Watching the sun rise and hearing the birds tweet are part and parcel of camping trips.
But West Bridgford's Amelia Cashmore used her experience as the inspiration for her entry into a writing competition.
And her story impressed judges of the Wicked Young Writers' Award so much that she has been shortlisted as a finalist, meaning a trip to London next week.
Nine-year-old Amelia, of Loughborough Road, said: "I was really pleased when I heard that I'd made the shortlist.
"I like writing and reading so to get an award for that will be brilliant. I am really looking forward to going to London."
The awards, in their fifth year, were created by the team behind the hit musical Wicked, which tells an alternative Wizard of Oz story.
Organisers wanted to link the themes and messages of the long-running musical with a competition to inspire self-expression and creativity among peopled aged between five and 25. This year's entries saw young people exploring themes and concerns such as ageing, enduring love and loss, global warming, bullying, self-harm and the effects of war.
More than 5,200 submissions were sent in and Amelia has made it onto the shortlist of 100.
The West Bridgford Junior School pupil said: "I wrote a description of what I heard and saw while I was on the camping trip.
"I did it all from my memory. It was nice being able to remember what it was like.
"I wrote quite a lot of words. I'd like to enter more writing competitions like this one."
Amelia's grandmother Patricia Cashmore, 80, said: "Her parents and the rest of the family are all very proud of what she has achieved."
Amelia is one of 20 children in the eight to ten-year-old category.
She is joined in there by Milly Lacey, of St Patrick's Roman Catholic Primary in Mansfield.
The winners will be announced on Thursday 7 August at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, home of the award-winning musical.
Judge and best-selling author Michael Morpurgo said: "All these talented young writers have allowed their imagination to live and breathe. They haven't been afraid to tell their stories and speak their poems down and to express themselves with originality and flair."
