Chapter 3

He loaded the dishwasher when he got home and gave his kitchen a final look.The house had already begun to deteriorate when he bought it.It required all of his weekends and holidays for a year, as well as the assistance of his entire extended Croatian family, particularly two retired uncles who were handymen and were looking for work.But he adored his old house in the federation style, loved the three-sided veranda, the wooden Kauri floors, and the French doors that led out onto the veranda.The kitchen, which he had designed specifically, was well-designed and easy to use.When he first started, the garden was almost like a jungle.He could sit on the veranda without seeing any people or automobiles because it shielded him from the neighbors while he had trimmed it back.Perfect for a policeman who needed a break.

The rash promise he had made to himself that he would run every morning after cooking dinner for others was not nearly as satisfying.He was supposed to get back in shape through this.He had stopped exercising because of the renovation, the boys, and his job, and this was the way he was going to try to get it back into his routine.Michael , his partner, was a total fitness fanatic who constantly hindered his good intentions.When he wasn't working out at the gym, he was out pounding the pavement, following all the most recent gurus.Franklin turned off the kitchen light and told himself that he would definitely go for a run after the next dinner he cooked as he looked at his watch and thought about what he had planned for the day after.

Two hours out of town, Johnson and Luketurned off the busy highway and headed toward the camp through rolling farmland.Brown Jersey cows dotted the green hills, and occasionally high fences held goats or deer.Farmers who were risk-takers were expanding their operations to include livestock and crops in the hopes of increasing their income.The green hills gradually gave way to bushes and scrub.Enormous trees cast conceal over greeneries in the undergrowth, the air became cooler and they two times stayed away from hedgehogs gradually wobbling their direction across the street.

Johnson and Lukehad completed a volunteer training course, had a current "Working with children" certificate, and each had two character references in addition to their police clearance.

Luke Turned into a long gravel road that wound through dark green trees when they both saw the sign at the Johnson e time.Johnson would roll down her window to block out the car's noise and hear the birds.Luke Pulled over and escaped the vehicle.

"What are you working on?"Johnson sighed.They had barely entered the gate, and there was no sign of the camp.

She heard Lukesay, "Organizing something for "just in case"" as the boot opened.Also, he left the car and went into the trees with a big black bag, forcing his way through the ferns in the undergrowth.He returned nearly immediately.You will never know what you will require.I refer to it as insurance.'They continued down the gravel path after he released the handbrake until they reached a series of cream-colored buildings in a dusty tree opening.Some of the buildings were likely dormitories, while others were long and narrow and appeared to be halls.

They were greeted and given individual guides.Renee was Johnson 's guide, complete with numerous studs in one eyebrow, a pointed one that ran through her bottom lip, and large, black bolts that extended into long loops from her earlobes.The image was completed with an attitude and short blonde hair.When Renee admitted that she was gay, it appeared as though she had compiled a list of the things that society detests the most and made sure her image met all of those criteria.Johnson was taken on a tour of the camp by Renee as she led her to her dormitory, where she could drop off her duffel bag.A huge army-style kitchen was connected to a long dining room.The roster is posted on the board each morning, and you and everyone else will share kitchen duty, Renee explained.Except for the kids, everyone at this camp is treated equally.Their equality is higher than that of adults.'

'I don't have any idea.'

Renee grinned.Adults are in charge.The rules must be followed by children or else.At the best of times, it's hard for kids to connect with adults.Some kids who were at risk of self-harm complete the program and continue their education as counselors.They can only truly empathize with someone their age who has experienced severe abuse and depression.Adults are available for assistance because adults struggle to comprehend and provide the necessary support for children.Therefore, the children are, in a way, more equal than the adults.Additionally, rules do exist.actually quite strict, but we approach most things differently.In half an hour, your first briefing will be in the hallway.Go to the hall when you hear the gong.Take a look around, and I'll see you over there until then.'Johnson was left feeling somewhat helpless and lost when she left.When a door swung open, Johnson took two steps toward it and almost hit her.A tall, gangly boy stepped forward after she jumped back.I'm sorry; I didn't mean to fall on you.Douglas here.

The man's shoulders were being brushed by dark, slender locks, and Johnson saw pale skin.Johnson Harrison here.'

She was taken aback by his good manners when he extended his hand to her.She was shocked by her preconceived notions about abused children because she had anticipated rudeness, resentment, and anger.She had been one of those kids who always had to be judged.

You appear somewhat lost.Have you recently shown up?'Douglas walked across the kitchen, sat down, and searched the cabinets for a large pot made of stainless steel.Ah, it's here.The other one was too small.At camp, we require large pots to feed everyone.'

Johnson took in the kitchen for the first time as he looked around.The whole lot was huge;bowls, utensils, and big pots.In the middle of the room, there were two long tables and four sinks.Of course, feeding everyone must be a difficult task.'

Yes, and some of us consume a lot of food.'He gave her a grin.ongoing issue.

He was smiling at Johnson .

‘I know that your first time at camp is a little overwhelming, but once you have had your briefing, you will get the hang of it.We value volunteers here, so thanks for stopping by.

He then vanished.Johnson stuck her nose into each building she came to.There were table tennis tables, worn couches all over the walls, whiteboards that looked like graffiti, and shelves filled with games, books, and magazines in the common room.Softball and cricket bats were on one set of shelves.Basketballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, and even a box of Frisbees in vibrant colors were all contained in substantial plastic boxes.Computers and video games of any kind were absent.She assumed that the kids were encouraged to interact with others even when they were relaxing.She was aware that video games and computers kept kids apart, and that these camps were all about getting kids to talk to each other and open up.Healing required trust and connection.

Johnson made his way to the hall as the compound heard a soft, deep gong.Luke Came in a few minutes later and sat next to her in a circle of chairs that she found and entered."Hello, my name is Stewart, and I am one of the founders of Youth With A Future," a middle-aged man said with a smile.I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for donating your valuable time to these young people.Volunteers are truly appreciated.You may become overwhelmed this weekend due to the upsetting stories you will hear.Please don't feel embarrassed; this is a place where people can express their feelings.If you could hear these stories and not be affected, you wouldn't be human.You only need to get up and leave the room, and one of the counselors will debrief you there.

‘You will be given the kitchen roster each morning, and it will be expected of you to fully participate in all of the exercises with the children.Keep in mind that supporting these hurt children's healing in their own time and at their own pace is why we are here.Honesty and allowing others to support you are at the heart of this camp.We encourage as much communication as we can, but don't judge if someone isn't ready because excluding people prevents healing.Unimaginable trauma has befallen these kids.They have discovered through experience that adults should not be trusted.

The guidelines and schedule were distributed.“You okay, Johnson ?” Luke Asked as he turned to her.

Johnson gave a confident nod.Johnny, more important than how I feel are these kids.Their weekend is here.I'm fine.'