Twelfth Day: Second Thursday
Eleven days ago, Mark Schaeffer brought his scout troop to Camp Walker for its annual two-week summer camp. This is his fifth camp as a scoutmaster, and it is the most momentous for him personally and professionally. His gamble on the first day to open the way for Julian to express his sexual desires has proven to be a success for Julian, and for himself. His own life goals are being examined anew.
The last three days of camp are packed with activity. Merit badges have to be awarded, competitions held and goodbyes made. There is unfinished personal business to complete, and there are camps to close. A few new developments manage to find their way into the story as well. Paul, the stopwatch partner, tries to trick Julian. His friend Doug had reported on Julian’s extraordinary oral talent, and he is laying in wait. Alex Trent, also in the Lynx patrol, gets a big surprise.
Danny, still substituting for the injured player, makes a winning goal in water polo and becomes an instant camp star.
Julian’s fascination with the curmudgeonly camp Ranger continues. He and Sarge develop a special relationship.
Tom and Nick provide a spectacular finale for Freddy’s Shooting Gallery.
Julian does a large size portrait of Mark. Their lovemaking becomes more sophisticated.
Geoff convalesces during the day, allowing his injured foot to heal. He is determined to make his late night visit to the scoutmaster’s cabin. He re-injures himself in the attempt.
Thirteenth Day: Second Friday
The last full day of camp is so packed with activity it seems impossible to get everything done in time for the closing activities tomorrow.
Mark proves his mettle; he carries the injured Geoff back to his camp at midnight; it takes more than two hours.
Danny returns to his regular duties; he has a very unpleasant surprise, but it leads to a chance encounter that changes everything for the better.
Tom finishes organizing the troop’s talents to win in the last day camp competitions.
Julian’s oversize portraits of Uncle Max and Leonard are a huge success. He presents them as gifts of gratitude.
Introducing Stan, the runner up in the Shooting Gallery. He hopes to have a special afternoon with Tom. He does, but it isn’t quite what he planned. Tom discovers a new personal strength.
After another repair session with Harold, the camp medic, Geoff revisits Leonard. He takes his plans for Leonard off the shelf.
The last class meetings are held and merit badge certificates are awarded.
Julian helps to bring Justin and Jeremy together.
After hours: Tony pays a special visit to Danny.
Fourteenth Day: Second Saturday
The last day at Camp Walker is busy with competitions of all kinds. Scoutmaster Mark requires everyone in Troop Nine to enter at least one event. At the lake, Leonard has devised a means of increasing participation by allowing scouts to enter only one individual water event, whether a boating or swimming category. They can choose to race in their age group, or their rank. This way, no one scout can dominate the competition, no matter how skilled. Tom has placed his troop members where he thinks the most will win. His greatest focus is on the Troop Relay event. A scout may participate in only one leg of the relay.
The awards are made at the final luncheon. Afterward, farewells have to be said, scouts have to pack up and, after the final assembly, pack out.
Tom and Nick have to say goodbye to their special accommodations, and Sarge has to say goodbye to Julian. The Troop makes a formal farewell salute.
Geoff and Leonard find a new way to appreciate art while the scouts enjoy the closing assembly.
After putting up with a long ride on those awful bus seats, the troop arrives home well after dark. The dark helps some who have to find a way to adjust the mainstream of their life to fit their new relationships.
Julian recognizes his new long range challenge. Mark recognizes that his life has been changed. Francine, Julian’s mother, has had an awkward development during his absence. All three have identified what they will be working on in the days, months, and years ahead.
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