Camp Menace to Society-Chapter One-Veteran Campers vs. Jr. Campers

This Story is for the small group of individuals that have spent any time at a "Christian" camp. Don't let the word "Christian" fool you in to thinking everything has to be "goody" two shoes pure and wholesome..all the time. Christians aren't perfect...most Christians will be the first to tell you that. However, Christian camps strive to keep things pure and wholesome. And despite me using those two words, while trying to entertain the reader of this story, Christian Camps do a great job of being fun and helping to grow up our young ones with many experiences and valuable life lessons.

I believe there isn't anything wrong with that. What a great way to bring up our children...keeping them as far as possible from things that can impact their lives. Something that I often see as missed in our present day thinking. Kids need to still be surrounded by good things. They will have plenty of time to be exposed to evrything the World has to throw at them, later. Some people argue over the values of being "too good" or having an "old-timey" way of thinking. But...I say that it just means that that our present World grew up a little too fast...and we could all use some good anchoring to pure and good values...especially for our young ones to learn before they head out into the World.

Enter: Camp Minatosati...A Fictional Camp based on a mixture of many type of camps that I know of that are around the U.S. From ones steeped heavily in tradition...to ones that try to pass on skills and leadership to their young campers...as part of the reason that Parents sign their kids up for camp. For some kids that can mean all summer...and several summers...at that. However...Camps are fun! They are like a minature little town, as you stroll along from one busy activity area to the next. All Camps have their own political structure, their own leaders, their own news headlines, their own troublemakers, and definitely...their own way of life. That is a fact.

Join in the Summer Fun...and let yourself travel along with the fun activities...through the eyes of a young kid. Read along this fictional account that is actually based on a variety of experiences from someone who was in YMCA Camps...in some capacity...for about 12 Summers. Me. Go ahead...Let yourself...think young again. Try to remember what it was like to only have to worry about what a day full of activities...had in store for you!

Welcome to Camp Minatosati...

In the dark tree line, just behind the group that is around the campfire, lie two young men in camouflage. It is pitch black. There is some light bouncing off of their face, and it allows us to get a closer look. “Target Acquired!” One young man whispers to the other young man. “Distance to target?” The voice of the other man whispers back. “60 feet!” the spotter replies. “We have to pull out they are right on top of us! We’re too deep in enemy territory!” the shooter whispers back. “No…it’s too late…we won’t have another opportunity like this,” the spotter whispers back. “Ok…Ok…help me check my target!” says the shooter, “Wind?” he asks. “North-Easterly, by less than 15 mph,” the spotter answers. “Elevation?” the shooter asks, as well. “Slight down hill grade…Aim for 6 feet to hit target at 4 feet from ground!” spotter answers back again! “tap, tap” the spotter taps the shooter on the left shoulder for him to take the shot. “Take the shot!” the spotter whispers forcefully. “Light me!” the shooter commands. The spotter lights the shooters firing round (a marshmallow), and the shooter fires it at a bag of marshmallows in the distance, that a camp counselor is holding in his hands, to pass out to all of his young campers. “SCHLOOOOOMPPH!” The incoming burning marshmallow makes a direct hit to the marshmallow bag. It bursts the whole bag into flames. The person holding that bag looks down at it in shocking surprise. He throws the bag to the ground and starts stomping it out. Then, that same counselor that was hit in the marshmallow bag shakes his head, and mumbles, “Already…?” He mumbles to himself, but can barely be heard. “Veteran Ridge!!! If that’s ya’ll….You’re going to pay for that lil’ stunt!” he yells.

“Launch grenades!” the spotter screamed to his comrade in arms. They both shake-up a 6-pack of Coca-Cola, and lob them in to the campfire area. Coke explodes…and spews out in all kinds of directions! “Run for cover…Apaches…Younger Ridge…Run!” the counselor on the side of the onslaught yells out! His little campers abandon the campfire and run back towards their cabins. The sniper team laughs out loud from their covered position. They radio with a “walkie-talkie” to their base. “Enemy neutralized! Younger campers are in retreat! Repeat….Base…the enemy has been neutralized and is headed back to their cabin!” the spotter proclaimed. “Very good…White Torch Team…Fall Back and return to base!” a voice commanded the two men. “Dark Ridge Platoon…Finish them off!” the voice could be heard again (The voice behind the radio instructions was none other than the Ridge Leader for Veteran’s Ridge). At that point 100 water balloons were sent flying into the camper groups regrouping near their cabin. Water Balloons splash down everywhere on top of the younger campers! The campers and staff stand there soaking wet in the moonlight. They are in shock from the rapid succession of recent events. “Ok…Cherokee and Arapaho Senior Cabins…you got us! But, I will personally hunt each…and every one of you down this session …or until I take my last dying breath!” the counselor that had been “de-marshmallow-ed” shouted out to the older campers hidden in the woods.

“EEEEWWWW...We're scaa-aared!” comes a synchronized chorus back again from various points in the dark woods…in sarcastic expression of the fear they were supposed to be feeling from the older counselors threatening them. The older campers signal each other in the dark to round-up and head back to base (Veteran Camper Ridge). Their mission completed for the night. Two Older Veteran Campers grab one of the newest Veteran Ridge members by the arm…holding up his retreat. “We have additional orders…do you want to join in?” They tell the additional Veteran Ridge Member. “Sure…but aren’t the older counselors going to get us back for everything we done…already?” the younger Ridge member asks. “You bet! That’s why we got to hit them hard now…While they think we returned back to the ridge…Are you in?” One of the older Veteran campers states. (His code name: Many Blue Feathers which comes from receiving the fave’d honor blue feather so many times as a camper throughout his many years at Camp Minatosati.) His “compadre” for this mission, “Smarter Than Counselor”. “Yes…I’m in!” the new to the ridge, veteran camper states while laughing.

“Good…Excellent choice…my young apprentice…but first we must give you a new code name. From this point on you shall be known as…”Laughs At Danger”! What say you…?” the older camper asks…”Cool!” was all the younger vet camper could muster-up as a reply. “Ok then…our objective is to stuff as much of these packs of bright Kool-Aid into the shower tubes…past the nozzles…as we can!” STC…give him his pipe wrench and Kool-Aid Packs…you’re going to the “Youngers” K-4thbathhouse!” Instructed MBF. “Smarter Than Counselor and I, are hitting the “Midder’s” and the “Tweeners”…we got’ta go quick…while we have a window between their Senior counselors doing the nightly devotional and them getting ready for their evening “Time-Off” at the Staff Lounge. They’ll be in a hurry to meet up with the girl counselors’…plus…they are soaking wet! And also ...”Laughs At Danger” remember these counselors are good…don’t leave any traces of Kool-Aid packs laying around….bring them back with you…and don’t get caught! This is your first mission with us…Don’t screw it up…we don’t want camp clean-up detail given to us the first day of camp….Vet Ridge would never live it down!” MBF said with emphasis. “Yes Sir…Many Blue Feathers…I’m on it!” responded the younger, new senior camper. “After completing your assignment…Go straight back to your cabin…burn the evidence…and don’t say a word to any one in your cabin about this…Go…make us proud!” MBF finished. Their new collaborator took off!

Later that night, back on their own ridge …“AAAAAGGGGHHHH-VET RIDGE-THIS MEANS ALL OUT NUCLEAR-FULL SCALE WAR!” Came a scream off way in the distance. STC and MBF were on their second round of poker by then, with a few of the guys in their cabin. “Now…what are they screaming about over there?” mumbled one of the senior campers in the poker group. The two conspirators responsible for the reason behind the outcry, just look at each other with a covert sly smirk. MBF is the more talkative one…the actual Lead camper for the whole camp, for the whole summer, ”Who knows…bet their trying to cook up something to get us into trouble!” he states, while examining his hand. One of the Older Campers in Arapaho Cabin shouts back at the other Ridge, “Hey Youngers…How was your First Night Marshmallow Cook-Out?” No reply comes back from the other ridge. It stays quiet. “Uh,Oh…I think their really mad,” mumbled MBF. “Whirlwind…Why don’t you go ask “Ajax” and “Look-Out” if they will take you on a recon outing in the morning…since you’re so interested in what the Younger Ridge is screaming about over there,” MBF says still studying his hand. “I Stay,” He states, looking at his hand. He throws a bag of Potato Chips into the kitty as part of his bet. “Is that a sanctioned mission for the Ridge?” Whirlwind asks…not wanting to wake-up early just to spy on the “Youngers” unless there was a real purpose to it. “You bet Laura Williams’ Fully Tanned Bottom…that it is!” MBF says while studying the makings of a straight flush, and looking to see if their own Ridge Leader Counselor (he was in the cabin covering for their counselor on a 2 hour first night leave) heard the reference to a part of the female anatomy. This was a Christian camp…and all the Counselors were pretty “straight-laced” in the art of keeping things pure and clean. But Boys will be Boys…and you could guarantee that they noticed that Laura Williams was very tan already this summer…especially in areas that should be whiter than the rest of her. She had made a very slow, and deliberate public display of adjusting the back part of her bikini bottoms while on the diving board during the camp swim test that afternoon…and all the Oldest Senior Boy Campers were already busy looking at her when she did it! MBF slammed down his straight flush in victory, and gathered all his loot of junk food winnings together, in front of all the poker players.

Morning arrived. All the Younger Cabins assembled for Roll-Call and Cabin Inspection on “BullDoze” Pass headed toward Appetite Hill. The three senior campers had positioned a live walkie-talkie in a hollow log, laying it near the feet of where the Younger Ridge Senior Lead Counselors were meeting with their campers. The sun rays of first light slowly started emerging in the sky above them. But, everything was still lightish dark below the thick tree lines of the woods. No facial or limb extremities tainted in a bright color were showing up yet at this distance, on the Senior Counselors of the “Younger” Ridge. The Vet Ridge scout team, with Whirlwind attached to them, had no visual confirmation on whether the Crammed Kool-Aid ploy had worked from last nights pranks. Morning Announcements commenced once the last littlest camper straightened up in line. “Good Morning, Junior Campers!” one of the Senior Counselors for that Ridge spoke up. “Welcome to your first full day at CAMP MINATOSATI. We have an excellent line-up of activities for your first morning….” The counselor was interrupted by the roar of laughter of 100 kids: “HA HA HA, HA HA HA, HA HA HA,” went on and on. As deer and small varmints of all kinds, scampered out of the forest in that area. The morning daylight had seeped through the trees, and revealed the color of the counselor’s faces, arms, and legs. The whole younger camp ridge was rocking with uncontrollable laughter, while still standing in formation. The Senior Lead Counselors take a good look at each other…and then the group of campers…and decide to let the majority rule. They each joined in with the laughter for a brief moment…after all, “If you can’t beat ‘em; Join ‘em!”

Then…the Leader for the Ridge steps up into the Assembly…looks around…and yells (He is also green from the Kool-Aid…but no one laughs at him!). “Am I hearing this correctly, Younger Ridge…? YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY? …LET ME PRETEND THAT I DIDN’T JUST HEAR MY WHOLE RIDGE OF CAMPERS AND STAFF…LAUGHING AT THE FACT THAT VET RIDGE HAS DECLARED MERCILESS AND UNPROVOKED PRANKS AGAINST US ON THE VERY FIRST NIGHT OF THE VERY FIRST SESSION OF CAMP…AND DURING OUR OPENING “KICK-OFF” CAMPFIRE! …AND MY GROUP THINKS IT IS TOTALLY HILLARIOUS….(Now…everyone is instantly quiet…even the three senior campers on recon are feeling a little worried)…NEVER IN MY 12 YEARS OF ATTENDING CAMP MINATOSATI HAS ANYONE DARED TO ATTACK FIRST EVENING CEREMONIES…AND ESPECIALLY THE FIRST NIGHT OF CAMP FOR THE SUMMER!!! THIS IS BRAZEN DEFIANCE AGAINST ALL THAT IT IS HELD DEAR TO OUR CAMP WAY OF LIFE. AND…I WANT AJAX, LOOK-OUT, MANY BLUE FEATHERS, SMARTER THAN COUNSELOR, BARF KING, BURP KING, BUG EYES, WHIRLWIND, PROBLEM CHILD, NEVER GETS CAUGHT, LADIES MAN, CAPTAIN PRANK, RUNS LIKE TRACK STAR, AND THE MENACE TO SOCIETY…THAT’S RIGHT…ALL THE ENTIRE SENIOR RIDGE MAIN CULPRITS TO BE TAKEN OUT BY SUNSET…IS THAT CLEAR, YOUNGER RIDGE…? OUR VERY HONOR AS A RIDGE IS ON THE LINE. DO IT…OR I WILL PERSONALLY BEGIN VOLUNTEERING SOME OF MY TOP BEST STAFFERS FOR KITCHEN HELP FOR THE NEXT WEEK…STARTING TOMORROW MORNING!” The Ridge Leader yelled out very loud and upset to everybody. “YES SIR!” Recited about ½ the younger ridge (the other ½ was either too nervous to answer or so new to camp that all this yelling from the Ridge Leader started them crying…or wetting their pants...).

Whirlwind, Ajax, and Look-Out were rolling around in the woods from laughing so hard. To see the Ridge Leader all green, and this angry, for the start of opening day…was more than anyone could have hoped for. They also knew that all out war had now just begun…but at this point they could only bask in their victory! “What did ya’ll do to the Ridge Senior Counselors? They’re all multi-colored! And…their Ridge Leader is already a volcano on the warpath with us…and it isn’t even breakfast yet for first day!” Whirlwind asked. “MBF and STC escalated events quickly since this is our last year here as campers…especially, since I doubt that we’re going to be asked back as Staffers!” Look-Out stated. The three of them rolled around laughing some more. Then, they tried to listen in closely to gain details on the proposed strategies of attack from Younger Ridge. “ALL YOU NEW YOUNGER CAMPERS AND LITTLE ONES…I apologize, that the first time you met with your Ridge Leader, I had to yell…your parents were warned that we run a strict camp...for the most part (He said out the side of his mouth)…when it comes to our procedures and traditions...especially. If my actions have startled you younger ones…I’m sorry…if you need to “Fall-out” and change your pants…it’s Ok…we have all been on the backside of being yelled at by a Ridge Leader…so no one here can say one thing! Counselors…!” He paused. “Sir, Yes Sir!” the whole Younger Counselor Staff answered. “Cabin Inspection has been slated…no winner for today…All cabins will clean the bath houses together today…Twice…Is that understood!” He commanded. “Sir, Yes Sir!” The Counselors all replied. “Continue on with roll call…and then get to hiking up Appetite Hill…I expect to see all of you lining up at the Dining Hall in fifteen minutes with no “Lagger’s” or “Tenderfoots’” left behind…And…with a plan to take down Veteran Ridge…Is that clear?” He stated, as he started to hike away from the younger group that was all assembled there. “Sir, Yes Sir!” each Counselor responded simultaneously. “VICTORY BY TONIGHT…FOR YOUNGER RIDGE!” He proclaimed from the higher ground that he had now strode some 20 feet away to, up the trail. “VICTORY!” proclaimed the staff and those campers with enough experience to understand that it had become a test of honor for their ridge.

At the Dining Hall patio the laughter was in full bloom, as all the girls passed out of the Dining Hall after breakfast, and walked passed the Junior (Junior=Official name for the “Youngers“) Ridge Lead Counselors. The Lead Counselors of that Ridge were all purple, green, red, and orange. All the girls from 17 years of age to 5…giggled, chuckled, or roared with laughter… each one…as they passed by the Senior Staff of the Guys Younger Ridge. The Ridge Leader had ordered his Staff to attention to stand and face the brunt of it…as men. Even he was standing right beside them covered in green dye. Still fuming, he mumbled to his right-hand counselor, to see if they had come up with a plan for payback. “Operation Empty Canteen,” was going to be implemented. “Good One!” the Ridge Leader sneered to his favorite support counselor. “Keep it quiet concerning the name…all Vets know what that means…use the water fountains on “Loco Butterfly” Trail and swear the little ones to secrecy…also…load up on the “Bug Juice”…and Soda Pop…I’ll get the Snack Bar to stay open before our swim…and I’ll place an order of extra Bug Juice for the hike from the kitchen….you can pick it up on the way to the hike. Remember secrecy…and stealth-like precision until you get to the pool…are key to making this happen…Good choice…Full return vengeance in a malicious act…I love it…God…I do love camp so much! Thank you, Lord…for Summer time!” the Ridge Leader was now content that their ridge would save face by tonight, as planned. “R.L….why are Ajax and Look-out back…Someone told us they were too old to come back?” the Right-hand man to the Younger Ridge Leader asked. “You have much to learn…my young and inexperienced one “in the ways of Camp Menace,” The R.L. stated. The Seniors sidetracked all of you into believing that so they could sneak them in,” He explained, “Skillfully done…I must say. Next time…ask me before you believe a word they say!” Finished the R.L. “But, Sir…you’re green also! They pulled one on you…too!” His trusted Staffer replied. “Don’t remind me…you guys were so tight-lipped about not telling anyone that you had been pranked-on…that no one came and told me before my morning shower…guess who is brave enough to prank me?” he asked. “MBF and STC.” His lower ranking subordinate said. “Correct!” R.L. mentioned. “They will have a long…long summer…as I see it!” the Ridge Leader snickered…and did a hauntingly ghoulish laugh. Who knew what evil pranks a tried and true Ridge Leader was capable of?

All fun activities went well all morning. The camp was up and running for the summer, and everyone was having a great time. The Veterans were mocking, laughing, and ridiculing the whole Younger Ridge for being on the receiving end of all their pranks. At Lunch, the Senior Ridge Leader met with all his Senior Campers. His own Senior Ridge Lead Counselors were too busy hanging with the girl cabins after eating lunch with the Girl Counselors during the girl's lunch time...instead of their assigned time. The Senior Ridge Campers were on their own. It was nothing new. “OK…Whirlwind and Look-Out…Rumor has it that the Youngers’ are on a build-up to get us back by tonight…What’s up?” He asks. “Sir…they aren’t giving it away…if the babies are tight lipped…that can only mean that its’ big…real big!” Look-Out stated. “Agreed,” their Ridge Leader said, while looking deep in thought. “THEIR RIDGE LEADER IS VERY PISSED-OFF! ” Whirlwind commented out-loud. “Whirlwind…Don’t use language that brings you down! Of course…he’s mad. He had to show up first day colored in green…and we messed-up the Younger’s Opening Ceremony….He’s probably coming for blood…Whirlwind…C’mon Senior Camper!” the Senior R.L. stated to him. “Yes Sir,” Whirlwind answered. “And don’t say anything else out loud on the subject…like that…Whirlwind…then they will automatically finger you-as the one laughing the hardest-as the one that did it!” R.L. stated again. “Yes Sir!” Whirlwind said again. “Snike it, (camp made-up bad language) Whirlwind…how many years you been coming here…anyways?” The R.L. requested. “3…Ridge Leader,” Whirlwind responded. “Well…pay closer attention to Ajax and Look-Out…’Cause next year…you're at top rank in cabin order…and then we will really be in big trouble!” the R.L. stated. “Yes sir, Ridge Leader!” Whirlwind answered again. Finally the R.L. quit hammering on him. “Just get back to me if you hear anything…be on your toes. MBF what are our activities for the afternoon?” the R.L. asked his Lead Camper…since his Counselors were still all outside with all the Girl Counselors…which ...like I said...was typical. “Waterfront Activities all afternoon, Sir!” MBF said. “OK…Safe ground for now…the youngers’ won’t try anything on our turf down at the water. They’ll be preparing for something before or after supper…at the earliest. That gives us some time to gather intel on their counter-attack. Ladies Man…you have my permission to go with the Older Girls on their afternoon activities to see if you hear anything from them. Ajax and Look-Out go down to the Waterfront in advance and scout around…look for any booby traps, anything strange…and make sure to check all the row boats and sailboats for their stoppers…in case they’ve been pulled out of them already....by the Youngers. Gentlemen…that is all!” the R.L. concluded his meeting.

“Dang Whirlwind…the R.L. didn’t waste anytime getting on to you!” Barf King told him. “He wants all the older campers...that will still be able to come back next year...to be able to take the reins! Relax…he’s been doing that to me for years. That’s a good thing…trust me!” said MBF. Whirlwind then said, “I Don’t get it…everyone is so wound up…the Younger Ridge never gets us back right away!” Everyone in the group stared down Whirlwind. “C’mon guy…get with the program…it’s War! It’s opening day…every one has something to prove…and rumor has it that both of our R.L.’s want to date the same New Female Activity Counselor from the Older Ridge…there’s a lot at stake…we drew "First Blood"…the Younger’s always come at us with something bigger and more sinister…its’ as automatic as us sweeping Camp Olympics…its’ a given…Whirlwind…the R.L.’s right…you are a little thick for being here 3 years already!” Ladies’ Man told Whirlwind. “Oh!” was all Whirlwind could utter after that. Ajax and Look-Out took off. “See ya’ll down there!” they both stated, as they slipped out the kitchen workers back door of the dining hall, and ran down a side trail leading to the dining hall. All the rest of the Senior Campers of Arapaho stayed at the lunch table, and filled up on plenty of camp grub. Senior campers ate last…and with that came the privilege of going back for seconds and thirds. These guys always took advantage of that privilege and made the most out of every meal.

The guys crawled out of the Dining Hall stuffed, and headed down Appetite Hill for their cabin. It was time for the afternoon siesta. They were pretty confident that they were safe for now…and throughout the afternoon. All was calm on Vet Ridge as they crawled into their bunks for a short nap. Meanwhile, Ajax and Look-Out were hanging with some of Girl Counselors who were working down at the Waterfront. They offered to get the sailboats ready while the girls laid-out on the dock and tanned. Ajax and Look-Out were all smiles…and also above all concerns…as they went about outfitting each sailboat for the girls. They both loved the perks that came with their special assignments. This was a good example. Siesta ended with the ringing of the camp bell. Then, the speaker system clicked on camp wide. That meant a word from Camp Administration. “Testing…Testing…Attention all Campers and Staff….Senior Cabins have been bumped out of the Waterfront this afternoon after the stunt they pulled last night…Younger cabins have extended Snack Bar time awarded to them to make up for a ruined Opening Ceremony. For Questions talk to me. Camp Administration…Out!” Ajax and Look-out looked at each other and then at the beautiful counselors…too bad they couldn’t stay and talk with the girls after finishing the sailboat set-up duties…“We got’ta go!” they both said as they ran up out of the water to the shore and down “Ol’ Broken Trailer” Road. Something was up…Something big…they had to go investigate or warn their ridge depending on what happened next. Someone had snitched to Camp Administration…which was a pretty gutsy and diabolical move to use…obviously to get back at Vet Ridge. That move in itself showed the beginnings of an intelligent response from Younger Ridge. It was just too early in the session to get Camp Admin involved in any “Prank Wars”.

When both of them showed up at the camp office doorsteps…they ran right into MBF and STC who were also headed for the door. “Something’s Up!” MBF said. “We figured!” Ajax answered. “I’m going to ask the Assistant Director what we are supposed to do all afternoon,” said MBF. “Good Call…maybe he has some intel we can try to pick up on...as well,” said Look-Out. MBF went to knock on the door…and Jim, the Assistant Director, swung it open ahead of him. “Hey Andrew…How ya’ been?” The Asst. Director asked. MBF hated being called by his real name at camp…but what could he do against Administration? “Good, Mr. Jim (what Campers called the Asst. Director), How about you?” MBF asked in the same fashion. “Good-real good…You came to see why we bumped ya’ll out of the Waterfront…to try and pick my brain…Right, Andrew?” Mr. Jim got right to the point. “Yes Sir…How come we are being punished on the first day?” MBF asked. “C’Mon…Andrew…you know that innocent stuff isn’t going to fly with me this summer...I know you too well. Are Harley, Benjamin, and Stephen outside waiting on you?” the Asst. Director said (Not only ignoring their camp code names, but calling each one by their first full-length name to boot. He was very aggravating!). “Yes Sir,” MBF answered. “Good bring them in!” Mr. Jim said. MBF opened the front office door, and signaled for the other Arapaho cabin mates to join him. “He wants to see ya’ll,” MBF said, bored with how this meeting was about to go.

“Well Gentleman, I must commend you on getting this year’s camp off to a glorious beginning. I don’t think…in all my summers of working here…that I ever heard of so much mischief and mayhem being waged on the first night of camp…EVER! ( He said with much emphasis! Making it clear he wasn’t pleased about it one bit.) Am I to understand that someone actually was cocky enough to include the Younger’s R.L. in your little take-down stunt…Andrew…Harley?” (Special emphasis on MBF and STC…he knew that they were brave enough to do just that.) The Asst. Director stated. MBF and STC stood still and tried to look innocent. “You see…someone that can fire a burning marshmallow at someone…Well, that really bothers me…they could hurt someone…or even burn the whole camp down. Someone…who can hurdle heavy soda pop cans at people…Kind of bothers me, too. Those cans could accidentally hit someone. But, someone or some two individuals that are not afraid to prank one of our Head Summer Staff members…means they got no respect for our leadership…No internal barometer telling them where to draw the line…No appreciation for how we operate around here…and that really bothers me…almost more than everything else mentioned. Am I making myself clear to you fine, upstanding, young men of our well-known and Illustrious Camp?” They all looked up and answered Mr. Jim at the same time…almost sheepishly. “Yes Sir!” they each said. “Yes Sir…What?” Mr. Jim said with all the ultimate authority that he carried. “YES SIR, ITS’ CLEAR!” The four older campers replied.

“Ok…now that that’s out of the way…MBF…since your Counselors are nowhere around…as usual…your oldest two cabins are to report to me after supper for a Dining Hall Scrub-Down Party,” The Assistant Director said. MBF stood there wanting to protest. He knew better. If Mr. Jim was really mad…It would only make matters worse. He’d seen Mr. Jim increase the punishment double for each complaint made to him in the past similar situations. He looked to his fellow campers, and bit his lip in an act of making himself shut-up. “Yes Sir…!” MBF said, still biting his lip. “Sir…Uh, Mr. Jim…?” MBF spoke up. “Yes, Andrew…?” replied the Asst. Director. MBF cringed at the repeating of his normal name…as compared to his well-earned camp name. “Where are the Senior Cabins…bumped to this afternoon?” MBF asked. “I don’t care…Andrew. Really…at the moment…anywhere but the Waterfront for now…and away from Younger Ridge,” Mr. Jim stated. “Go-Karts?” MBF questioned. “No!” Mr. Jim replied. “Horses?” MBF questioned. “No!” Mr. Jim replied. “Computer Room?” MBF questioned. “No!” Mr. Jim replied. “Soccer Fields?” MBF questioned. “No!” Mr. Jim replied. “Water Slide?” MBF questioned. “No!” Mr. Jim replied. “Pool?” MBF questioned. “No!” Mr. Jim replied. “C’mon…Mr. Jim…give us something…this is the activity part of our whole camp experience that I’m talking about!” MBF stated. “OK…Pool…But, no Water Slide!” He said caving-in finally. MBF bit his lip again…tried hard not to plead for more concessions…turned around…and motioned for the rest of his crew to vacate the office quick while they had a marginal victory. “Andrew…?” Mr. Jim called to him…as he was leaving with the group. MBF turned around to hear perhaps more bad news that was about to come. “You’re Dismissed!” Mr. Jim said. “Thank you, Sir!” MBF answered backing-out the door of the Asst. Directors’ office.

“That went well,” STC made a rare comment. “Yeah…too well…I think something’s up…he knew way too much…even if someone snitched,” MBF stated. “Agreed,” STC said. “Where do you want us…MBF?” Look-Out asked. “Give me a second…!” MBF was busy thinking. His “Spidey-Sense” was tingling…something was out of place…he’d been coming to this camp for so long that if one thing fell out of place-he could automatically sense it. “Where are the rest of our cabins…?” He asked. “Snack Bar was extended…they are all probably over there…Why?” said STC. “We’re out of camp synch…STC…the babies counter-attack is BREWING!” MTB hollered in excitement. The four boys paused…looking in every direction at once. “The Pool!” They all came to the same conclusion at once. They had been set-up. The Older cabins would naturally drift over to the pool after Snack Bar, once they find out that they had been approved for the Pool-as their only afternoon activity...they would just jump right in. Question was-“Where was Younger Ridge?” Look-Out gave the sad news to MBF and STC. “The Youngers were seen earlier going down “Loco-Butterfly” Trail on a Nature Hike!!!” Look-out gave the unbearable update to the two Arapaho members that hadn’t been with him as he and Ajax had hurriedly returned from the Waterfront. Look Out hadn't put two and two together until MBF began to get worried. Ajax had also seen them all start hiking that trail while on their way down to their official Waterfront scouting mission...but hadn't connected the dots yet either...at the time! “AAAGGGHHH!” MBF yelled, while running towards the Camp Main Activity Area…”We got to cut-off the Youngers from the pool!” MBF yelled…still excited. He didn’t need to say anything else…the other 3 all knew what he was thinking…one of the oldest “Younger Ridge” tricks in their arsenal was in play and underway. The confusion of altering the Olders’ Afternoon activity had paved the way for the other ridge to make their move! Surely…the other Senior campers couldn’t get taken in by the simplest of all counter-attacks! Surely, They were smarter than that…MBF was not certain that they wouldn’t fall into the trap with out him around or not…he always did all their thinking for them…every summer…all the time…anyways! Then that thought occurred to him...“We’re done for…,” He mumbled between breaths of running down “Mud Slick” Trail. They all picked-up their running strides as fast as they could…then cut through the woods to the Pool Back Fence Line.

The Boys started screaming, “Youngers-Empty Canteen-Get Out Of The Pool-Empty Canteen-Evacuate The Pool-It’s A Set-Up-Empty Canteen-Their Countering On Us-EMPTY CANTEEN!” They screamed as loud as they could-out of breath-running towards the fence line. But, their efforts were quickly drowned out over the laughing and taunting of the entire Younger Ridge. All along the sides of the pool-everyone was in hysterics-all the way out to the Snack Bar-and from the outdoor Pavilion close by. The enormous laughter and conquering roar of the entire Younger Boys/Younger Girls/Older Girls Ridge...Plus, some extra Camp staffers in the area...along with some additional Counselors-In-Training who were also busy around the pool...was deafening and overwhelming. Older Cabins/Veterans Ridge had been taken down! “Operation Empty Canteen” had been completely successful. Every Younger Boy Camper that could jump in the pool had let nature take it’s course in the pool-after loading–up on every camp fluid available. The laughter pounded on the Veteran Ridge members in complete show of a “Countering-Victory”. MBF and his gang...the ones that had run to the rescue...bowed their head in defeat…just about the same time all the ‘Youngers” around the pool had noticed the Four Older Camper Leaders hanging behind them on the fence. Then, the second large wave of laughter began at that point. It was at the expense of them four this time. MBF shook his head. It would take all summer to live this down! All the intel available to MBF had collapsed…and he had let himself get distracted by going to talk with the Asst. Director. He held himself responsible. That’s how he was! He played all the camp activities, games, and extra-curricular "Prank Wars" with a watchful eye trying to stay one step ahead...like they were all under his control… like a professional chess player plays a match in a tournament. He vowed to step it up a notch. He had to leave the camp at the end of Summer with the name of “Many Blue Feathers” going down in immortal camp history…whether he would or could come back as Summer Staff…or not! He had his work cut out for him…many of the campers on the Older “Veteran” Ridge just didn’t have what it takes to keep up with the tried and true members of the Ridge.

The laughter finally subsided after what felt like an eternity. The Older Cabin Boys crawled out of the Pool in defeat…and ran for the showers…amongst a renewed-yet exhausted-round of more laughter ensued. MBF raised his arms up in an act of surrendering to the Younger Ridge. The laughter turned to clapping when they saw his gesture of relinquishing the fact they had won. MBF thought that the Youngers’ “Moment in the Sun” would never end. “Get them out of the shower…STC…Ajax and Look-Out...go find our R.L…Tell him we need to have a Ridge Meeting ‘cause we just got our Rears served in colossal fashion!” MBF mumbled to his fellow Older camper Leaders…while staring down the large audience, cheering and clapping at his expense. “Ouch!” Look-Out stated. “I know!” MBF said. They knew their R.L. would be furious. This was his worst nightmare coming to pass: The Older Ridge looking bad to the entire camp. “Tell him I take full responsibility…I’ll round up the Counselors and let them know that they are about to get blasted by the R.L.. See ya’ll at the Ridge!” MBF said humbly in defeat. “Man…”Empty Canteen”…I can’t believe they got us with that one!” He thought to himself as he walked away…alone and dejected by ¾ of the camp or more. The Counselors’ would be mad at him too...for falling for that prank. “You’re supposed to be covering our back…What kind of Lead Camper are you!” He could hear them now. Life was hard for a Lead Camper! Especially, one who had the guts to take it to the enemy. He knew that…he had learned much from all the Cherished Lead Campers before him. He knew the risks. He knew the rewards. He would have to counter their counter right away…he had no choice! Prank Wars were now in full bloom for an all out war…and camp had only been going for less than 24 hours. He had to redeem himself right away. If he totally conquered over the Younger Ridge Counselors this quick in the summer…he would be a camp immortal! If he blew it…he could destroy the Legacy of every Lead Camper before him. The stakes were high…as with every Lead Camper that had come before him! “I will not fail you!” He pledged to himself and to the Lead Campers that had come before him…”I will make you proud for Alumni Camp Days to come!” Many Blue Feathers drew on his own strength and intelligence to comfort him during this dark turn of events.

One thing was for sure…with MBF in the Lead of Older Ridge…it was definitely going to be One Summer to go down as an "Immortal One" in the annuls of the long and illustrious history of CAMP MINATOSATI. (Otherwise…none as CAMP “MENACE TO SOCIETY” by the campers.) Summertime is Fun Time!

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