July 15th, 1995

Today I got up early and set up my bags in the front yard. I ate breakfast and waited outside for Miles to pick me up.

My stepfather keeps asking me where I was travelling to and who I'm coming with. Despite telling him where I was moving, he didn't believe me. He said he could tell I was hiding something and wouldn't let me leave until I gave him the truth.

I informed him I'm old enough to do whatever I want and assured him I'm just hanging out with my friends. He then told me stories of how he was my age and what he had been through. He told me stories about campsites where he saw someone die.

He also explained to me how he had been in trouble with the law and had to take responsibility for his actions. He advised me to stay out of trouble and take care of myself.

As a cop and a father, he told me to think twice before doing something stupid. I promised him I'd take his word just as soon as Miles arrived with a pickup track. Miles showed up and I hopped into the truck, eager to leave.

I looked out the window and saw my stepdad standing there, shaking his head. I knew he was disappointed, but I also knew he understood. As we drove off, I thought about what he said and thought he might be right. However, I had his gun with me so I decided to go ahead with the plan.

Later, we picked up Ryan and Oscar on the way and headed to The Black Camp only 45 miles from here. The Black Camp is located in the middle of the woods, surrounded by tall trees and a lake.

As we're travelling, I can smell strong alcohol in the seats and weed scent. I told Miles to turn down the music and asked if he had been drinking or smoking. He denied it but I could tell from his expression that he had been.

I urged him to pull over and let me drive the rest of the way. As I drove, Oscar told me to stop and take a leak. As I drove over, I was about to pull over for him to piss on a tree. In spite of this, he stopped me and told me he "prefers" to do it in the bathroom.

I was surprised but I pulled over at the next gas station and Oscar ran off to the restroom. This was an opportunity for Ryan to ask questions to the locals about The Black Camp. The locals told us the camp was off-limits and warned us to stay away, saying it was dangerous.

One of them stated that one of his relatives went to the camp and returned and was never the same again. They said his mind had been broken, and he was unable to function normally.

Upon Oscar's return, we all headed back to the track and continued our journey. I asked Ryan why we should proceed after what we had just heard. He responded we don't need to worry about anything as he said he planned this for weeks before asking us to do his project.

Ryan encouraged us to focus on the prize and move forward because we have everything we need to survive. Plus, it was too late to turn back since we had come this far.

I drove while Ryan, Miles, and Oscar sorted the supplies in the back of the truck. Eventually, we arrived at our destination and parked the truck near a gate.

The gate looked old and rusty. It was covered in ivy. The sun had already set and the stars twinkled in the night sky. Though it was old, the gate sign was still readable: Welcome to Gale Scout - where we preach Christ and train future leaders. All are welcome."

I had an uneasy feeling about this but we knew it was the entrance to our campsite. We got out and unloaded the truck, ready for our camping adventure.

We walked in and surveyed the area. The sun waned down and the shadows got longer. I asked Ryan if we could just set up the tent here and start the project tomorrow and he agreed.

We set up the tent and collected firewood for the evening. Ryan cooked us a simple meal on the campfire and I must say, I didn't know he could cook this well.

We ate the meal and then gathered around the campfire, talking and laughing late into the night. Miles told scary stories while Oscar shared funny jokes. Eventually, we all grew tired and tucked into bed, looking forward to tomorrow.

So far, this trip hasn't been so bad. I get to hang out with my friends, explore this haunted summer camp, and have some fun. Yet I've been thinking about what my stepfather told me. Was it the right idea to come here?

I guess I'll find out soon enough. In any case, I'm here now and determined to make the most of it. That's what I do best - take life as it comes.

Chapter end