Location: Albuquerque, NM; at the office of Mr. Jacob Charlie Crisp.

Time: May 31, 2006 at 1:00 P.M. M.S.T

Secretary: (over the intercom) Mr. Crisp sir.

Jake: Liz how many times must I tell you just plain Jake is fine with me.

Secretary: Sorry Mr….Umm Jake sir but your brother's on line 1.

Jake: Little Nate...Is he alright? Does he sound urgent?

Secretary: He hasn't indicated that there is any emergency. He just needs to speak with you.

Jake: Alrighty then. I'm not expecting any important calls anytime soon am I Liz?

Secretary: No sir Jake...Just a client meeting this afternoon at 4.

Jake: Good. Ok then Liz I'll take it from here. Thanks Liz.

Secretary: You're welcome.

Jake then picked up his phone and selected line 1, Wondering what Nate needed to talk to him about.

Jake: Howdy Nate! What's ya been up too little bro?

Nate: Hey Jake. Well I decided that I wanted to go to a summer camp this year. It won't be the same as baseball camp but it'll be something to do. I really think I'm ready.

Jake: Well little buddy I have no doubt that you are. You've really come along way since...well you know.

Nate: The accident two years ago. You know you don't have to keep avoiding the subject. It doesn't pain me a great deal to talk about it. It shouldn't be such a problem for you by now.

Jake: I know you're right little bro but...

Nate: But nothing. Look I'm doing just fine now. What happened happened and we just need to not dwell on it.

Jake: Oh well enough about the past bro, let's discuss the present. So what camp have you decided to attend?

Nate: Well I've giving it a lot of thought and I've decided that I want to attend Camp Kidney just like you did. I also want to be part of jelly cabin like you were.

Jake began to grip tightly around the arm of his office chair with his free, left hand. That all too familiar feeling of rage and distrust that always came on when Camp Kidney was mentioned.

Nate: Jake...Big bro...You still there?

Jake: (in a slightly annoyed and infuriated tone) How...how could you decide to join that band of...? (calming down a bit to keep from swearing) of all the camps, why that one? They most likely won't even let you in being that you're a carnivore and worse a Crisp.

Nate: (sighs) I was expecting that reaction. Before you fly off the handle, hear me out. I know you're still sore at the way that handle the whole alleged incident but that was 11 years ago. I wish you didn't hold on so tightly to this grudge of yours. It can't be healthy.

Jake: The whole tribunal was a joke. Not even my so called pals in jelly cabin would offer a good defense. They never trusted me their for the mere fact that I was a coyote, a supposed trickster of the animal kingdom. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I got banned. I was no doubt set up...probably by those stuck-ups in pinto cabin or maybe even my own jelly cabin pals.

Nate: But don't you see? They will pretty much have to let me in or otherwise be known as the camp that turned away a paraplegic. It wouldn't go over well with many. And besides once I'm through being the best dang camper they've ever seen, our good family name can't help but be restored at Camp Kidney, not to mention cleaning up the reputation of coyotes and all carnivore alike. I really feel I can do this big bro. Please don't be too mad at me for this.

Jake: (fairly relaxed but still with reservations for this decision) How could I stay mad at you. You've been the one thing that has probably kept me from going insane with this awful grudge all these years. Having you to help raise has made me such a better person. Most of the time I feel I don't deserve the love Mom and Dad and you little bro still give me.

Nate: Jake, we're your family. We'll always love you and we are all so proud of how far you've come. Who would have thought you would run your own real estate firm right out of college. I can tell you for sure that we did.

Jake: (a little misty eyed) well I'm especially proud of you...your courage and strength to get through your injury. The courage to face Camp Kidney and right a decades worth of wrong. Most of all your courage to stick to your decision though you know it wouldn't set too well with me. Well Nate, I still have some reservations about your decision but I want you to enjoy your summer. If that means Camp Kidney then Camp Kidney it is.

Nate: That's all I wanted to hear. I miss you so much big bro. I think I can arrange a trip down to NM to see you after camp. Also try and get some time off and come back to Mableton with me. Mom and Dad want to see you almost as bad as me hehehe.

Jake: You know. That might be just what I need. Thanks for calling bud. Promise to write me often from camp.

Nate: You can count on it Jake. Later big bro.

Jake: Bye for now Nate.

After hanging up, Jake sat there at his desk thinking back to that time two years ago. It was July 4th, 2004, his brothers 10th birthday. How he wish he didn't but the thought of that night always flooded back after speaking to his little brother. One of the main reasons he never went back home after the accident. Oh what could he have done differently he kept thinking. There have been times before then when he got a little distracted and the front, right wheel would veer off the road but he was always able to correct. What was different about that time two years ago? Why did he end up over-correcting and loosing control? He knew it was useless to try and make since of it now but that didn't stop the nagging question. What a great rush of relief it was when Jake was taking from those thoughts by the buzz of his intercom.

Secretary: Jake sir, Ms. Creswell wants to have a word with you.

Jake: Send her in Liz.

Ah...one of the many reasons Jake looked forward to coming into work. Ms. Crystal Jade Creswell, his current business partner, had helped him get the company off the ground. She was also instrumental in helping him get use to his new surroundings in NM. She's originally a Santa Fe native, a beautiful young coyote that had just turned 21 back in April of this year. Much like Jake, she was tall and lanky, maybe just a little shy of an inch shorter than his 6' 2" frame. She also had stunning eyes the color of emeralds and perfectly matched his own. Her long, flowing light brown hair the color of brown sugar. Her fur a brilliant silver like his own. There was nothing he didn't like about her and apparently the feeling was mutual as they have already begun dating soon after the start of the company.

Jake: Ah...Crystal my dear... (embraces her then gives her a tender kiss on her cheek)...what brings you by this afternoon? I thought you were going to be in your office all day working out a possible buy.

Crystal: Well I wanted to take a break and I just had to see you.

Jake: Oh really now.

Crystal: (giggles softly) Oh you know I can't stand being away from you too long... (runs her hands through his fiery red hair and giving a playful tug on his ponytail)...You know I do wish you would cut that thing off. I think it's getting a little cheesy.

Jake: Cheesy uh...always thought it made me look sexy hehehehe.

Crystal: Hmmmm...but you don't need that ponytail to look sexy to me dear.

She walks around and sits in his office chair.

Crystal: So how goes the possible buy of the Camp Kidney property on Leaky Lake.

Jake: (looks down embarrassingly. He had completely forgotten about his current plans to buy the property and close the camp for good.) I'm afraid that we might have to put that one on the back burner for a little while longer.

Crystal: Having second thoughts?

Jake: No...not so much...it's just that my little brother Nate has decided he wanted to go there this summer.

Crystal: I see. You couldn't talk him out of it I suppose.

Jake: You know my family. We're all too dang head strong to give into anyone, even each other.

Crystal: Pity...I've got some big players in line that would like to develop that land... (she paused as she caught a glimpse of a picture sitting on Jake's desk)...this is a cute photo of you and your brother... (she turned it around to show him, it was a photo taking by some friends of his back in August of 2001. He and some friends were celebrating his 18th birthday)

Jake: (blushing) Yea...I'm surprised that my buds were cool with my bringing Nate with us but everyone who gets to know the little guy can't resist him.

The photo had poor Jake buried in the sand, supposedly after dozing off, and his friends had giving Nate a seagull feather and Nate went right to work tickling Jake's bare feet with the feather. The shocked, surprise gasp and then the howls of laughter made for a site. Nate seemed to enjoy the opportunity of getting some payback against his big brother for the times he had tickled him senseless. That was a fun summer. One Jake wished could last forever.

Crystal: I don't know if it's such a good idea to have such a weakness exposed in plain view. You might have enemies that might be able to use it.

Nate: hehehe...You think so huh...well I doubt any of my enemies will see this. Right now you're the only one who has seen this. I don't think I need to worry bout you do I?

Crystal: Hmmm...I don't know. I might be able to make good use of this information... (she laughed menacingly as she began to tickle the back of his neck)

Jake: (giggling and twitching) hey...cut it out. You know it's really unfair for my that your not ticklish. That just ain't right.

Crystal: Well dear life can be down right unfair sometimes hehehe. Well I better get back to work. (gives Jake's muzzle a peck) See you later this evening my love.

Jake: (still catching his breath) Sure thing babe. Later.

As she left, Jake went back behind his desk. It was time to make some important calls to the Prickly Pine area.

Location: Camp Kidney; Scoutmaster Lumpus's office

Time: May 31, 2006 at 3:00 P.M. M.S.T.

We find Lumpus finishing up a call from Commander Hoo-Ha concerning the tentative arrival of a new scout scheduled for Monday June 5th.

Lumpus: Yes Commander we have all the info you faxed but...but oh alright already umm I mean yes sir Commander everything will be ready for his arrival. Bye now sir.

Lumpus hangs the phone up and slumps down in his chair.

Slinkman: Sir, what did Commander Hoo-Ha want?

Lumpus: Oh Slinkman, we have to prepare for the arrival of yet another camper. I'm just now getting used to the ones we have now. Here are the details that were faxed.

Slinkman: Sir did you realize that...

Lumpus: Yes Slinkman I realize that that's one of those sneaky coyotes and I know he's related to the scout who was kicked out for theft and vandalism about 11 years ago.

Slinkman: Well sir I was going to say did you realize he's in a wheelchair?

Lumpus: A wheelchair? No I guess I didn't get to that part. No wonder his brother wants him in so bad.

Slinkman: His brother sir?

Lumpus: Yes slinkman, his brother, the one that got kicked out the one that (sarcastic tone) claims he is innocent. The one that now threatens to persuade the Big Bean to sell Camp Kidney if we are not accommodating to his younger sibling.

Slinkman: Sounds pretty bad sir. Do you think he could do it?

Lumpus: I don't know Slinkman but one thing's for sure Hoo-Ha doesn't want Camp Kidney closed down unless he's the one doing it. What's worse is he wants to join the Jelly Cabin oh Slinkman we're doomed. But on the other hand this might just be the thing to help control those delinquents.

Slinkman: How do you figure sir?

Lumpus: Well he's from the deep south isn't he? I've seen that much of his info. He should be just conservative and conformist enough to help keep those little hippies in line.

Slinkman: I'm not so sure about sir. At least I don't see how someone who had to adapt from being a young child running around all full of energy to being confined to a wheelchair a conformist.

Lumpus: Hmmm...well we'll just have to wait and see. Slinkman would you go brief those rejects in jelly cabin about there new roomie.

Slinkman: Yes sir Scoutmaster Lumpus. (he immediately turns and leaves)

Location: Jelly Cabin

Time: May 31, 2006 at 3:45 P.M. M.S.T.

Here we see everyone's favorite campers Lazlo, Raj, and Clam involved in something goofy as usual.

Raj: Alrighty monkey boy. This time you will be defeated

Clam: Defeated.

Lazlo: Bring it on you tenacious ticklers. I can take whatever you bring.

Raj: You have been warned my friend. Clam, you get his feet but hold his ankles tight. He's got a mean kick.

Clam: Big kick.

Raj: Yes and I will get his upper body.

Lazlo: (bracing himself for the inevitable tickle attack) I am ready.

A mere second later the cabin was full of the laugher of all three with Lazlo's being the loudest of course. This is the ruckus that greeted Slinkman as he approached the cabin and opened the door.

Slinkman: Ah...Jellybeans

Lazlo: (laughing like crazy) Hey...Slinkman.

Clam: (still tickling Lazlo's feet) Give up yet?

Lazlo: Does this (snicker) answer your question?

With a powerful kicking motion, Lazlo was able to sling Clam toward the cabin door, right at poor Slinkman in the doorway.

Clam: Incoming! (crash)...Hey Slinkman.

Slinkman: Uhh...hi Clam. If you can help get your bunkmates settled I would appreciate it. I need to...

Clam: Incoming!

With another crash Raj came flying from the cabin and landed on top of them.

Lazlo: (calling from within the cabin) Raj, Clam, Slinkman...you guys ok.

Clam: Wild ride! Again!

Raj: Oh no not again at least not anytime to soon. Honestly you do not realize your own strength Lazlo my friend.

Slinkman: Lazlo could you please just come out here I have an important message to share with all of you.

Lazlo: Coming Slinkman. (quickly throws back on his shirt, socks, and shoes and joins the three already outside)

Slinkman: (dusting himself off) I need to let you know that Camp Kidney will be getting a new camper that will be joining us this coming Monday. His name is Nathaniel Lee Crisp. He prefers to be called Nate however. He's a picture of him he was 9 but...

Lazlo: Ohh...let's see. (looks at the picture that was obviously taking at a baseball camp) Wow he looks very strong and athletic. His taller than I was at 9. I see he plays baseball. That's so awesome.

Raj: Well it looks like we may finally have someone that could defeat you in tickle-wrestling.

Clam: Tall!

Slinkman: Ummm...guys, there is something you really need to know. You see a couple of years back, Nate was involved in an automobile accident and well, here's the latest picture. (Shows them the most recent picture of Nate in a motorized wheelchair that his brother had giving him)

Lazlo: Oh man...that poor boy. I couldn't imagine not being able to use my legs... (sniffs)...will he walk again Slinkman?

Slinkman: I'm afraid not Lazlo. As I understand it, he is completely paralyzed from the waist down. There's nothing more anyone can do for him. But you must not feel sorry for him. I hear he has adapted very well.

Raj: What a strong and brave soul he possesses.

Clam: Herculean strength.

Lazlo: Well jelly beans; it's time we got to work. Slinkman can we keep this head shot photo for a little while. We're gonna need it to make the new figurehead for our totem pole.

Raj: And I take it he will be on top right?

Clam: Tip Top.

Lazlo: But of course guys.

Slinkman: That's very thoughtful of you guys but you don't need to treat him as a special case. I think he much prefers being treated like in other 11 y\o camper.

Lazlo: Oh it's nothing special Slinkman. The rule is that the tallest gets the top position on the pole and that honor goes from me to new tallest jelly bean Nate Crisp.

Slinkman: Of course, my mistake. Now I'm going to have to figure out a plan for making the camp more accessible... (feels tap on shoulder)

Clam: Have sketch...More accessible camp.

Clam shows a sketch of all the camp buildings with wheelchair ramps in place.

Slinkman: This is very nicely done Clam. Thanks. I shall go into town tomorrow and pick up the necessary supplies. Looks like we'll have a big work day ahead of us tomorrow.

Jelly Camp Trio: Yeahhhh.

Slinkman: For now you can work on the totem pole. I'll go update Lumpus on the plans for tomorrow. (Heads back to Scoutmaster lodge well pleased with the meeting he just had with the jelly beans)

Location: Slinkman's room in the scoutmaster lodge.

Time: May 31, 2006 at 10:30 P.M. M.S.T

Slinkman has just completed a new entry in his journal. The entry is as follows:

"Dear Journal today has been an amazing day for me. I was able to see such great character in the campers of jelly cabin and in our soon to be new addition to the camp Nate. Such a brilliant young boy he is, a scholar, an athlete, and yes a cripple. But he has overcome such an obvious handicap and with no fear seemingly has decided to surround himself with normal boys around his age that can run and jump and do all those other things we tend to take for granted. I wonder now if I should have told the jelly beans the whole story. About Nate's brother, accused of theft and vandalism and kicked out of Camp Kidney, of his desires to have Camp Kidney shut down. Somehow I think they are better off not knowing all that. After all it is my opinion that everyone deserves to face camp and the potential of meeting new friends with a clean slate. I'm sure Nate would want to be sure that at the end of his stay with us, that the Crisp name stands for all that is good. Here's hoping to that happening. I imagine that him being in jelly cabin will help insure that of happening. So now I close needing to get some rest for all that must be done to prepare for young Nate's arrival. Goodnight."