Mike Cantlon speachifying. (SH Staff Photographer)

SAC members work feverishly to get ready for the incoming campers.

Counselor groups get acquainted with each other.

It was Sunday, July 21. Harold was all packed for camp with a few hours yet to spare. He'd packed his lucky green toothbrush and made sure he had film for his video camera. He didn't know a soul and felt kind of intimidated, but hoped he'd make friends soon. As the hours passed in front of the TV, he became more and more excited. Finally the moment came and he pulled out of the driveway, his mom driving their '68 Camaro his dad used for racing.

Having only the short journey from Spokane, they were soon in Cheney. His mom knew exactly where to go, as she was an alumnus. EWU loomed ahead of him, but the people in yellow Satori shirts were friendly when he got there. He soon settled in to his dorm and went to Orientation, where his mom made sure he had everything he needed in his suitcase (for the fourth time).

Before long, dinner was over, and the group met in the meeting room again. Contrary to what he'd heard, the food tasted normal and he wasn't sick -- at least not yet. At the meeting, they divided into groups and each introduced themselves. Harold met some other guys who seemed to have things in common with him. Afterwards, before bed, they hung out on the balcony and played cards. Lights out was supposed to be at 11, but for most of them it didn't really happen until more towards midnight. (Ed. Note: Of course the campers all went to be on time. They always go to bed promptly at home, too, right?) And even then it took Harold a good hour to fall asleep. He was too excited for his first full day at camp tomorrow.

Finally, he started to drift off -- but not until he'd brushed his teeth with his lucky green toothbrush. Setting his alarm for 5:30, so as to make sure he had a shower, he feel asleep happy and excited for the coming week's activities.