Day 12: The Ending

To the east of where we had set up camp there was a creek. Michael had told us never to cross it. However, today we found out that on the other side of the creek was the summer camp for older kids run by one of his friends. Our final task was to sneak inside their headquarters and steal their three mascots. The mascots were taxidermied heads of wolves that hung in the foyer of the building.

Just as we were about to leave, Linda tapped me on the shoulder.
"There's an unlocked window on the left side of the building. Give it a good push".

Sure enough, there was the window. I climbed inside with 2 other guys while the rest kept watch. It took a few minutes to find our way to the lobby but we knew we were in the right place when we saw the three heads. As quickly and quietly as possible, we each took a head and made for the window. We didn't stop running until we had reached our campsite.

We were given oars for the paddle back to the other side of the lake. At 3pm, dad was waiting in the parking lot. In the past 12 days I felt I had died and come back to life.

Oh and dad said that starting Monday I will be working with him at Olympus.

Day 11: I hate boats

When we woke up (or rather, got woken up abruptly) this morning, a large boat had docked on the island. Michael handed each of us a sponge and told us to wash it. Linda joined us for a while and actually made the task more bearable. By the end of the day my hands were filthy and I suspected that I was growing an ecosystem under my nails.

Day 10: Bleh

It rained again today so Michael decided to send us for a run. We were given phone privileges in the evening so I gave my dad a ring. He said some comforting words and I walked back to my sad tent.

Day 9: The three sisters

Today I found out that the kind lady from reception is called Linda. I learned this when Michael announced our 9th task. Linda and her two sisters, Alice and Rachael were guarding a box of golden scarves and still in our groups, we were instructed to retrieve a scarf without being caught by the three sisters. It took a while and we had to sacrifice a few group members to act as scapegoats but we finally got it!

Day 8: Will the Botanist

Michael separated us into two groups. We were given 2 hours to find a list of items and to bring it back to him. Most of them were plant species that looked really similar. Thank goodness we covered a bit of botany in school last term.  The team that finished second would have to prepare dinner. Fortunately, my team finished first. Unfortunately, the losing team was made up of bad cooks.

Day 7: Row, row, row your boat

In the morning we were told that the rest of our tasks would be completed at the island across the lake. We packed our bags and walked over to the lake to board our boats. Michael made us paddle our way to the island. He didn't give us any oars. Guess whose hands are pruned again?

Day 6: Laundry Day

I've done laundry before. I used to enjoy it because it would make my house smell like fresh laundry. However, I should have predicted that laundry day at Lake Waterloo was a little bit different. We weren't given the luxury of washing machines or dryers. After lunch, we were told to take our clothes and bedsheets to the lake and wash them there. Water was cold. I was sore from squatting by the lake. Out of nowhere, Michael brought out a HUGE pile of dirty laundry. Man, was it dirty. By the late afternoon my hands were pruned.