Nina was playing Frisbee at summer camp.
But she was thinking about Saturday.
In just two days her family would go to see the town fireworks.
"Mr. Dunn, I love the Fourth of July," Nina said.
"Everything is red, white, and blue.
And fireworks are so cool."
"The Fourth of July is fun, isn't it?" Mr. Dunn said.
"My family always has a big barbecue.
My dad and brothers love to grill."
"My dad loves to grill too!" Bobby said.
"I always eat lots of watermelon on the Fourth," Izzie said.
"You know what the kids in my family do on the Fourth?
They make red-white-and-blue ice pops.
Then they eat them while watching fireworks," said Mr. Dunn.
"Red, white, and blue ice pops?
I bet they're pretty," Nina said.
"Yeah. They're pretty—and pretty easy to make," Mr. Dunn said, chuckling.
"Can we make them at camp?" Nina asked.
"Please? It's almost the Fourth of July."
Mr. Dunn smiled. "That's a great idea, Nina.
I'll bring in everything we need tomorrow."
The next day Mr. Dunn brought in paper cups, wooden craft sticks, and three big bottles.
Nina looked at the bottles.
"Ooh, red juice," she said.
"That's sweet strawberry juice.
Made it myself," Mr. Dunn said.
"Blue juice." Nina picked up another bottle.
"Grape-blueberry blend.
That's cool. And white juice.
Wait a minute—white juice?"
"It's actually coconut milk,"
Jason said, pointing to the label.
"Have you had it before? It's good."
Nina shook her head.
"But I guess I'll try it in the ice pops."
"This will be the easiest recipe you ever prepare," said Mr. Dunn.
"First pour some blue juice into the bottom one-third of the cup."
"The juice has to freeze before we can add the next layer, right?" Jason asked.
"Exactly," said Mr. Dunn. "So let's get started."
The kids filled the bottom of their paper cups with grape-blueberry juice.
Then Mr. Dunn took the cups to the freezer.
"We'll take those out in two hours," he said.
The kids went outside for a nature walk.
When they got back, it was time for the next step.
"Now add the coconut milk.
Fill the middle one-third of your cup," said Mr. Dunn.
"And do it quickly.
We don't want our blue to melt!"
Mr. Dunn hurried to get the ice pops back into the freezer.
Then the kids went outside for their Friday kickball tournament.
In two hours they were back inside, ready to finish making their ice pops.
"Last step: strawberry juice and craft sticks," Mr. Dunn said.
"After you pour the strawberry juice, put your sticks in the cup.
The coconut milk is still a little slushy.
So you can gently push your stick through until it stands up straight," Mr. Dunn said.
"Hurry, get these to the freezer!" Nina said.
While they waited, Mr. Dunn read them a book about fireworks.
Then they all painted fireworks.
Finally the kitchen timer went off.
It was time to take out the ice pops!
Mr. Dunn peeled off the paper cups and handed a pop to each camper.
"Yummy," Izzie said, taking a lick of blue.
Nina licked the white part.
"The coconut milk is good! Thanks, Mr. Dunn."
Nina giggled. "Fourth-of-July fireworks, here I come!"
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