This is the fourth of an occassional series outlining the most unusual experiences of the FC community.

Students of all ages sometimes fantasize about running away. Whether originally prompted by hardships, arguments or merely for excitement, teens and adults alike remember the skedaddling escapades of their childhoods.

Allison Camden, ’12, ran away at 7 years old and returned right away, but says she might try again if it seems necessary.

“I just remember leaving on my bike; I simply went past the area I was supposed to. It was only for an hour though,” Camden said. “I ran away because I broke something and wanted to get out of the house. But I came back because I was hungry and I got tired of riding my bike.”

When Camden came back, no one in her family seemed to notice her absence, but she says if she ever runs away again, she would bring lots of food and her phone, in order to prepare more effectively than her 7-year-old plan.

“I would go to my best friend Kara’s house,” Camden said. “I would take food because if they don’t let me in then I wouldn’t have any food. I also need food because I have low blood sugar.”

Despite a persona of maturity some teachers may emanate, some can identity with students, having experienced the sudden urge to flee their homes.

“On Christmas day, I came down really hard off the ‘high’ and excitement of Christmas and presents; I felt like no one was playing attention to me and didn’t care about me,” English teacher Brianne Vogt said. “They said, ‘Brianne, of course we care about you, look at all the presents we bought you,’ but I wouldn’t be consoled.”

So Vogt grabbed her presents and stuffed them into the tote bag she received for Christmas.

“I only took presents and I just left; I went straight out the door,” Vogt said. “I walked probably only five houses down then turned back because I thought running away was just silly. My parents just let me be and I felt foolish. I have never thought of running away since.”

Zed Fries, ’12, ran away because he felt that his parents were being unfair.

“I was upset at my family, because at the time I was only 8 and I didn’t think they were being fair. I didn’t really understand how life worked though,” Fries said. “Now reflecting on what I did, I think it was foolish.”

Fries took some money and a bag filled with clothes, food and other necessary items with him on his 10-minute journey.

“I walked down the street until they found out I was gone and came to get me,” Fries said. “They scolded me but they weren’t really mad at me; they told me not to do it ever again, though.”

While students often grab whatever is in their way and leave, they forget simple but important things, like money, food and shelter.

While the allure of freedom has tempted many students, the thought of escaping from home has never occurred to senior Tonia Keys-Bramlett’s mind.

“I have a pretty good relationship with my parents, and so the thought of running away has never crossed my mind,” Keys-Bramlett said. “Running away would be the worst thing because I’m scared of running away.”

But if Keys-Bramlett was forced to flee, she says she would bring her normal everyday handbag and other essentials in order to make the trip more comfortable.

“I’d go to my friend Marissa’s house because I feel comfortable there, and because she would hide me in her bedroom until I wanted to go home,” Keys-Bramlett said. “I would take a couple of books, an extra T-shirt and everything I usually bring everywhere.”

Although the idea of running away can be tantalizing, after years or only minutes pass by, fugitives may reflect on their mistake, realize how much they miss their parents, pack their toothbrush and go home.

For other unusual experiences, read Emma, destructive pound dog: A most unusual experience or click on the related articles link in the information box at the top of each article.