Location: On the road approaching Camp Kidney.

Time: June 5th, 2006 at 6:15 A.M. M.S.T

As the day begins to break, we see a handicap van making it's way up to the camp. In the back, in his wheelchair, a once chatty Nate is now deep in thought. Nate appreciated very much all that his brother provided him to try and make his life more convenient. He sometimes felt that ole Jake might be overdoing it. Oh yes the van was indeed a necessity, but a personal driver...it just seemed a bit too much to the young coyote. Of course his brother wanted him to have one of those completely motorized wheelchairs but Nate drew the line their. Nate wanted to be able to have a chair he could use his arms to power. After all, he had built up so much strength in his arms, especially his pitching arm. He would want to still be able to fire a fastball to friends during games of catch. They ended up settling on an ordinary wheelchair fashioned with an electric drive motor that could be engaged at anytime to assist mobility. Nate liked this compromise as the drive motor made for effortless ascents and smooth descents of steep hills. The personal driver he was getting use to as well. The driver was a good-natured grizzly bear named Dan. He was around 50 years of age and always had interesting tales to tell. They had become good friends, especially from this long trek from Atlanta all the way to here in the Prickly Pines area in the upper Rockies. He could have flown here and have Dan meet him at the airport, but Nate wanted to have Dan drive all the way so that they could see the country and get to know each other a little better.

Dan: Hey little buddy, you alright back there. You sure have been awful quiet since we left Prickly Pines this morning.

Nate: I'm ok Dan...just a little anxious I guess.

Now being away from home wasn't anything new for Nate. Before the accident, he would spend most of his summers at a baseball camp over in Alabama. Even so, this was a new camp, much further away from home and he was arriving a week after they had already started. He also couldn't avoid the fact that he was different from all the others their. They all could run, jump, swim...etc...so many things that he couldn't do now. Dan could since that this was what was going through Nate's mind now.

Dan: You know young Nate, a lot of boys your age, even adults for that matter, would not even attempt to do what you are doing now. That speaks of a great character and I have a feeling that is what will win people over for you...maybe not immediately...but they will warm up to you. Just keep determined.

Nate: Thanks Dan. It's not just that though. What if they distrust me right of the bat like Jake says. I want so badly to make a good name for us for his sake. I just hope I didn't set too lofty a goal.

Dan: Well Nate, one person can't be expected to right a decade's worth of wrong in one day, not even in one week. But you have months to accomplish this and as I said...you'll be successful. Just be yourself.

Nate: Thanks Dan. You've been a great comfort for me. I've really enjoyed this road trip with you.

Dan: As did I and you don't need to worry bout anything. I'll be staying in Prickly Pines for the summer. If you need me, give me a call and I'll be right there.

Nate: Thanks again. That helps to lift a lot of anxiety off my shoulders.

Location: Camp Kidney entrance.

Time: June 5th, 2006 at 7:05 A.M. M.S.T.

All the beans scouts were assembled awaiting the arrival of Nate. They had spent the latter part of last week making the camp buildings more accessible for him. Sure some had question whether or not a wheelchair bound boy could possibly enjoy himself at a summer camp. For the most part they were all eager for him to have a good time here. Lumpus was especially hoping for this since he knew the future of his post and Camp Kidney itself would very well depend on it.

Lazlo: Hey I think I hear something.

Lazlo lowers his head to the ground and starts listening for clues as to the approaching vehicle.

Lazlo: It's not a bus, it's a little smaller...like a van...this has to be him.

Clam: Welcome!

Raj: No, not now Clam I will let you know when...

Clam was about to outburst welcome again or something else entirely when the van pulled into the camp. All gathered round as the side doors came open. Nate wheeled himself onto the platform and looked out toward the fellow campers. He was already dressed in the typical Camp Kidney uniform. He had opted for the long black trouser over the khaki shorts in order to better protect his legs from the sun and from insects. He had his knapsack over the back of the chair and also had what appeared to be a guitar case as well.

Nate: Hello everyone. The name's Nathaniel Lee Crisp but please call me Nate.

As his chair was lowered to the ground, some waived, some called back to him with greetings, but three campers in particular approached almost immediately as he touched the ground. These were mistakenly his new bunkmates of Jelly cabin. The pink Indian elephant named Raj, the albino pygmy rhino named Clam and the first to approach and shake hands with him, the monkey Lazlo.

Lazlo: Hello Nate. I'm Lazlo. It's so great to finally meet you in person. Welcome to Camp Kidney, the place where you're sure to have a most awesomely cool summer.

Clam: Awesome!

Raj: Yes, welcome my new friend. I am Raj and my pointy-nosed friend here is Clam.

Clam: Hi Nate.

Raj: I am the one who wakes the camp up every morning at sun up.

Edward: Oh please, don't remind us. You can never get used to that elephants trumpet-like trunk every morning. Maybe you'll have better luck getting used to it. The name's Edward BTW.

Raj: Don't mind the platypus thingy Edward. He's always this (sarcastically) great ray of sunshine everyday.

Nate: (snickering) It's ok Raj. I know people like that and have been able to be friends with them none the less. I hope that can be the case with you Edward.

Edward: yea...yea we'll see.

Nate: (looking to Samson) Hey there guinea pig. Like those glasses. Have a pair just like em though they're only for when I'm having problems with my contact lenses.

Samson: (shocked at being noticed) The name's Samson. Nice to meet you Nate. So how blind are you with out vision correction. I, myself am pretty much legally blind without my glasses.

Nate: Same thing here. I should come with a warning label saying Do not let this guy operate heavy machinery without some form of vision correction.

That got a laugh from most everyone gathered. He continued to greet all the scouts gathered. It was the two loon brothers Dave and Ping Pong that asked about the guitar case. They were then treated to a small concert by Nate as he played and sang for them, first a little of "Spend My Time" by Clint Black and then all of "I Walk The Line" by Johnny Cash. All the scouts were astonished by Nate's velvety smooth and surprisingly deep voice. It was not as deep and raspy as Clam's but it lent itself well the vocal stylings of the two performers whose songs he performed for them.

Lazlo: That was so neat Nate. You got a great musical talent.

Nate: Thanks Lazlo but I can't take complete credit. All my musical talents I have my older brother Jake to thank for. He is the one who taught me how to play the guitar and how to sing. I'm more of an athlete...or at least once I was.

Lazlo: Hey now what's this once stuff. You can still be a great athlete. Doesn't Atlanta hold a wheelchair race as part of their Peachtree Road Race every 4th of July.

Nate: As a matter of fact they do and I plan to be in it next year but for this summer I wanted to come here. Speaking of the 4th, I will be turning 12 y/o come this 4th of July. I can't wait.

Lazlo: Wow...your birthday is on the 4th of July.

Clam: Major Celebrating!

Lazlo: I'll say. So Nate, you play a pretty mean guitar. Maybe I should get my banjo and we should have a jam session for everyone here. I think we would make a great duo.

Nate was about to agree when he saw everyone behind Lazlo waiving their hands and shaking their head and all forming the word no with their mouths. He hated being in this situation. He didn't want to hurt the monkey's feelings after how kind he was been to him but it was painfully obvious that the crowd did not want Lazlo playing his banjo or singing.

Nate: Maybe a little later on Lazlo. I've been on the road a long time and I would kinda like to settle in. It was great meeting all of you and I enjoyed the warm reception y'all gave me.

Lazlo: No thank you Nate for such a nice little open air performance. Let me escort you to your cabin. Our cabin I should say.

Nate: You don't have to push me Lazlo. In fact, climb aboard you three.

They were hesitant at first but then got up on Nate's lap and he then engaged his drive motor.

Nate: Alright navigator Raj. Point the way. Clam keep watch of our aft end...

Clam: Aft End!

Nate: And Lazlo, pilot us to our base at Jelly Cabin. I'll supply the jets.

With that the four wheeled around the camp so that Nate could see all the buildings and then to Jelly Cabin. Their laughter filling the camp.

Location: Jelly Cabin

Time: June 5th, 2006 at 10:12 A.M. M.S.T.

Nate had got everything settled and was now trying out the cot that was next to Lazlo's. He was admiring the totem pole and was overjoyed when he realized that his mug had already been carved on the top of the pole. It must've taken them all weekend to do this. This made him a little teary.

Lazlo: What's wrong Nate. Homesick already?

Clam: Homesick.

Nate: No is not that. I'm just deeply touched by your totem pole. Y'all didn't even know me yet you went on a carved my likeness in wood.

Lazlo: Well that's what happens when you become a member of our cabin. You automatically get a place on the totem depending on height.

Nate: And I'm tallest so...that's so great. You know this is a major adjustment for me. I feel like such dead weight. I don't want to hold y'all back from having yer usual fun.

Lazlo: If there's one thing we bean scouts can do, it's finding ways to have fun. No matter what. One thing I don't understand is why you wanted to come here. Wouldn't your baseball camp have accommodated you like we did?

Nate: Of course they would have. I could've have pitched to my friends but I just wanted something different I guess.

Lazlo: Wow...I can't imagine what it's like to lack the ability to use ones lower body. There must be so many things you miss.

Nate: Of course their are. It's silly but one thing I'd thought I'd never miss was the ticklishness in my lower body, especially my feet. Oh I could never stand being tickled. My brother and my friends would tickle me to tears. Now that I can't feel that anymore, I kinda miss it.

Lazlo: Hmmmm...but are you ticklish here? (begins tickling Nate's ribs)

Nate: (snickering) yes...I am.

Clam: tickle, tickle (begins tickling Nate behind his ears)

Nate: (laughing his tail off) yes...ok...I get it. I...still can get that ticklish feeling...stop.

Raj: Perhaps there is some ticklishness here yes. (tickles Nate's belly)

Nate: (Howling with laughter) alright...alright...enough...I'll get y'all for this. (manages to tickle all three of them, filling the cabin with their laughter)

This kept going on for another minute when Lumpus came barging through the door.

Lumpus: What are you rejects doing to our new camper.

They all stopped and began catching their breaths

Nate: (panting) it's ok scoutmaster I'm fine. In fact I've been in need of a good tickling for awhile. That was great.

Clam: (also panting) Much fun.

Lumpus: Lazlo I'm begging you to be careful with this camper. Our whole camp may be on the line.

Lazlo: What do you mean scoutmaster Lumpus?

Lumpus: Don't you "What do you mean scoutmaster Lumpus" me. Hasn't he told you that his lunatic big brother is going to purchase Camp Kidney and destroy it if his brother has even a seconds worth of misery.

Nate: (sighing sadly) Oh Jake.

Lumpus: So shape up jellies or it's your camp and even worse my job.

The hot-headed moose then stormed out and the usual trio were giving there recent bunkmate an inquisitive look.

Nate: Guys I was hoping I wouldn't have to bring this up but I guess y'all deserve to know. Just try to keep it between us.

Jelly Trio: (in unison) we promise.

Nate: You see 11 years ago, my brother Jake was a bean scout here. He was also part of Jelly Cabin. Well one day someone broke into the mess hall and ransacked the place and took off all the meat from the kitchen. My brother was accused of the crime and was banished from ever returning. The incident has left my brother with a grudge that time has not yet been able to lessen. He didn't much want me to come here but I stood my ground. I must attempt to bring a good name back to my family for my brother. I should have known he would use his wealth he's acquired from his company to threaten the camp. Well it'll all be a wasted threat cause I intend to have the time of my life here and with you three I think I just will.

Lazlo: That's the spirit Nate. Now jellies lets be off to the mess hall for some grub. But before we do Raj...

Lazlo and Clam: (in unison) take the retainer out before we go there.

Raj: Fine, Fine...see... (removes retainer) I am removing it right now and placing it here on my nightstand. Happy now.

Lazlo and Clam: Thanks Raj.

Nate: (giggling and thinking to himself oh yea I'm gonna like it here)

Location: Camp Kidney Mess Hall

Time: June 5th, 2006 at 12:10 P.M. M.S.T.

They went off to the mess hall to grab a quick bite to eat. This was Nate's chance to get acquainted to Chef McMeusly and his vegan cuisine. Chef McMeusly was willing to let Nate make a choice of a special lunch since it was his first day here and probably do to him being in a wheelchair as well. Nate pleasantly surprised McMeusly when all he asked for was a simple tomato sandwich. He happily took it over to the table where his bunkmates were eating.

Edward: (coming over to their table looking annoyed as usual) Let me get this straight. McMeusly offered you anything you want for your first lunch and all you choose a stupid tomato sandwich.

Nate: What can I say...I love me a tomato sandwich. These are a lunchtime delicacy where I'm from. You should try it. Want my second slice?

Edward: I'll pass. My gut is already full from that bulky, grainy slop I was served. Enjoyed that tomato sandwich of yours, you really don't have any idea what you getting into with this camps meal plan. Now if you jelly losers will excuse me, I'm off to attempt the next great stunt this camp has ever seen. If you guys want to check it out then come to the overlook by the waterfall, you know the ledge facing the falls with the rotting tree at the edge. It'll be huge.

Edward then leaves and the jellies debate whether or not too go.

Lazlo: Wow Edwards gonna attempt a huge stunt.

Clam: Stunt!

Raj: I wonder what it is that he could be planning.

Nate: Seems like I saw him assembling a hang glider behind his cabin. He must be planning to hang glide off the top of the waterfall.

Lazlo: Perhaps we better go and make sure all goes well. I'm sure Chip and Skip will be there to photograph the stunt but I'd think Edward would like a live audience.

Nate: This doesn't sound like a very smart move by Edward. I hope he knows what he's doing.

Lazlo: This is not the first time he's done something like this I'm sure, but that waterfall is at least 500 feet tall. Well let's go beans.

Location: near big waterfall just outside Camp Kidney.

Time: June 5th, 2006 at 1:32 P.M. M.S.T.

They were almost to the overlook Edward had mentioned earlier when the four scouts came across none other than Patsy and her close squirrel scout friends Nina and Gretchen. Nate was sorta relieved to see another carnivorous creature. He hadn't seen another till this moment when he saw the gator Gretchen.

Patsy: Hey Lazlo. We couldn't help but overhear early this morning that you were welcoming a new camper.

Lazlo: Hey Patsy. That's true and this is him here. His name is Nate. Nate this is Patsy, Nina, and Gretchen.

Nate: Ah...hello. Nice to meet you.

Patsy: You too Nate. Hey you kinda cute and this hair. I've never seen this color in a while. Who did it?

Nate: (rolls eyes) It's my natural hair color honestly.

This was not the first time, nor would it be the last time that he would have to address questions about his strawberry blond hair.

Lazlo: Honestly Patsy. He's a bean scout and bean scouts don't have there hair done.

Patsy: Such a shame cause I would love to do yours Lazlo.

While Lazlo began to giggle nervously, the others went on talking a little while. Meanwhile up at the top of the falls, Edward just put on his flashy performance outfit and was getting ready to do his leap from the top with hang glider at the ready.

Edward: Now Chip and Skip, all I need you guys to do is to come and take photos after I...Chip? Skip? Where are those two.

The two purple dung beetles were back in the woods still trying to figure out the camera and getting into their usual argument about whose holding it right. Edward shouted and jumped up and down and anger over the absence of his bunkmates who were supposed to document his moment of glory. During his jumping, Edward ended up slipping on the rock he was standing on and falling into the pre-fall rapids. The force sheering apart his hang glider has he tumbled closer to the edge. He was able to a rock to keep him from falling down the falls. Seven feet down he could see the ledge with the old tree and back away from that he could see the jelly cabin campers along with Patsy, Nina, and Gretchen. He called out for help to get there attention.

Nina: Hey look, it's that platypus, Edward. He's about to go over the falls!

Patsy: Looks like I need to swing into action.

Nate: Wait Patsy! It may be too late for that. I don't know how much longer he can hold on. I have an idea. Clam, hand me that stone down there.

Clam picked up the moderately heavy stone and gave it to Nate.

Nate: I've got one shot at this.

Nate reaches back and pitches the stone with all his might toward the old tree. The side heavy tree began to fall toward the ledge opposite it and formed a bridge across. Edward upon seeing the tree fall pushed himself away from the rock he was clinging to with all his might and landed butt first on the newly laid tree bridge. A great shout of cheers and applause rang up from those now gathering.

Raj: Whoa...my friend that is quite some arm you got there.

Lazlo: I'll say. That was one major league fastball Nate.

Clam: Nolan Ryan!

Nate: He's not out of the woods yet...

Lazlo stopped him at mid sentence to point out that Nina and Gretchen were now bringing Edward off the tree.

Nate: Whew...I'm glad that all worked out. I was hoping the root system of that tree was weak enough to make for an easy toppling.

Edward: (coming over, still very shaky) They tell me I have you to thank. Thanks Nate. You saved me...

Nate: No need to thank me Edward. Any of us would've found a way to save your rear...

Edward: Uh...that you didn't do such a good job of (he said holding his now throbbing rump)

At that all around laughed and Edward was then helped to the nurse's office by Lazlo and Clam. There was great celebrating for the new camper's heroic actions that night. A great weenie roast was held, with real weenie's no less. A good time was had by all and the festivities were closed with a marshmallow party. It wasn't until two in the morning before all bean scouts had retired to their cabins.

Location: Jelly Cabin

Time: June 6th, 2006 at 2:15 A.M. M.S.T.

His bunkmates had all gone to sleep already but Nate stayed up contemplating his very successful first day at Camp Kidney. He had brought with him some silk PJs the color of cocoa butter and was currently just longing on top of his covers in them, just relaxing in the gentle mildness of the night mountain air. He was also writing a letter to his brother that he would mail to him in the morning. He had also called Dan sometime earlier to let him know of his adventures today. He was certain that things were gonna be great here and that with this hero status he gained, it might be easier to help make amends for all that had happened with his brother here. Hero or not, he had already assumed a decent friendship with all here, especially his bunkmates. Oh they were quite the characters they were. So fun loving and adventurous. Oh yes things were gonna be fun here. He finished his letter, sealed the envelope and affixed the stamp and then worked his way under the covers and snuffed out his lamp with one final phrase. "Goodnight my friends"