School was over and summer was finally here which could only mean one thing for seven friends, summer scout camp.

For the past couple of years these seven friends had been going to camp and enjoying themselves each summer without a care in the world, but most of the time they were in the habit of breaking the rules, although that water balloon massacre was very enjoyable. They always enjoyed being outdoors, some more than others, but they always had a good time because they had fun and because they mainly always were in control of the camp, but this time might be a little different. There old camp had been closed because of safety reasons and they were all about to get the news they were going to…

Kenneth was the basic leader of the group. He could care less about what anyone thought about him, much less what he cared about himself. He didn’t care if he was dirty, smelly, ugly, anything; as long as he was having fun, that’s all that really mattered to him. He wasn’t here on Earth to make money, become rich, become famous, fall in love, or anything. All Kenneth lived for was fun and huge explosions, contained ones. Running home from school Kenneth went over everything he needed to pack in his mind so head could leave ASAP.

When he arrived home he darted up stairs eagerly packing for camp. He started to stash all his pranks underneath his clothes and things so that they wouldn’t be so easily noticed by his parents and leaders. Making sure he had everything ready to go he closed up his backpack and headed down stairs with his report card. The reason he had his report card is because if his grades weren’t good enough, his parents wouldn’t allow him to go to camp.

“Hey son, okay let’s see that report card.” Without hesitation Kenneth willingly handed over the card to his dad, “Good job, straight A’s again,” just because he was a slacker and slightly disobedient didn’t mean that he wasn’t smart, “but your mother and I have some news about camp. You weren’t told this by your leaders, but your old camp got shut down for some reason and you and your friends can’t go there this summer, but we did find an alternative. We talked to all your friends parents and this summer you’re all going to Camp Tasomto.”

“Perfect,” thought Kenneth, “new meat.”
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Nick is the next member of our group. Nick wasn’t the most popular person in the group, but at least they acknowledged his existence at times. He was the one that everyone just noticed from time to time and was occasionally excluded from the activities that the others did. He was mainly friends with them because they were the only ones that excepted him(even though they used him more than they actually talked with him).

Nick didn’t really care much for camping either, all he liked about it was watching the wild life and having some peace, which he’d still rather do at home. So I guess I should probably say that the only reason he was going was because his parents were making him; you know, that whole “it would be good if you got outside and made some new friends, face your fears” blah blah blah.

Although he knew this, he still walked home to what he believed was going to be the worst week of his life. So with a look of dread and regret spread across his face he forced himself to walk home and pack.

When he finally arrived home he went to his room and started to pack. He shoved tons of animal themed books to read since all he was planning on doing was sitting in his tent reading and praying for the week to just end already. He packed books like Call of the Wild, and White Fang. He loved animals but wished all of them could just stay in the zoo instead of having to be in the wild or be able to be pets.

Getting ready to leave he spent a couple of minutes saying goodbye to all his fifteen dogs; again he loved animals and his parents wanted him to have some friends. Heading into the living room he wiped his tears away preparing for the worst week of his life.

With a bit of hatred in his voice he told his parents goodbye. “Well I guess I better get going, love ya guys.”  Heading to the front door his dad quickly stopped him.

“Oh, wait son, we have a surprise for you,” A slightly happy smile spread across his face hoping they would let him stay home, “Here, new binoculars for ya.” Nick looked confused and shocked, “The thing is is that all your friends and you are going to a new camp this year, Camp Tasomto, and there are a lot of wolves and other animals up there we thought you would like to watch so these are for you to watch them and here’s a camera. Have a good time.”

Hugging him one last time his father wished him good luck as he watched his son heading back to the school to catch the bus back to camp. “Man, he sure is growing up.”

“Well at least I have something else to do besides just read……

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Alec, unlike Nick, loved going outside and loved going camping. This was because instead of loving mammals like Nick, Alec loved amphibians and snakes and stuff. He always came back from camp with at least three new snakes to put in his room. What he was always disappointed with though is that he always came back with the same boring species as the previous year. The rarest thing he ever found was a garden snake. This year all he was going to do was search for a swampy area and really cool snakes.

He started home to prepare for camp as he picked up a bunch of other frogs and snakes to bring home and some trash on the road to feed his pets.

When he arrived home the first thing that happened was his mother standing at the door with that usual look on her face. Alec knew what that meant, he dropped all the snakes and frogs in the flower bed and threw away the garbage. “Thanks honey, now go get ready for camp so you don’t miss the bus.” She had already told him about the new camp.

Exited about going to camp he threw all his clothes into his bag, shoved his tooth brush in the bottom of his bag, grabbed his snake holder things and ran down stairs to run to the bus and go to camp. He couldn’t wait!

“Hey Alec, before you leave I have a deal I want to make with you. I won’t limit how many creatures you bring home this time if you stop collecting them for a year, and you can bring home any kind, any size you want, deal?”

“DEAL!”

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*munch, munch, munch* All the way home he just kept eating. Three sandwiches, two bags of chips (not the mini bags), and a giant thing of jerky with a gallon of Gatorade. Yet, after all that for lunch he was still eating his third bag of chips on the way home. The really surprising thing is that he hasn’t gained a single pound, he’s stayed around 120 and 150 pounds for a couple years now, where did it all go!?

Josh always had to have something to eat. His favorite ride at theme parks is the cake shop. His parents have attempted to put him on a diet, but failed. One day they tried to prevent him from having his third snack and he was rushed to the hospital for some mental breakdown.

When Josh arrived home he ran into the kitchen and grabbed a couple of apples and a three-foot sandwich for another snack, he couldn’t pack on an empty stomach.

Finishing his sandwich his mom came in from the back of the house. “Hi sweetie, I packed for you because I knew you were probably tired, here you go. Now get in the car and I’ll drop you off. This year you’re going to Camp Tasomto with your friends okay.” Josh just responded with a crunch of a chip. His mom sighed, “I love you very much honey, I’ll miss you.” Finishing his sandwich he answered uncaringly…

“Yeah, me too.” His mom tried to hold back her tears…

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“Thanks for the cards!” yelled Robert to his friend at school as they were leaving for home in separate directions. Robert was very happy that he just got some new ultra rare Naruto cards from his friend.

Robert loved to collect things. He had Yu-Gi-Oh cards, Pokemon, Digimon, Naruto, Baseball, Basketball, all kinds. He collected rocks, feathers, skateboards, hats, blankets, everything and anything that could be collected and that he could brag about. He would also sometimes make his own price on an item he wanted, because no matter what if he wanted it, he was going to get it.

Well, when he got home from school he emptied his pockets to separate things he got at school and separate them into his collections. Today wasn’t his best day, just a couple of cards and a cruddy watch plus those Naruto cards. He started locking up his collections and packing his pack so he wouldn’t be late for the shuttle.

Fully packed he ran down stairs to say goodbye to his parents when he noticed a note on the fridge. It told him that both his parents went into town to go gambling and drink like they always did, I bet that sure made him feel loved. Leaving for a week and his parents could care less if he came back alive or not.

Cursing under his breath as he headed towards the door, tears streaming down his face as he prayed and wished to anyone who would listen that camp wouldn’t end, he never wanted to come back to the place he hated most.

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Like Robert, Kyle had hard tears going down his face as well. He couldn’t hold it inside anymore, he had to let it out, so he did, erupting…………in laughter spitting the warheads half way across the bus. “Okay, your turn.” he said turning to his brother Alex.

You see, the whole war-head thing is because neither brother could resist a challenge, and sour war-head contest were no exception. Both Alex and Kyle loved adventure and challenges. Kyle liked, no, loved to explore and challenge nature especially natural disasters. He was hoping that in the future he could become one of those guys on the Discovery Channel that goes out and risks his life just for fun and adventure. But right now he would just have to enjoy observing and possibly going into hurricanes and thunderstorms; but mainly he liked fires. He of coarse was sad when someone’s house was taken by a fire but he loved to see things burn and the dancing mystery of the flame. Kyle was mainly a pyro.

Alex on the other hand liked the challenges of the mind. He loved learning about secrets from thousands of generations. Things like ancient Egyptian riddles and curses, hidden treasures and maps with hidden clues on how to find them. He was like a National Treasure kind of guy.

These two had very unique interests thanks to the fact that their mom was a scientist dealing with human anatomy and environmental studies. Their dad also had an impressive career, pro treasure hunter. Because of their two parents their family of just the two of them and their parents was rich. The best part was was that they were one of those rich families that didn’t neglect their kids and they were very happy.

Since they were so rich, their parents could definitely afford to keep both of their needs for adventure feed. For example, last year when they went on a vacation they went to Hawaii for some scuba diving. Kyle studied the currents and found the fastest deadliest one. Also he found a massive dolphin population in the area they were. (If you haven’t already guessed they’re both brainy). So Kyle ended up riding his own dolphin in the fastest current and the dolphin is currently in his back yard as we speak……I mean read. Alex on the other hand found an ancient map on a picture back at their hotel and ended up bringing home $95,000 worth of gold home.

Getting of the bus each with twenty dollars in hand from the challenge they headed home.

“Hey guys,” their dad shouted as they entered in through the door, “Okay here are your bags. Tell your mom goodbye and then jump in the car so I can drop you of at the buses. Remember, Camp Tasomto. And when we get back were going to Mexico!”

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So all seven friends were off… to Camp Tasomto…