Camp Redwood Novels & Stories

(Aya’s POV) “You really want to go here, huh?” Red muttered, pointing his index finger at our current location on the map board. We stopped in front of the map board of The Oak Lake and compared it with the brochure given to us at the main entrance. It was a huge park with a camping site and recreational activities for companies who wanted to conduct team-building events or for families and friends who just wanted to commune with nature to do hiking or water ventures like boating, swimming, or fishing at the lake.

“Ruby. Laura. Claire. Cherry—” “Cherry?” he said sharply. “As in Cherry Mantle? Daughter of Alpha Chester of bloodhowl pack? Soon to be Levi’s…?” “Yeah,” I muttered, already regretting saying her name. He raised an eyebrow. “And you want to go camping with her?” “I don’t care about her,” I lied. “I just want to do something normal. Please?” He sighed, long and hard. “Will there be adults?” “No, but it’s Moondew land. We’re trained. It’s not like we’re going to get eaten by bears.”

I smiled at her appreciatively because her words gave me the strength that I needed. I had not been certain what to expect when I walked out the door, but it was not what I initially thought when I heard Camden talk about the camp. There were seven different cabins with a big firepit in the middle. Tables surrounded it. The best part was that this place was surrounded by nature. This was their camp in Montana. I could finally witness the beauty of its nature up close. The pine trees provided shade but did not block out the beauty of the blue sky above us.

I will surely regret this later. The night has started to get chilly. It's not that dark, the whole camp is lit up with post lamps. Still, it's pretty scary knowing we're doing this at night. Whose idea is this? "This activity will strengthen your bond and trust with your partner," the priest began to give his 'holy speech' that only the nuns are listening. "The task is simple. Go inside and explore the forest, look for the bible verse written on a tree, come back here for your reward. The first team to get back here, wins!" the priest said with delight. "Any questions?"

"Both." "Um... have you ever camped out in the open like this?" Rena asked, overcoming the awkwardness. This was not her original attitude. If only Ben hadn't been watching her from ten steps away, she could be sure how she'd rather curl up in her kitchen and look for the latest cake recipe. I don't know if this is wild or not. Ben and Zach set up camp not more than a hundred yards from the yard. They slightly entered the small pine forests that were deliberately not cut down—in the sense of being a nature preserve—and made them a gathering place.

“I’m half-expecting Alex to start sleeping in his boots.” “Where’s the camp?” I asked, casually. She told me the location – it wasn’t far, but it sat on the edge of a wide stretch of protected woodland. Beautiful, sure, but open. Something tightened in my chest. “You’re going with them, right?” “No, it’s a drop-off.” She replied, grabbing another cup. “Counselors will be there. Parents get a full weekend off.” I raised an eyebrow. “You’re just… dropping them off in the woods with strangers?”

"Her name's Kaylee Brown." My eyes lit up. Yes, yes, yes! Caleb used to have a crush on her. I remembered Caleb talking about her a lot. I remembered Caleb saying she was a skinny girl who loved to party and plays Soccer and wore high round glasses. She loved wearing flannels a lot too. But what's Brayden got to do with any of this? I'm so confused. So I did what I should have done a long time ago. "Brayden, can you meet me in riverwood park? I need to ask you a few things. Thanks."

He handed me the cup and I smiled at him. Randolph had exited the bed sliding on his sweatpants on his way to the bathroom. We waited a moment for him to come back out and sit down with us all. “We found a camp in the Western woods. I think it has been there for a while by the looks of it. Helga and Renard are due back this afternoon, I say we hit the camp this morning.” Erik suggested. “Last minute could be dangerous.” Lex said in response. “It could be, but we are always prepared. I agree with Erik.” Randolph offered.

— MARCH 23, 2013 | 1:32am — EXT. EURO CREEK. BATHURST ISLAND, AUSTRALIA. HIDDEN RESERVE. NIGHT. In a closed-off quad, hidden under a dense canopy of trees, a campground glistens under the orange lights of fluorescent bulbs. Strewn about on dried out branches, and erected beams made from thick bamboo. They are reinforced by rocks and anchors of smaller wood nailed around their legs. The canopy of thick trees provide cover, and the remote location ensures no locals intervene. Though the noise from the three strategically placed generators leave much to fear in such a place.

Never past the second creek. I kept moving. By the time the sun had fully risen, I was well beyond WhiteMoon territory. The forest changed gradually, the trees wider, the ground softer, the air carrying the faint metallic smell of a large camp somewhere ahead. I slowed down and moved with more care. The Red Claws camp was not what I expected. I had imagined something brutal looking, all sharp edges and blood-soaked banners. But what I found nestled between two ridges was almost... structured. Guard rotations every fifteen minutes, Archers in the trees spaced far enough apart that a gap existed between each pair.