You are sitting glum in the passenger seat as your dad parks the car in the lot and cuts the engine. “Welp, we’re here!” He says, trying to sound cheerful.
All around, the lot bustles with activity. A bus had pulled into the drop-off area, disgorging a crowd of curious boys around your age. Meanwhile, other families have arrived and are heading towards the closest camp building, probably to get their kids registered. All this controlled chaos goes unnoticed by the two of you still sitting in awkward silence.
Finally, your dad turns to you. “Look, Gary, I know you didn’t want to come here, but this is going to be good for you. You can’t just stay cooped up at home on your computer all summer. You’ve gotta get out and get some sun once in a while. Put some meat on those bones.”
“Dad, we can’t all be star athletes like you,” you grumble. At 14 years old, you have already decided that you are not like your dad who still keeps his trophies from college sports. Sure, he doesn’t exactly pressure you into playing any sport, but you can almost see his disappointment whenever he catches you spending all day on a computer playing games of a more virtual sort.
“I’m not asking you to be a star athlete,” your father responds. “I’m just asking you to get one summer’s worth of exercise and make a few friends. This camp will give you a chance to do both.”
“Whatever. Fine.”
Both of you climb out and unload your things. You make sure to keep your sleeping bag at your side to keep your dad from discovering the stash of portable game consoles tucked inside. If the cabin has an outlet for charging, you would have no problem entertaining yourself.
The two of you then follow the rest of the families to the registration building.