CAMP WEIRD(jo) CAMP WEIRD

I can’t believe that our parents all agree for us to spend the summer at this camp that none of them ever heard of instead of letting us stay at my uncle’s dude ranch. I mean, who lets their kids go off to the middle of nowhere without knowing where they’re going to be staying at? Tommy the tiger cub whined as he stared out the camp bus window.

Tommy are you going to complain the whole time we’re out here? They didn’t just let us go off, Cookie’s mom researched the camp before our parents all agreed that this would be a great place for us to spend our summer vacation, Daisy the penguin frowned.

Yah, for all they know we could all be slaughtered as soon as we get there, Tommy grinned back at her. And before she could answer the bus driver yelled, Okay every one off the bus!

They followed the driver off the bus and collected their bags.

Umm, why are we getting off out here? Where is the camp? all I see is just a bunch of over grown trees, Sammy the turtle frowned.

Oh it’s just through that pebble path, you can’t miss it, the driver smiled. He then shut the baggage door and stepped back inside the bus.
Okay kids, you all have a great time here at camp. And I’ll meet you all right here in a few weeks! He smiled before he drove off.

Oh great! You’d think that someone from the camp would be here to pick us up, Tommy smirked.

Tommy, you heard the driver, the camp is just through that path, Cookie answered him. a little exercise isn’t going to kill you!

Yah, but still, Tommy began to answer her.

Oh for crying out loud Tommy! Just pick up your stuff and let’s get going. We all know that life would’ve been great if we just spent the summer at your uncle’s dude ranch! Sammy laughed.

The driver didn’t lie. they only had to walk a short ways before they came across a wooden sign that pointed towards the camp entrance.

Oh wow! It looks so—

Peaceful! Sammy finished for Cookie, as they all looked around the camp site.

Yah, but it also looks so empty, Vicky the dragonfly added. Shouldn’t there be kids running around? Or swimming in the lake?

They probably are inside that cabin over there, Daisy answered her, pointing to a stone cabin that looked bigger from the others. They’re probably eating lunch or something, she added.

Or maybe the driver dropped us off at the wrong camp, Tommy smirked.

Oh yah right! Because all these camps are right next to each other that he just got confused. Which one is the right one? Daisy frowned. I’m sure that they’re in there.

They followed the path down towards the cabin. Vicky opened the door and found a small hounded dog staring out the window.

Umm, hi, I’m Vicky. my friends and I just arrived at camp and were wondering where everyone was?

Hi, I’m Amy. I’m the only one here. every one else left, she sobbed.

Left? Left where? And why didn’t you go with them? Why did you stay here all by yourself? Cookie asked frowning.

A smile spread across Amy’s face before she busted out laughing. Sorry you guys! I couldn’t keep a straight face anymore. you can all come out now!

Soon the cabin was filled with smiling campers all of them just staring at the gang.

Hey what’s going on here? Was this some kind of sick joke? Tommy frowned.

Oh don’t get upset little ones, we do this to all the new campers. My name is Mr. Troll, the camp director. Amy why don’t you show them where their cabins are. And then help them unpack after you all finish. I’ll see you kids a bit later, he smiled.

So what’s there to do round here besides playing unfunny pranks on the new kids? Tommy asked Amy as they were walking towards their cabins.

Amy just laughed then answered, Oh there’s lots of things to do, we play sports, do arts and crafts, go swimming. And oh we’re also planning a fishing trip and whoever catches the biggest fish will win twenty bucks. There’s only one thing, Amy began.

A scream coming from the end of the cornfield interrupted her.

Oh my! This is just awful! The voice cried. The gang ran over towards him.

What’s the matter Mr. Buggy? Amy asked him.

The corn! It's ruined!

The gang leaned over to have a closer look and noticed that the corn had a nasty brown color to it and was full of worms.

Oh gross! Cookie cried out. what happened to it?

Sorry kids, I can’t talk now, I’ve got to go and see if I can help the corn with my spell book, he answered her.

With your what book? Sammy asked.

Yes, my spell book. it tells me everything that I need to know on how I can take care of the crops. Now I’ve wasted enough time, I have to run, he explained.

You see, I told you guys that he was a weirdo. He really believes in all that spell magic stuff, Amy told them as they watched him run off mumbling to himself.

And before Daisy could answer her a paw reached out from behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.

Boo! Tony Cow laughed.

Tony! You creep, you scared me half to death! Amy cried.

Chill Am, just having some fun! What’s wrong with creepy Buggy? He ran past me like a bat out of hell, Tony shrugged.

Oh he’s freaking bout the corn. it was full of worms and he went to check his stupid spell book to help it, Amy answered.

Oh, so are you guys planning on waiting for him to come back? Or do you want to go down to the lake house and take the boat out for a spin? Tony asked them smiling.

Lake house! They all agreed on.
Later that night the gang noticed that the camp director looked tense. He looked towards the table where Mr. Buggy was eating. Cookie leaned over to Daisy and whispered in her ear, is it just me or do you find that there’s something weird on how everyone’s acting?

Yah, sort of, but so far everything round here is a bit weird, Daisy whispered back.

Cookie was bout to answer her back when someone yelled out from across the room, Hey Mr. Troll! Are you going to tell us one of your famous ghost stories tonight?

Mr. Troll glanced nervously at Mr. Buggy then answered, Umm, sorry kids, but it’s been a very long day. I think that its best if we just call it a night. I’ll see you all bright and early.

A few minutes later they were back inside their cabins.

Was it only me, or was it a bit weird how Troll kept staring at Buggy. Like he was scared of him or something? Cookie asked them.

Yah, I could’ve swore that old Buggy nodded his head no, when that kid asked him about the ghost stories. I thought that was part of
the whole camp experience to sit round a big camp fire trying to spook each other, Tommy added.

Yah maybe, but I can’t help shaking off the feeling that there’s something very strange going on in this camp, Vicky shrugged.

So what are we going to do today? Daisy asked them after breakfast.

Don’t know, why don’t we go by the lake house and see if we can take the boat out again, Tommy shrugged.

A few minutes later the gang waved over towards Amy who was getting out of the water and walking over towards them.
Hey guys! What’s up? She asked them.

We were looking for Tony to see if we could take out the boat again, Tommy shrugged.

Oh I saw him by the dock earlier. come on, I’ll walk you guys over.
Minutes later they found Tony sitting on the dock slowly rocking himself.
Tony? Are you okay? What’s the matter? Amy asked.

It’s in there! It’s in the water and it grabbed me and kept pulling me under. I finally broke my self-free! He sobbed.

What grabbed you? Vicky asked.

I don’t know ,but I could’ve sworn it looked like Mr. Buggy. He was in the water and tried to drown me! He cried out.

Whoa! Whoa! Either this is another of your not funny jokes, Or you’ve been sitting out in the sun too long, Tommy frowned.

It’s not a joke! He really tried to drown me! Tony yelled.

Okay, okay we believe you, come on let’s go back to our cabins and try to figure this out, Cookie told them.

When they got back to their cabin they all read the words out loud that were written in big letters on their wall: GET OUT WHILE YOU STILL CAN!

Okay you two, start talking, what’s going on around here? I know you are hiding something! Tommy cried out. Tony looked over towards Amy's direction and shrugged.

We might as well tell them, it’s probably too late any ways.

Too late for what? Enough with the riddles and tell us what’s going on already! Sammy cried out.

Okay, we’ll tell you. there have been stories going around from the older counselors. About other campers disappearing into thin air and they say that the reason is—

Hi kids! Nice day isn’t it? Have any of you seen Mr. Troll around? A voice from the doorway interrupted Amy.

Umm, I saw him earlier by the food hall, Tony answered him.

Oh, I looked there, I must’ve just missed him. Okay, well you kids have a good day and I’ll see you all a bit later, Mr. Buggy smiled before he walked away.

Now there goes one weird dude, Sammy muttered.

Yah, he didn’t even seem to notice what was written on the wall. Look it’s not safe to talk here, there are too many eyes on us, Amy nervously started explaining. I don’t like the way he kept smiling like nothing was wrong. Let’s meet by the old lake house tomorrow morning. And if anybody asks just tell them that you’re going for a nature hike or something. I promise to tell you the rest of the story then, she added. then she and Tony left before the gang could answer.

The next morning the gang woke up to notice that all their shoes were missing.

I can’t believe that someone broke into our cabin in the middle of the night and stole our shoes! Daisy cried out.

I bet it was Tony and Amy. I bet this was another of their sick jokes, Tommy answered her frowning.

I don’t think it was them. I’m telling you guys there’s something very weird going on around here. I say we go and hear what they have to say, Cookie told them.

A few minutes later they made their way towards the old lake house and waited for Tony and Amy to arrive.

What’s this place? Cookie asked as they looked round inside.

I don’t know, but I say we forget about the whole thing and just go back to camp, Sammy answered her. Oh great! He added.

What’s the matter? Vicky asked.

The stupid door doesn’t open, it's stuck or something! He cried as he continued trying to open the door. Cookie was about to answer him when a loud noise made them jump.

Now what? Tommy frowned. Vicky took out a small flashlight from her back pocket and turned it on. They screamed when they noticed that Tony and Amy were staring at them from across the room.

Whoa! Where did you two come from? Tommy cried out.

Yah you nearly gave us a heart attack! how long were you guys been hiding back there? Daisy added frowning.

We sneaked in through the back door. I wanted to make sure that we weren’t being followed. Cause if they found out we would all be in some real trouble.

If who found out? What are you blabbing about Amy? Daisy asked.

Mr. Buggy. he’s gone mad. he says that his spell book says that we must stay inside the camp. That we’re all cursed and can’t leave the camp for any reason until it’s safe again, Amy began explaining.

What!? He can’t keep us here against our will! Sammy interrupted. Amy was about to answer him when a loud noise interrupted her.

What was that noise? Vicky asked.

I don’t know but I think we should go back. If Mr. Buggy really has become nutty its best that we figure out how to escape without him knowing that we know, Cookie told them.

Then, after talking it over for a few more minutes, they huddled close together on their way back to camp.

Hey I don’t think that we’re going the right way. I don’t remember seeing that bridge on the way up here, Tommy stated.

Tommy you probably just didn’t notice it. I’m sure that we’re heading in the right way, Cookie smiled.

Let’s just keep going. the faster we get back without anyone noticing that we’ve been missing the safer I will feel, Amy told them.

Yah, plus I’m starving. we should’ve never skipped breakfast, Tommy added.

They continued following the river bank. then after a few more minutes Tommy repeated, Are you sure that we are going the right way?

Shh did you hear that? Vicky asked.

Yeah, it sounded like some one beating drums but I can’t tell which way it’s coming from. It sounds like it's coming from all around us, Daisy answered her.

Hey look, is that smoke coming over those bushes? Cookie asked them.

Way to go Cooks, that’s probably a camp fire. we found our way back! Tommy cried out.

Or there could be some mass murderer just waiting to chop us up to little bitty pieces, Sammy added.

Wow! Sammy, that’s the spirit, now let’s go before I starve to death! Tommy answered him laughing.

Still huddled together they walked out of the woods and into a clearing with a big camp fire surrounded by a group of confused campers, who were just strangely grinning at them.

Oh wow! Talk about perfect timing. I was just bout to tell one of my famous ghost stories. Where have you kids been? Mr. Troll smiled.

Huh? But this can’t be the same camp, it’s just, Sammy began.

Oh, umm, we went for an early morning hike and lost track of time, Tommy interrupted Sammy.

Oh you kids look hungry. why don’t you go up to the food hall and see if the cook can fix you up a little snack, Mr. Troll smiled, and I’ll talk to you kids a bit later. then he walked away before the gang could answer him.

Okay, I need someone to pinch me because I feel like I just fell into the rabbit hole, Daisy sighed.

Yah, how can we be at the same camp when everything looks so different? Vicky added.

Cookie was about to answer her when Tony came running up to them.
Hey, have you guys seen Amy? He asked. I‘ve been looking all over for her since we got back but I can’t find her.

Nope, we haven’t seen her, but if we do I’ll tell her you’re looking for her, Tommy answered him.

Then, after grabbing a quick bite, they decided to head towards Mr. Troll’s office and see if he could help them figure out what was going on.

It looks like he’s not in here, Tommy shrugged.

Yah, but there’s a phone! Sammy cried out. maybe we can call someone and help us get out of here.

He went over to the desk and raised the phone to his ear, then slammed it back down again. Oh great! There’s no dial tone—

That’s because it’s not plugged in, a voice coming from the door interrupted. They turned around and noticed that Mr. Troll was standing there staring at them.

Oh umm, hi, we were just looking for you, Cookie began. you haven’t seen Amy, have you?

I believe I saw her a few minutes ago heading down to the lake house. Why don’t you kids go and see if she’s still there, Mr. Troll answered her smiling.

Umm thanks, I guess we’ll see you later, Cookie waved.

I’m telling you we somehow got sucked inside the twilight zone. There’s something very weird going on, Sammy whispered to the others as they headed towards the lake house.

Tommy was about to answer him when a startled cry interrupted him. Now what, Cookie thought to herself as they rushed to see who cried out for help.

Hurry! You have to help me out of here! Before they get back! Amy yelled out.

Amy, how did you get in there? Vicky asked looking down a hole she was trapped in.

Buggy hit me over the head and threw me in here, Amy began, so I couldn’t tell you the truth. he figured if he would throw me in here you’d never find me and it’d be too late.

Too late for what? Daisy asked.

If we don’t escape, Buggy will keep us all prisoners forever. And you’ll never see your parents again. now please help me out of here before they come back, Amy pleaded.

The gang just looked at each other with scared and confused looks on their faces, before they decided to help Amy out of the hole. After a few minutes she was out and dusted herself off. And then she took off running through the woods and towards the lake.

Hey wait up! Where are you going? Cookie cried out as they ran after her.

We have to go back the way we came, it’s our only choice to escape! Amy yelled back.

This is totally nuts, Cookie thought to herself as she and the gang continued to follow Amy. A few seconds later the sounds of drums came through the woods.

Oh no! They know! just keep-- Amy was interrupted when she bumped into Mr. Buggy.

Oh there you kids are. we’ve been looking all over for you, he smiled.

Oh hi, we were just-- Vicky began.

Why don’t we go back to camp and you can tell me all bout it there, he interrupted her.

As soon as they got back to camp both Mr. Buggy and Mr. Troll turned to Amy and cried, Amy, what do you think you’re doing? do you think we’d let you break the rules and get away with it?

I don’t care! I hate it here and I hate you! You can’t keep me in here any longer! She cried back.

Will someone please tell us what’s going on around here! Tommy frowned.

You really are not keeping us here against our will, are you?

Well of course we are! Mr. Buggy laughed.

Huh? Are you nuts? you can’t just keep us here and think you’re going to get away with it, Daisy yelled.

Now, now, let’s not get our furs all ruffled. let’s all clam down and let me explain. Mr. Troll started to explain.

Don’t listen to him, he’s only going to lie to you! Amy sobbed.

Mr. Buggy just ignored her outburst and continued, You see kids, many years ago this camp was built over ancient hallowed ground. Years later the spirits that owned the land returned and cursed us. they would’ve murdered us right there but decided on offering us a deal instead.

What kind of deal? Cookie asked.

A powerful one. you see, during the winter months we all go into a deep sleep. But each summer the whole camp, including us, comes back to life. we promise to take care of the land. we keep it pure and clean, we grow new crops and cure those who are not doing so well. And in return we are kept alive. so now do you understand? if we had allowed you to help them escape we’d be breaking our deal and angered the spirits by giving away secrets.

Oh wow! We almost destroyed the whole camp without evening knowing it, the girls cried out in unison.

Mr. Buggy looked up to the sky and answered, We have to hurry, it’s almost time for us to rest again.

Okay, don’t let us stop you. Just tell us how to get out of here and we’ll be on our way, Sammy answered him. And before any of them could answer him Amy took out a lighter and began lighting one of the shrubs.

Let it burn!

Amy no! Stop! you don’t know what you’re doing! Mr. Buggy cried out horrified.

Sammy quick! Grab that piece of blanket from that table over there and help me toss it over! Tommy yelled. A few seconds later the fire was out.

Oh thank you! Now quick run towards the river as fast as you can! And remember to always keep our secret safe. remember you all promised never to tell! Now go before it’s too late! Mr. Buggy yelled as he and the others began to fade away.

A few seconds later they took off running as fast as they could along the river and didn’t stop until they came across a big waterfall where the river ended.

Oh wow! Now where did that come from? I never remember seeing that there before, Daisy told them.

Who cares where it came from, how we are going to go through it? We don’t have any canoes or life jackets, Sammy added. maybe we should just find another way around it.

No, you heard Mr. Buggy. we’ve no choice but to go through it if we ever want to go back home again, Tommy answered him. canoe or no canoes.

Then huddled close together, climbed to the top of the waterfall and jumped.

We’re never going to make it, Cookie thought to herself as she closed her eyes and jumped. Cookie could hear Mr. Troll’s voice in the wind,
Relax, you are all safe. you helped save our land now we’ll return the favor and save you.

And a few seconds later they were back on dry land.

Oh wow! We made it! We’re back! This is where the bus dropped us off Tommy cried.

And before any of them could answer him the bus driver walked over to them and said, Sorry it took so long to fix the flat tire. you can all get back on now, and I’ll drop you off at camp!

Copyrights © belong to Jo 2006

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