The Singing Scoutmaster: Johnny Appleseed and the Children's Orchard

One day, Johnny Appleseed came to a small village nestled at the edge of a dense forest. The children of the village, curious about the strange man with a pot on his head and a sack of seeds, followed him as he walked. "What are you doing, mister?" one of the children asked.

Johnny knelt down and smiled at them. "I'm planting apple trees, little one. Would you like to help me?"

The children's eyes lit up. "Yes! Yes, we want to help!" they shouted excitedly.

Johnny showed them how to dig small holes and place the seeds inside, covering them gently with soil. The children worked eagerly, laughing and chatting as they planted row after row of seeds. "One day, these seeds will grow into big trees," Johnny told them. "And they'll bear apples for you to eat, share, and enjoy. This orchard will be yours."

The children were thrilled at the thought of having their own apple orchard. They promised Johnny that they would take care of the young trees and help them grow. "We'll water them every day!" one boy exclaimed. "And protect them from animals!" another girl added.

Johnny nodded, his eyes twinkling. "With care like that, this will be the finest orchard in the land."

Years later, when Johnny passed through the village again, he found a thriving apple orchard filled with strong, healthy trees. The children—now grown—greeted him warmly, showing him the apples they had harvested and the pies they had baked. "This is all because of you, Johnny," they said gratefully.

But Johnny shook his head. "No, it's because of you and your hard work. I only planted the seeds. You gave them life."

The children's orchard became a place where families gathered, friendships blossomed, and new generations learned the joy of planting and nurturing. It stood as a testament to Johnny Appleseed's belief that even the smallest seed, when cared for with love and patience, could grow into something magnificent.