Props List:
• Flashlights (for dramatic effect)
• Hiking backpacks or rolled-up sleeping bags
• Optional: Camouflage or wilderness-themed costumes for the NF Staffers
Cast List:
• Hiker 1 – Practical, a bit selfish
• Hiker 2 – Whiny but persistent
• NF Staffers (2-3 people) – Mysterious, legendary creatures that sneak up on hikers
Description:
Two hikers (or counselors) are settling down to sleep in the wilderness when they begin arguing over the best sleeping spot. After some back-and-forth, they settle in, but their peace is quickly interrupted by the arrival of the NF Staffers, mythical beings known to haunt unsuspecting hikers. Through a series of stealthy attacks, the hikers are tormented, leading to multiple sleeping spot swaps and a hilariously panicked conclusion.
Script:
(Scene opens with two hikers rolling out their sleeping bags on the ground, preparing to sleep under the stars.)
Hiker 1: Ahhh, nothing like sleeping in the great outdoors! Fresh air, open sky, and total peace.
Hiker 2: Yeah, it’s great, except for the part where we’re sleeping on rocks.
Hiker 1: You picked this spot.
Hiker 2: I picked it because you took the only spot without tree roots sticking into your back!
Hiker 1: Sounds like a you problem.
Hiker 2: Unbelievable. Fine. Let’s just sleep before something actually goes wrong.
(They both settle in. The forest is still… until faint whispers and rustling can be heard.)
(Enter NF Staffers, creeping in from offstage, hunched low, moving stealthily. They gesture silently to each other before launching their first attack—one of them quickly slaps Hiker 2’s head and disappears back into the darkness.)
Hiker 2: OW! (Jolts up, looking around wildly.)
Hiker 1: (Annoyed) What now?
Hiker 2: Something just hit me! Like a slap!
Hiker 1: It’s probably just a branch. Go back to sleep.
Hiker 2: Branches don’t slap people!
Hiker 1: (Rolling over) Maybe this one does. Nature is amazing.
(Hiker 2 glares but reluctantly lays back down. The NF Staffers huddle, then one suddenly grabs Hiker 2’s foot and yanks it slightly before disappearing again.)
Hiker 2: AAAAHH! (Flails and kicks wildly.)
Hiker 1: (Sitting up) WHAT is your problem?!
Hiker 2: Something grabbed me! This is not normal!
Hiker 1: Are you seriously scared of the dark right now? You’re an adult.
Hiker 2: No, I’m scared of whatever is out there SMACKING AND GRABBING ME.
Hiker 1: (Sighs) Fine. You take my spot, I’ll take yours.
(They awkwardly swap places. As soon as they settle down, the NF Staffers appear again. They wait for a moment, then start slowly surrounding Hiker 1, who’s laying in Hiker 2’s spot.)
NF Staffer (ominously): We have played with you enough… but now… (pauses) we attack the other one.
(Suddenly, the NF Staffers pounce, slapping, poking, or grabbing Hiker 1 before vanishing again.)
Hiker 2: YAAAH! (Jumps up, flailing.)
Hiker 1: (Calmly) What’s the matter? You seem… disturbed.
Hiker 2: That’s it, I’m getting out of here, I won’t let them get me again!
Hiker 1: There’s no one else out here, it’s just you and me!
(Hiker 2 SCREAMS, grab their sleeping bag, and sprints offstage. Hiker 2 gathers their things and slowly follows.)
Hiker 1: (Annoyed) Every. Single. Time.
(The NF Staffers turn to the audience, nod knowingly, then vanish back into the wilderness.)
END SCENE.