Chapter Text
Louie walked more hesitantly off of the bus than the other campers around him, who were practically leaping down the steps in excitement.
He held a hand up to his eyes to shield them from the sun, scanning over the area where everyone’s luggage was being dumped. He still can’t believe his mom thought that this whole “summer camp” thing would be a good idea. Since when did “Louie” and “nature” ever go together?
Glancing at the other kids around, he sighed. Most of the other campers had either come with people they knew or were making friends fast. He hoped he wouldn’t have to be alone the whole time. Not that he was really looking forward to having to find other people to talk to, but they didn’t have any internet, so his phone was a no go. Besides, most of the activities were probably group based anyway, and he’d rather have someone to help him.
“There it is.” He said to himself, spotting his green duffle sticking out of the pile. Unfortunately for him, more bags were tossed on top right when he went to grab it, effectively trapping the poor overstuffed bag under their weight. He groaned, grabbed onto one of the bag’s straps, grounded himself, and pulled with everything he had.
It didn’t budge.
“Allow me to help.”
Louie turned to the girl standing directly to his right, who was squinting at his bag.
“If we both grab onto the duffle here- and here,” the girl continued in a monotone voice, pointing to the only visible parts of the bag, “while pulling at a downwards angle, it should come free.”
Louie shrugged. “Worth a shot.”
He did as she instructed, and they both pulled as hard as they could. The bag came free from the pile, nearly knocking the two of them off of their feet as it did so.
“Huh, thanks.” Louie began, throwing the bag over his shoulder and turning to the girl. “I’m Louie, by the way.” He said, holding out a hand.
The girl shook it in return, pushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear that must’ve fallen when they lurched backwards with the bag. “Violet Sabrewing.” She stated. “I must admit, I am a bit…out of my element in a place like this.”
Violet picked up her own bag from the ground, and Louie smiled lightly. Maybe finding a friend here wouldn’t be as bad as he thought.
“You and me both.”
---
Huey looked dejectedly out the window as his Uncle pulled the car into the camp. The camp itself didn’t seem like it was in the best condition. The cabins were covered in a thin layer of moss and dirt, looking like they hadn’t been properly cleaned in the last year, and the large rusty signs indicating what number each cabin was didn’t seem at all sanitary or safe. Huey eyed the one nearest to them- cabin number 3- and deduced that the sign would likely fall and injure someone soon if it was not fixed.
He sighed, looking down at his lap as the car slowed to a stop. “Uncle Donald,” he whined, barely looking up, “why can’t I just go to Junior Woodchuck camp again?”
His Uncle turned to look at him from his spot in the driver’s seat. “Huey, we’ve been over this.” He sighed, before smiling back at his nephew. “It’ll be fun! It’s a chance to make some new friends, maybe learn some things that you wouldn’t at Junior Woodchuck camp.”
Huey sighed, but got out of the car and opened the trunk to grab his bag.
“Hey,” his Uncle began, walking around to the back of the car as well and kneeling down to Huey’s level, “just try to have fun, okay?” He smiled. “If you’re miserable in a couple of weeks, then I’ll come and pick you up.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Huey smiled and hugged his Uncle, who was quick to return the gesture.
“Have a good time, okay?”
He picked up his bag and threw it over his shoulder. “I’ll try. Bye, Uncle Donald.”
“Bye Huey! Be safe!” His Uncle called back.
Huey waved him off, watching his Uncle’s car leave the campground before turning to face his new home for the next 8 weeks.
His smile faltered as he began to walk towards the other campers, feeling completely alone and out of place. Junior Woodchuck camp had structures, everything was done exactly as the guidebook said to- and in an organized and orderly fashion. In comparison, this place was like a junkyard of misguided creativity and safety hazards.
He would be fine, he just had to stick to what he knew. He’s a good Junior Woodchuck, he knows how to do things the right way and by the book. He can still do that here. He can still have fun in his own way.
Nearly every piece of conversation was drowned out in the cacophony of noise around him.
Nearly.
“Dad, Junior Woodchuck rule #52-”
Oh? Huey instantly honed in on the voice, hoping to find some sense of familiarity in a fellow Woodchuck. He located the source, seeing a boy just younger than him, being dropped off as well, by his apparent father. Whatever conversation they were having seemed to have ended as they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Huey made his way over to the boy, maybe just a little too quickly. “Are you a Junior Woodchuck?!” He nearly shouted at the poor boy, startling him enough to drop his bags.
The boy took it in stride, smiling excitedly at Huey after regaining his bearings. “Yes I am!” He exclaimed.
“Yes!” Huey cried, punching a fist into the air, before embarrassment set in from his sudden outburst. “Uh- sorry.” He said, rubbing at his arm.
The boy just chuckled, expression not faltering for a second. “Hi, I’m Boyd!” He said, holding out his hand. “Do you wanna be friends?” He asked excitedly.
Huey was taken aback by Boyd’s ease as he asked the question, but grabbed his hand and shook it animatedly. “YES! I mean- um…yes.” He laughed nervously, trying to cover up his embarrassment. “Oh, and I-I’m Huey.”
“Nice to meet you, Huey!”
---
Dewey was practically vibrating with excitement as they pulled into the campground. Hearing Webby’s excited squeals from next to him, he knew she felt the same way.
“I’M GOING TO MAKE SO MANY FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS!” The girl yelled out as they stopped.
They’ve been waiting all year for this! A whole 8 weeks of fun and adventure at a real summer camp!
Dewey practically leapt out of the limo when Mrs. Beakley opened the door, Webby hot on his tail.
“Just look at this place!” He exclaimed, spinning in a circle to get a good look at everything the camp had to offer.
“I know!” Webby squealed, eyes lighting up at every little thing. “It’s amazing!- OH MY GOODNESS!” She gasped, pointing at a field down a short way. “IS THAT FENCING?!” She made to run towards it, ready to sword fight anyone who dares to challenge her, but was stopped when her grandmother grabbed her arm.
“Webby dear,” Mrs. Beakley started, turning to retrieve their bags from the car, “you remembered to pack everything I told you to, right?”
“Of course, Granny!”
“And you too, Dewey?” The woman turned to him.
Honestly, he wasn’t sure if he had remembered everything or not. He had been so excited he mostly just shoved what he could find into his bag and called it good. “Of course, Mrs. B!” He lied…probably.
She raised an eyebrow at him in question, and Dewey couldn’t help but feel nervous. He never could hide anything from her.
Thankfully, Mrs. Beakley relented. “Well, Webby has extras if you need anything.”
Dewey could’ve sighed in relief. He smiled, looking back to Webby, excitement renewed.
“What do you wanna do first?!” He asked animatedly. “Archery? Fencing? Swimming? Knitting?!”
“ALL OF IT!” She replied, just as if not more excited.
“Just a moment, children.” Mrs. B stopped them again. She simply looked down at them for a moment, smiled, and dropped down to their level, pulling them into a hug. “Be safe, and have fun.”
“We will!” They replied together, hugging her back. They waved her off as she got back in the car and left, and then they turned back to each other once more, unable to keep down their squeals of excitement as they ran off to find their long awaited adventure.