"If everyone would be quiet and take their seats, I'd like to start the presentation ceremony now," said the camp director.
There was a shuffling of feet and a scrapping of chairs followed by quiet.
"First off, the Trivia Cup. This year, won by Merlet Academy of North Carolina: Marcus de Muniz, Bruce Collings and John Irving."
The three boys, dressed in neatly pressed uniforms went up to the platform to receive the cup.
A big cheer went up as Marcus held the cup in the air. Everyone loved Marcus: the effervescent boy that seemed to appear everywhere at once.
"Next, the Gold Medal for this year's winning swimming relay team…Redfield Academy of New York."
There was sparse clapping coming from a few polite people in the audience.
Louise, who was sitting beside Rory, booed loudly.
"The Chess Plate goes to Lily Bernstock of Trisbourn…"
What seemed like hours later…
"And for the most recent of event, the Debate Cup, and an extra plaque of excellence for a perfect score. Merlet Academy of North Carolina, represented by Kevin Wright, Jason Wong and Tristan DuGray."
Rory clapped loudly as the three went onstage to receive the cup. Paris had been kept away from the award ceremony for her own safety, as well as the safety of others.
"And finally, to present the Camp Selphie Trophy to the overall winner, may I present the founder of Camp Selphie itself, Mr Archie Selphcott."
A very old man, dressed in fine military gear was escorted up to the podium.
Everyone stood up to applaud him. He raised his hand for quiet and motioned for everyone to be seated.
"It gives me great pleasure to stand here today among my own," he looked fondly at the Merlet contingency, tears glistening in his eyes.
"Would a representative from last year's winner, Redfield, join me on stage?"
A battered Elliot fumbled onto the stage to stand next to him.
"And would a representative from Merlet also care to join me?"
Tristan was selected by his peers for the honour.
Tristan, Archie and Elliot stood in front of a dressed table, which held the trophy in its center.
"Now would last year's winner hand down the trophy to this years winner?" Then, sensing reluctance on Elliot's behalf he whispered to him. "It's tradition, boy."
Elliot picked up the trophy and begrudgingly handed it over to Tristan.
"I give you this year's winner of the camp trophy, Merlet Academy of North Carolina. Congratulations son," he said to Tristan, shaking his hand in both his own.
The camp director retrieved the microphone.
"And now, would everyone care to join me on the main oval for dinner by the bonfire."