Summer Camp
Prologue
Summer camp is usually a child's dream come true. Being away from parents and boredom for nearly the whole summer can be a thrilling experience. Or for some a nightmare where some of the worst dreams imaginable will come true. And for a child of 13 soon to turn 14, it would become a little of both.
"Bruce, do I have to."
"No, you don't, but you know there's been a huge lull since a lot of our arch enemies are in prison and this summer may only turn out to be routine stuff that the police can handle."
"You're right. Things have been a bit quiet lately."
"Your Aunt Harriet is taking a cruise and I'll be busy with a lot of Wayne Foundation business. It may even feel like a real vacation for both of us."
'You must admit, Master Dick, you have been burning the candle at both ends, from studying for exams to fighting crime almost every night for a whole month. You've run yourself ragged," Alfred pointed out.
"We both have Alfred," Bruce said. "So you see Dick, we both could use some time away from this place. I'll be staying in the city while I hammer out the details on this proposal."
"The one where you're going to build several shelters for the homeless?" Dick asked.
"Yes," Bruce confirmed. "The properties I've selected were being considered for demolition. They were the ones that Egghead wanted to use for his nefarious real estate scam. I bought them and I am proposing to turn them not only into shelters for the homeless, but learning centers as well."
"Gosh Bruce, I can't imagine being homeless. I mean I almost was until you came along."
"No, Dick, you were never homeless. I'm certain the circus would have provided you with a home, you are after all a talented trapeze artist, but the police would not have allowed an orphaned boy to remain. They didn't think the circus was the place for you. Besides, Zucco wasn't the only one who would have had you killed. The circus would not have been safe for you, even if you had remained."
'I know, I do miss the circus sometimes."
"I know, and I'll take you there again to visit when they return to Gotham City. In the mean time, a great many people are homeless and sometimes turn to crime as a means to support them selves. This should help many get a new start and get back on their feet, and do it with dignity."
"How long is the camp?" Dick asked, curious but at the same time reluctant.
"I believe it runs for eight weeks."
"Eight weeks!" Dick exclaimed.
"There are many activities like swimming, archery, horseback riding," Alfred explained. "And I believe they also have learning to be on a trapeze."
"A trapeze," Dick was surprised at that. "Maybe I can show them a thing or two."
"That's the spirit, Dick," Bruce encouraged.
"Where is this place?" Dick asked, his curiosity kicking in.
"Don't worry, it's not far. It's three hours from Gotham City. It's in Lake County. The name of the place is called Camp Omega. You better get packing if Alfred is going to drive you."
All right, Bruce,' Dick said as he headed upstairs to his room. 'But if anything happens, I'm packing my Robin costume just in case.'
Continues with Part 1: Camp Omega