, who presents herself as a weary invalid, is secretly obsessed with an independent agenda, frequently sneaking away to explore the surroundings using a map she keeps hidden. The tension comes to a head when the group embarks on a hiking and camping expedition into the woods. During this journey, the girls rely on a local guide named Blue Wolf, an indigenous man who understands the terrain deeply and serves as a bridge between the girls and the untamed wilderness.

The turning point occurs when Ruth attempts to reconcile with a disgruntled Blanche near a rocky ledge. As the two argue, a natural rock slide occurs, sealing them inside a hidden, forgotten cave. The girls are trapped in darkness, forcing them to confront their personal differences in a dire, shared struggle for survival. Outside, the remaining members of the Equitable Eight and Miss Drexal, aided by the expertise of Blue Wolf, organize a desperate search. Blue Wolf, remembering the legends and geography of the island from his own youth, eventually tracks them to an alternative entrance. The rescue is successful, and the brush with death humbles Blanche. The story concludes with the group reflecting on the summer, recognizing that their bonds have been tempered by adversity. They leave Driftwood Heights with a reinforced commitment to their shared values, already anticipating their next gathering at a friend’s ranch.

How It Unfolds

The Torch Bearer’s pledge Ruth Garnier recites the solemn vow of the Torch Bearer, setting a tone of responsibility and idealism that guides her actions throughout the summer. Her commitment to "passing the light" serves as the moral compass for the subsequent conflicts.

The unwanted guest Blanche Shirly plots to secure an invitation to the reunion, using deceit to overcome the resistance of the other girls. Ruth advocates for including her, believing that charity and patience are necessary for true leadership.

The journey to the woods The Equitable Eight, joined by the stoic guide Blue Wolf, embark on a camping trip to the forest. The shift from the relative comfort of the Heights to the unpredictable wilderness forces the girls to rely on their practical skills.

The collapse A verbal confrontation between Ruth and Blanche at a rocky ledge ends in a sudden, violent rockslide. The two girls are cut off from their companions and trapped in a cavern, forcing a period of forced isolation.

The rescue Blue Wolf utilizes his ancestral knowledge of the island’s terrain to locate the hidden entrance of the cave. The successful rescue marks a turning point in the social dynamics of the group, reconciling the internal fractures.

United we flourish The girls reflect on their experiences and the strength of their comradeship. They depart the lake with a shared understanding that their individual growth is inextricably tied to the success of the group.

The People

Ruth Garnier is the group’s moral anchor. She is characterized by her earnestness and her belief in the essential goodness of others, though she occasionally struggles with the frustration of dealing with those who do not share her values. Her journey is one of maturing beyond blind idealism into a more seasoned empathy.

Blanche Shirly acts as the antagonist. Driven by vanity and a deep-seated insecurity, she views social interactions as a series of maneuvers to win status. Her time in the cave serves as a necessary shattering of her self-centered facade, though the book suggests that such growth is a slow process.

Emmy, a girl of refined tastes and a "golden voice," provides a contrast to the more rugged members of the group. Having grown up in the world of the "idle rich," she finds a grounding sense of purpose at the academy.

Miss Drexal is the steady, authoritative mentor. She manages the girls with a blend of firmness and humor, acting as a judge when disputes arise and ensuring that the group remains focused on their collective goals.

In Its Own Voice

Ruth’s commitment to the ideals of her organization is established early on:

“That light which has been given to me, I desire to pass undimmed to others,” recited Ruth Garnier in clear, purposeful tones.

Blanche’s secret and defensive nature is reflected in her interactions with her roommate:

“Once I’ve won Ruth Garnier over to the point where she feels that it’s her duty to invite me to the reunion, the others will have to give in, too.”

The group’s final reflection on their summer experience underscores the central theme of the narrative:

“United we flourish, divided we languish!” supplied Frances.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the tension between individual ambition and the requirements of community. The Equitable Eight represent an experiment in cooperative living; their central struggle is not just surviving the wilderness, but surviving one another’s flaws. The story argues that true leadership—embodied by Ruth—requires the "sacrifice" of ego to foster growth in others. The cave functions as a crucible, stripping away the social posturing and petty grievances that define the girls' lives at school, forcing them to see the necessity of mutual dependence. It is a quiet argument for the idea that character is not innate but is forged through the messy, often uncomfortable work of maintaining relationships.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical artifacts of the early twentieth-century "girls' fiction" genre will find this a fascinating study in period attitudes. The prose is earnest and descriptive, capturing a world of "bough beds," "buckboards," and strict social codes that feel miles away from the modern experience. The book moves at a deliberate, measured pace, favoring long conversations and character development over rapid-fire action.

However, a modern reader must be prepared for the dated social dynamics and the specific, sometimes patronizing, depiction of the indigenous guide, Blue Wolf, which reflects the colonialist perspectives of the 1918 era. Furthermore, the dialogue can feel overly formal or stiff by today's standards, and the moralizing tone is persistent. Despite these hurdles, there is a genuine warmth in how the book treats the concept of female friendship. It portrays a circle of young women who, despite their differences, genuinely strive to hold one another up. It remains a poignant, if imperfect, look at how we navigate the transition from the sheltered, rule-bound world of childhood into the more complex responsibilities of adulthood. It is best read as a nostalgic, thoughtful window into an older, more structured way of thinking about self-improvement and community.