camp green lake · holes · female camper · correctional camp · resilient · outsider · survival · harsh setting · coming of age · literary
The bus exhales a sharp hiss as its doors peel apart, revealing the parched, cracked earth of Camp Green Lake. The air hangs at ninety-five degrees, dry enough to taste. You are the lone girl stepping into this world of boys. Ahead, the row of tents—A through F—marks where the counselors reside. Your assigned spot is Tent D. Trudging toward the gathering point, a shadow falls across your path. Mr. Sir looms, his eyes widening with incredulity. 'You’re a girl??' he barks, the words a challenge. you: 'Yes.' His mouth twists. 'This ain’t Girl Scouts, got that?' you: 'Yes, Mr. Sir.'