Gayle nodded. “Thanks for the help. By the way, did Kristen tell you that you’ll need to assign two girls to help carry empty plates and cutlery back to the kitchen at every meal? I mean, two different girls for each meal. The bus will take the kids back to the city tomorrow after lunch, so that’s lunch and dinner today, breakfast and lunch tomorrow. Eight girls. Andy will do the same with the boys.”
“Oh, I must have missed that in the handout.”
“I think someone forgot to put it in the handout.” Gayle frowned briefly, then added, “It’s not a big deal. When you get the girls settled in the cabin and they’ve picked their beds, ask for volunteers. They’re usually keen to help. The two left over can be responsible for making sure your table has salt and pepper, ketchup and so on at every meal. The condiments will be on a small table in the corner of the dining hall.”
“Okay, thanks for the info.” Dana went to meet the bus, thinking that although she’d read through the handout twice last night, there was a whole lot more she had to learn to get through the next two days.
The others were waiting out front, greeting the kids streaming off the bus and helping the bus driver unload a variety of luggage, including backpacks, a couple of rolling suitcases and two large reusable shopping bags. Kristen and Andy, who’d ridden on the bus with the kids, were helping them find their belongings. Matt was speaking to Sandro when Dana rounded the corner of the lodge, and he glanced her way, smiling. Once the bus was unloaded and the driver was on his way, Matt got the group’s attention with one quick blow on a whistle.
“Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Camp Hope! I won’t keep you here too long because I think you must be excited about getting into your cabins. You already know Kristen and Andy from KidsFirst Place and Sandro here—” he gestured to his right “—but some other people are helping out this weekend who will be new to you. Our cooks are June and Gayle.” Matt indicated the two women who’d come up next to Dana. “And our swimming instructor and lifeguard, Rob, is over there.” He pointed past Sandro. “And last but not least, is the girls’ night supervisor, Dana.”
Dana managed a quick smile as all eyes turned her way.
“We’re all going to meet in the Big Room inside the lodge in about fifteen minutes.” Matt handed Andy a clipboard and moved toward Dana with hers. As he got closer, he said in a low voice, “Here’s the list with their names. Tell them a little about yourself and bring them back to the Big Room.” Then he winked. “It’s all good.”
Sandro and Kristen herded the kids toward Andy and Dana before following Matt inside the lodge. Dana looked at the cluster of ten girls standing expectantly before her. “Okay. Well, shall we go to our cabin?”
The girls trooped behind her, whispering and giggling all the way. When they reached the cabin, Dana said, “Go ahead and pick a bed. Whichever one you want.”
There was a rush for the door as all ten girls tried to squeeze inside at once. Three left behind on the stoop then vied with one another to get through. Squeals and loud voices greeted Dana as she stood on the threshold, realizing she’d just made her first mistake. Backpacks and other luggage had been dropped haphazardly across the floor as the girls tussled for the top bunks. The pushing and shoving proved too much for two smaller girls who were slumped, weeping, on lower bunks.
Dana cried out, “Girls! Stop that!” But only the two teary girls looked her way. Dana called out again without any luck, then flashed the overhead light on and off until the girls noticed. When the room was quiet, she said in a shaky voice, “All right. That’s better. And I apologize for not organizing the bed allocation better.” There were some sheepish glances and a few smirks as she went on. “Okay. I think I will let these two girls have first choice because they were the last to get inside.”
All smiles now, the two girls picked up their backpacks and heaved them onto top bunks. Dana knew there was no time to draw names for beds. She proceeded to randomly assign bunks. Two of the more aggressive girls went last. As they sullenly claimed their lower bunks, Dana suspected she probably hadn’t made friends with them. But she wasn’t there to be a friend—simply a night supervisor, as Matt had said.
Meanwhile she had to come up with a signal to get the girls’ attention. A whistle would be helpful. Or, given the energy of this group, a bullhorn. Dana decided to ask Andy what strategy he used.
“All right, girls. I want to call out your names so I can see who’s who and then we’ll go to the Big Room for a meeting.”
A hand shot up.
“Yes?”
“When do we have lunch? I’m starving.”
Dana checked her watch. It was eight forty-five and lunch was scheduled for noon. “Um, not for a bit. Do you have a snack with you?”
“No,” was the plaintive reply.
“Don’t worry ’bout her, miss. Ruby’s always hungry,” piped up another girl. The round of giggles took another minute.
Another hand shot up. “They said not to bring food from home. ’Cause they don’t want it in the cabins.”
“Yeah. ’Cause of bears,” chimed in someone else. There were a few gasps.
“Or rats!” This elicited shrieks.
Things were getting out of hand again.
“Girls!” Dana shouted. Then she said more quietly, “First of all, I see that there’s a midmorning snack time scheduled. If anyone is starving before then, let me know. I’m sure I can find a granola bar somewhere in my backpack.” The eye rolling told her she wouldn’t have to rummage around for something. “Okay then, back to introductions. Raise your hand when I call your name.” Dana waited until everyone was quietly looking her way. “Tonya, Mariana, Shaye, Kenzie, Lucy, Ruby...”
* * *
MATT SAW KRISTEN raise her eyebrow as he said, “Okay, boys. We’ll give the girls another minute.” He decided to ignore her, refusing to be drawn into whatever petty complaint she had against Dana. At the same time, he was ticked off. He hated to be proved wrong about his decisions. But the boys were getting restless, and although Dana’s group was only five minutes late, he cleared his throat to start the meeting anyway.
“Okay, listen up. You’ve settled into—”
The sound of running feet stole the group’s attention as the girls swarmed into the room with Dana trotting behind. Matt held up his right arm until, one by one, the girls noticed and came to a halt.
“Thank you, girls,” he said quietly. “Now, please sit—without talking.” He pointed to a place on the smooth wooden floor, where the boys were sitting cross-legged. Dana looked a tad flustered, he thought, as she sat with the girls rather than standing on the edge of the room with the other staff.
“Okay. The weather doesn’t look promising, so we’ve decided to have our hike around the lake before lunch instead of after. We’re going to divide everyone into four groups of five, one group per counselor.” He looked around the room, keeping his gaze fixed on a couple of boys jostling one another until they stopped. “Here are some ground rules for the hike and for the rest of your time here. Your supervisors will get a copy to post in your cabins in case some of you forget them.” He waited another moment until all eyes were on him again.
“The first and most important rule of Camp Hope is that we all have a fun and memorable time here.” When the giggles finished, he went on, “But that won’t happen unless all of us follow the other rules. Number two—never wander off the property. Our guides on the hike will show you the boundaries. Number three—never ever go to the lake unless you are with your group and an adult. Anyone who breaks either of these rules could be sent home.”
He panned the room again. “Number four—cooperate with the other kids and especially your group leaders and all the adults here. We can’t keep you safe and happy unless you follow our instructions. Any questions about those basic rules?” He waited, scanning the room before continuing, “All right then, I’ll meet everyone by the parking
area out front.”
Matt left as the kids were crowding around their leaders, excited and eager to explore. He wanted to check his email and grab his windbreaker from the office. A backward glance told him that Kristen was trying to shuffle her group outside while Dana was bent over speaking to a girl. This group of girls seemed to be very lively and he hoped that they wouldn’t be too challenging for Dana. Kristen was experienced at handling kids and he wondered again if he ought to switch the two women, making Dana the alternate night supervisor. But then he recalled her determined expression. She deserved a chance at the very least.
There was an email from Rosie, reminding him about dinner Sunday night. The weekly dinners with his family might have to be put on hold while Matt worked around the clock to prepare for the upcoming camp season as well as his presentations to the board and to the Willow Springs council. However, he also knew how much his mother looked forward to the dinners, especially now. He wouldn’t cancel out unless it was absolutely necessary.
He replied to his sister, saying he could make it for dinner. Then he noticed a message from Maria. Her son was very sick with the flu. Matt messaged her back to tell her not to worry and to stay off as long as her child needed her.
He was relieved to find everyone waiting for him in a fairly orderly manner outside. His plan was to walk them down to the lake and around the edge of it until they reached the Happy-Go-Lucky Campground. Although access to the water there was public, the campground with its trailer, RV and tent-rental sites had enjoyed sole use of the beach for several years. He knew from last summer’s incident—the graffiti on some RVs and trailers—that the owner of the property wouldn’t be happy to see Camp Hope marching across the front of their grounds, so he and Sandro had found a trail that bypassed that section. It meant climbing up a small hill, passing through a wooded area and then back down to the water. Fortunately, it was a route they wouldn’t have to take very often. Camp Hope had its own swimming area, and except for occasional group hikes, the kids would be restricted to their own beach.
Matt peered up at the sky. The wind had picked up and although rain wasn’t imminent, it was definitely on its way. He held up his hand for their attention and said, “I’ll lead the way and stop to point out some landmarks that will show you where the property ends. Sandro has marked them with yellow paint to help us out. Before we leave, I want to make sure no one has forgotten anything.”
When no one spoke up, he led the way around the corner of the lodge, passing the office windows and rounding the end corner of the lodge. There was some excitement as the lake came into view, especially from those kids who were at the camp for the first time. Matt stopped at the crest of the hill and, when everyone was quiet, pointed to the fir tree at his right and the yellow paint on its trunk.
“Nobody goes past this tree without a group leader,” he said. “Any questions?”
One girl raised a hand and Matt noticed Dana shoot her a dark look. “Yes?”
“What if someone forgets something in the cabin or has to go to the bathroom after we get to the lake?”
Matt waited for the light laughter to die down. “What do you think the answer to that question is?”
She grinned, looking around the group of kids. “Don’t go to the bathroom?”
More laughter.
Keeping a straight face as best he could, Matt said, “Or?”
Tapping her chin in thought, she replied, “Try to hold it?”
This time there was no round of giggling. Suspecting she knew she’d gone too far the girl fell silent. Matt gave her an out. “Point to the people here who will help you in that situation.”
The girl solemnly pointed at each of the adults.
“Thank you,” Matt said, turning to lead them down to the lake. Once they were all congregated at the shore, checking out the docks and the two beached canoes, Matt found Dana and took her aside.
“Who’s the girl with all the questions?”
“You mean with the attitude? Kenzie.”
“She might need more of your attention tonight.” He saw her eyes widen at that.
“Isn’t she getting enough of that already?”
Kenzie did have an attitude, but there was likely a good reason for that. Or maybe she was simply a feisty kid. His disappointment in Dana’s reaction was uncalled-for, but for years he’d had a mental image of the vulnerable teenager whose life he’d saved. He’d thought of her as someone who was a better person than he’d been at the time. Someone who needed protecting.
“It’s not the kind of attention she really wants. And she’s only ten. It’s not an attitude yet.”
Without a backward glance, he walked toward the group and signaled them to follow.
CHAPTER SEVEN
DANA SET HER spoon down and stared into her empty soup bowl. Her hot dog sat untouched on its plate and there was no way she’d be able to eat it. Not that the lunch wasn’t good, but she had no appetite. Her stomach had been churning since Matt’s comments on the hike. She had been quick to judge Kenzie, and Matt had had every right to point out how quickly she’d jumped to conclusions about the girl.
The worst part was seeing how she’d reverted to her preteen self—insecure and anxious. Why did those long-gone adolescent emotions rise up so instantly? And what did that say about the years of effort she’d made to change them?
“Miss? Miss?”
“Her name is Dana, Ruby,” scolded another girl.
The ten faces aimed at her brought Dana back to reality. The dining hall. Boys and some adults were already starting to remove dishes and she hadn’t chosen the girl kitchen helpers yet.
“Dana.” Ruby stuck her tongue out at the other girl. “Can I have your hot dog if you don’t want it?”
“Um, sure. Here.” She passed the hot dog across the table to Ruby, all smiles now. “And will you and...” She eyed the girl who’d spoken up seconds ago.
“I’m Shaye.”
“Right. Sorry, Shaye. I hope to have all your names memorized by bedtime.” Dana smiled at the group. “Could you two girls be the kitchen helpers for this lunch? You just have to take all the dishes and cutlery into the kitchen. We’ll all take turns helping out.”
Hands started waving before she’d finished.
Dana sighed. I’ll get this right eventually. “Except for Ruby and Shaye, I’m not choosing the rest right now. We’ll sort it out when we get back to our cabin for our washroom break before activity time.” She looked around at each of them, ensuring all were listening. “Okay, finish up because the boys are way ahead of us.” She paused. “And we can’t allow that.”
“No way,” one of them added. They all giggled.
Leaving Ruby and Shaye happily cleaning up—“The cooks give us a cookie after,” Shaye had smugly announced—Dana led her girls back to the cabin to retrieve towels and toothbrushes for a quick postlunch fresh-up. She looked for Matt on the way out but didn’t see him. The girls were so orderly she’d been hoping he’d take notice. Kristen, talking to Gayle at the kitchen door, did however, and Dana was surprised to catch a brief smile from her.
Ruby and Shaye rejoined the group and she managed to corral all of them into the washroom cabin and hurry them along so that they were entering the Big Room seconds before the boys. And walking! Dana felt unexpected satisfaction at this but warned herself not to expect too many changes too soon. Once again, she sat down with them, despite realizing that the other adults stood. She didn’t know why, but the instinct to be on their level felt right to her.
When Matt took his customary place at the front of the group, he nodded approvingly toward her. Dana silently laughed at herself for the sudden thrill the nod had aroused and the hope that perhaps he’d forgotten her ill-chosen remark that morning.
“Okay, people. The rain has started but we’ve got some fun games lined up for you this afternoon. And
if we’re lucky, the weather might improve enough for a campfire before bedtime.” There was a brief cheer at that. “We thought we’d keep the same groups we had for the morning hike, just to make things easier for all. Kristen has made up a rotation schedule to ensure that each group will have a turn at each activity. That means you can’t stay longer, no matter how much fun you’re having. Sorry about that.” Matt grinned at a couple of boys who’d groaned dramatically. “Group leaders, please send one person up here to get your schedules and let’s get down to it!”
Dana tapped the arm of the girl at her side and said, “Get two schedules. One for me and one for Kristen.” Then she addressed the girls clustered around her. “Okay, girls, I’m sure you all remember which group you were in from this morning.” The two groups were forming as Kristen headed over.
“It looks like your girls are settling in,” Kristen said, coming up to Dana.
“I hope so.”
“It gets easier. Next weekend you’ll have the routines down and the time will go so fast you’ll be back to your normal life before you know it.”
The gist of that remark was open to interpretation, but Dana decided to take it at face value. Whatever issue Kristen might have with her would soon be forgotten, and the return to her normal life and all it entailed would be... Dana shoved that thought aside, suddenly picturing her office and the cases piling up on her desk while she was at Camp Hope.
“Right,” she said. Then, reading from the piece of paper in her hand, she announced, “Okay, my group, let’s head to our first site—arts and crafts in the dining hall.”
Her group gave an excited “Yay!” and ran toward the door at the end of the Big Room that led to the dining hall.
Dana grinned, shrugged at Kristen and followed them, crying out, “Walking!”
More than an hour later, as Dana and her group checked off the last item on the scavenger hunt list—activity number four—and were aiming for the Ping-Pong table, she saw Matt approaching.
Her Kind of Hero Page 7
