Camp Brotherhood

Week 1, Sunday

 As the bus turns into a rocky path, I feel my stomach nearly drop out of my pants. This is it—college. Well, sort of it. This is the first step towards it, at least. What this really is is five weeks of living in cabins with my soon-to-be classmates. Out the window, I watch the trees slowly pass, while the bus bumps along and the clamor of others grows to a buzzing excitement. A part of me wants to join the other guys in their introductions and picking bunk mates. Still, so much of me isn't ready. Since when was this my reality? Sebastian and I always talked about growing up and graduating and attending this university and this camp. But, now that it's happening, I'm not so sure that I'm ready. I want to go home. For the first time ever, Lima, Ohio is more appealing than where I am.

   "Alright, guys quiet down!" One of the older boys at the front stood, wielding a megaphone. "My name is Wes. I'm a senior art directing major and I kinda inherited the role of your leader for the upcoming weeks." A handful of applause and cheers sound mostly from older students. "So, we are just about there," more cheers follow. I peer nervously out the window, feeling Sebastian bump my shoulder excitedly. Trying to match his energy, I grin and bump my friend back. "But, before—come on guys, quiet down. Before we get off the bus, we need to go over the rules. Sorry guys." He addresses the subdued boo's and aww's from around the bus. But, he forges on, holding up the list in his hands. "Rule number one, absolutely no violence. If there is any, then you will be sent home and word will be given to the headmaster and, for freshmen, the dean of admissions as well, since your enrollment isn't exactly set in stone yet.” A nervous glance is passed around between my fellow freshmen. "Rule number two is, well...ok, so, I know the girls' camp isn't far from us, but no sneaking into their cabins and shit." Wes warns, rather half heartedly. I can tell he's probably planning on doing that himself. "There will be co-Ed events, but bedtime isn't one of them."

   Sebastian leans into me to whisper, "lucky us." I shoot him a quizzical look. "You think anyone else in our cabin will be gay?" I shush him, a pink hue flooding my cheeks. Sebastian was always very comfortable with his body and, subsequently, the bodies of others. I, on the other hand, was forever his awkward, virgin sidekick. Many times, I've worried that my entire college life will just be me helping Sebastian get laid. Admittedly, it's better than the miserable times he attempted to get me laid. But, it's still not preferable. Maybe, this trip will be a chance to meet some new people, put some distance between the two of us. Although, it is pretty nice being joint at Sebastian's hip. He looks out for me and he's fun, plus it's the only thing familiar to me out here in the woods.

   I return my attention to Wes, catching him in the middle of another rant. "I understand that some of you are 21, but not everyone is. So, let's strive to keep the cauldron dry this year. Which would be a first...a really great first!" He has no response for that. "At least don't give any alcohol to minors." It is abundantly clear in his defeated tone that even he doubts that will happen. The bus jolts to a stop and everyone begins rustling to get off. "Hang on, I'm not done." Wes demands. "Just remember, be nice, have fun, make friends and welcome to Camp Brotherhood!" Everyone cheers loudly, beginning to exit the bus. "Cabin assignments are posted in the mess hall, as well as some maps." Now he is yelling into the megaphone, vying for our attention as we depart the bus. "Get settled and remember we meet in the mess hall for dinner at 7, followed by a meeting." One of his friends has to place a hand on his shoulder and reassure him that no one was listening and that it was fine. "Let me know if you need help!" He adds, allowing his friends to lead him off the bus.

   Trying to get our bags from the bottom of the bus is chaotic. From the dirt and gravel parking lot we ended up in and all of the shuffling around, a thick cloud of dust has accumulated, making the process hellish. A lot of shoving is also used. So much for brotherhood. On top of that, we are not alone at the campsite, so we've found ourselves unloading in between minivans and Suburbans.