Summer Transformations

By Mathes Vaughan

Three girls, each facing personal struggles and journeys, go through a rocky summer at a North Carolina summer camp.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312165281

Book preview

Summer Transformations

Summer Transformations

Chapter 1 - Caroline

As I turn around the corner I catch a glimpse of mist drifting up towards the morning sun. Through the trees, in between blinding rays of sunlight, I see the old rock face that has overlooked Camp Fairfield for so many years. It has overlooked me through my many years: the years of the timid seven year old, too scared to make any friends; the years of the obnoxious 10 year old, the one who thought she was the best person ever; the years of the bold 13 year old, the one who was too cool for rules; and now this year, my last. This is the year that matters, my final chance to make a mark on the camp that has changed my life.

This year, the mountain will, like during all my years before, be standing there guarding this camp and me. The rock face, bleached by sunlight, has seen so many years, as is evident from the scars it has. It is a face of wisdom, so much more than we can hope to achieve in our minuscule lives; it has stood overlooking the glassy lake for longer than any of us could. The majestic beauty of the mountain is but a fleeting image as I slowly meander around the curves.

The car is jerked to a stop, and I am brought back to the sudden reality that I am not alone. I am not the only one who has waited days for today. We start moving again and are almost through the stone gates. I look to my left and see the archery fields, full of the cars of overbearing parents unpacking their children.

Through the cars I can see the top of Chapel, with ringed stone benches encircling it. The trees lazily droop over the benches, ready to provide shade for the campers sitting through an exceptionally hot chapel. We slowlcontinue up the road and finally reach Sara and Greg, the directors of our camp.

Caroline, how was your year?

Fine, thanks. What cabin am I in?

You are in… She pauses for what seems for forever. I am on the edge of my seat, waiting. Buckingham! My heart drops; I must have heard incorrectly. I cannot be in Buckingham my last camper summer; I was there last year. My mom thanks them and pulls up to unload my trunk. I am sitting, dazed, and my mind has still not gotten around to the fact that I am in Buckingham.

This was not part of my perfect summer plan: be in Bum’s, sing in the talent show, find a new best friend, become the leader of the camp, and lastly become a captain. If I don’t accomplish everything on this list I know I won’t even have a mediocre summer. My mom leans her head in the car

You know I am not unpacking for you, my mother informs me, irritated. Ugh.

I’m not getting out, I reply.

You have to, so stop acting like a two year old and help me carry your trunk.

Don’t bother, I’m not going, I say. I know I am being immature, but I cannot do this. I will not have my last summer ruined. I need to be switched into another cabin. I know it’s not possible, but…

My mom threatens me, "Get out of the car now or