Parole at Camp Summerset

By A. W. Touchette

I was born and raised in Chatham (Cape
Cod) Massachusetts. I am the youngest of fi ve
children. I graduated from Chatham High
School. I was married in 1985, currently living
in Provo, Utah with my husband, Edmond.
I worked with trouble teens and loved every
minute of it. There were always challenges. I
love reaching out to teenagers and giving trouble
teens a little tender, loving, and care which goes
a long way. Listening to them when they needed
someone, trying to understand them in a way
that other people could not understand where
they were coming from.
When I was a teenager, I use to hang around downtown. My friends and I
skipped school along with breaking some laws over and over, until an
extraordinary man saw something special about me and took me off the
streets; put me to work at his store. He taught me about life in general,
like keeping promises, lying, stealing and taking school seriously. Teaching
me that there are consequences in the decisions and actions that I take, also
teaching me there are challenges in life, the worst thing I could do is to cop
out and run from my problems. I am very glad I had a mentor like him,
he changed my life. I feel lucky because I have two mentors; the second
was the assistance manager of that very same store. He also taught me a lot
and used to read the bible which made me more motivated in reading the
bible in my teens and I never stop reading the bible. My family supported
everything in my life. Thank you to everybody that helped me changed,
teaching me not to give up my dreams and be successful in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 13, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450045261

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

It was June 20, the beginning of summer in a small town called Littlefield, Massachusetts.

My name is Tim Nickerson; I am fifteen years old. I have a sister named Jenny, who is sixteen years old. We are being sent to Camp Summerset, which is in Pennsylvania. Camp Summerset is a coed camp for teenagers, who have been in trouble with the law and are now on parole. Our dad is never around, for he took off three years ago, leaving us behind with our mom. Our mom is never around for us either, boozing and chasing men is her style; we are only in her way. Jenny and I ran away a couple of times to find Dad, but the police always found us and brought us back home. Jenny and I are very close to each other, for we only have each other to depend on for love and security. We unfortunately got on the wrong side of the law and began stealing and hanging around with the wrong crowd; that is how we ended up in this program.

We arrive at the town parking lot, where there were two buses waiting and two police cars; by the door of each bus were two police officers and one police officer standing by each police car.

According to the court, our parole officer, and mom, Camp Summerset would be the best thing for us, for they made the decision, and we had no say. We got out of the car and took our suitcases out of the trunk.

Jenny stared at mom for a moment, saying, Mom, do we have to go to this camp?

Yes, your parole officer said it would do both of you some good, and I agree.

Jenny snapped back, Not to mention we will be out of your hair. If Dad was only here, he wouldn’t send us away.

Don’t you ever mention your father, he took off on us. Get on the bus now. Besides, you will make new friends at this camp.

Jenny and I slowly turned and started toward the bus with our suitcases in our hands.

Jenny whispered, Tim, don’t worry, we can find a way out. Just think we will only be one state over from where Dad lives. We can escape to find him.

I just continued walking, looking down toward the ground. The policeman standing by the door of the bus asked our names; we told him.

The policeman checked our names off the list, saying, Put your luggage in the rear of the bus and then take a seat.

As we boarded the bus, I looked around. There were a lot of teenagers on the bus. I can’t believe all these teenagers were on parole. We continued to the back of the bus and put our suitcases down next to the others; then, we went halfway down the aisle and sat down in an empty seat. Everybody on the bus was talking at once. I stared out the window wondering what this camp is going to be like. One police officer from the other bus came over to the police officer at our bus; they were comparing the names on the two lists. I guess to see if they had everybody. Then one police officer went to each bus; there also was a policewoman on each bus. The bus door closed and the engines started up we will soon be on our way.

My sister touched my hands and looked at me. Don’t worry, we can make new friends.

I gave her a little smile and then looked back out the window, thinking to myself, Yeah, that is just what I don’t want to do, make friends.

I felt like we were being taken to a prison camp with all the police around. The buses started on their way with one police car leading and one police car behind the second bus.

After riding the bus for three hours, we stopped at another parking lot in Connecticut. There were more teenagers waiting to get on the bus with their parents nearby.

The police officer stood up calling out, Quiet everybody! It was still noisy. The police officer yelled louder, I said shut up! When I say quiet, I mean quiet! For the first time, it was silent. The police officer continued, There are restrooms at this stop. If you have to go, go now. I advise you to stretch your legs. The next stop will be in New York. I want to warn everyone, do not try to escape. If you do not return to one of the buses, you will be tracked down.

A boy yelled from the back, How the hell can we take off with all the cops around?

Some of the teenagers laughed.

The police officer yelled, Okay, enough. It is our responsibility to make sure you arrive at Camp Summerset safely.

The bus door opened; the two officers got off the bus first. The policewoman went to the women’s restroom, and one of the policemen from one of the police cars went to the men’s restroom. The teenagers started to climb off the bus. I just sat there staring out the window at the other kids; some were smoking cigarettes and laughing while others went to the restrooms. I glanced up and saw a police officer walking toward me.

The police officer sat down next to me, extending his hand, saying, I am Officer Turner.

I shook his hand. I’m Tim.

Don’t you want to get off the bus and stretch your legs?

I sarcastically answered, I’m doing just fine.

Officer Turner said, Tim, I am sure you will like this camp. You will make lots of friends.

Yeah, I suppose so. I paused. Tell me, Officer Turner, what is this camp like?

I honestly do not know.

Why are all the cops around?

Officer Turner answered, To make sure there is no trouble and everyone arrives safely.

I just happen to look up and saw my sister coming over; she asked, Is there a problem, officer?

No. Officer Turner stood up and walked off the bus.

Jenny asked, Tim, what did he say to you?

Nothing much.

Jenny sadly said, I don’t think there is a way out this time.

I turned my head and stared out the window, pretending my sister never said that.

Just then, I heard a whistle blow, and the officers yelling, Back on the buses, everybody.

The teenagers started to pile on the bus as Officer Turner checked their names off and a police officer checked names off the other bus. The two police officers compared lists when all the teenagers were back on the buses.

I was thinking to myself, Is Jenny really going to give up? It is not like her. I felt miserable inside.

Officer Turner interrupted my thinking, yelling, Is there a Tim and Jenny Nickerson on this bus?

Jenny raised her hand, saying, I’m Jenny, and this is Tim, as she pointed to me.

I watched Officer Turner check our name off, saying, Just checking to make sure you were on one of the buses.

Officer Turner signaled the other police officer that Jenny and I were on his bus. The bus door closed; the engines started up. We were on our way. Some of the teenagers were talking up a storm, Jenny included. About four hours went by when we pulled in another parking lot.

Officer Turner stood up, then ordered, Quiet! Everybody hushed up this time. Officer Turner continued in a strong voice, Nobody is allowed off the bus this time. Some of the kids booed. Officer Turner yelled, All right listen up. The reason behind this is, just down the street, we will have lunch.

The kids roared, Awesome, right on man. It is about time.

I was glad, for I was getting hungry also. The bus door opened; most of the teenagers went on the other bus except for this one girl wearing a black leather jacket and tight black leather pants, carrying a large green army like duffel bag. She went to the back of the bus and slung her duffel bag on top of the suitcases. She proceeded down the aisle toward the front and stopped where this boy was sitting with his legs across the seat.

This girl ordered, Move your legs.

The boy answer, No way man.

The girl grabbed his T-shirt, threatening, Move or I will rearrange your face.

The boy pushed her away, saying, Get lost!

Officer Turner walked over to them, asking, What is the problem here?

No problems, answered the boy.

Officer Turner looked at the girl, saying, Take a seat with one of the girls.

The girl sarcastically replied, I want to sit here, dude.

Officer Turner loudly said, I said to sit with one of the girls, or you can ride in one of the patrol cars.

The girl pushed her way forward, nudging Officer Turner as she walked by him.

The boy laughed a little, saying, All right, dude, you sure put her in her place.

Officer Turner leaned forward toward the boy. I hope you learn things where you are going. Otherwise, you won’t last there. Officer Turner straightened up, walking to the front.

We were so involved watching this girl I did not hear the bus door close; we were on our way again.

Just down the road was a Dirby’s Restaurant; the buses and police cars pulled in the parking lot. The noise on the bus seemed to get louder.

Officer Turner stood up when the bus came to a full stop. Quiet please. The noise continued, so Officer Turner blew his whistle. It became quiet. Officer Turner loudly said, Nobody gets off the bus. We will bring the food to you. If you have to go to the restroom, a police officer will escort you one at a time.

A boy interrupted and yelled, The coppers don’t trust us.

Officer Turner quickly said, That’s right, not here anyway.

The bus door opened; a police officer and an employee from Dirby’s Restaurant came aboard. They started to pass out bags filled with one hamburger, one small fry, and a small soda.

Officer Turner yelled out, Do not litter the bus up. We will put trash bags down the aisle, use them!

The restaurant employee handed Officer Turner a paper. Officer Turner signed it handing it back to the Dirby’s Restaurant employee. The Dirby’s Restaurant employee took the paper, giving Officer Turner a copy. When all of us finished eating, we did go to the restroom escorted by an officer one at a time. Officer Turner picked up the three trash bags down the aisle making sure there were no trash on the bus floor. Officer Turner got off the bus, throwing the trash away. When everybody went to the restroom and was settled back on the buses, we started on our way again.

After a couple of hours had gone by, the noise on the bus started to die out. Some of the teenagers had fallen asleep. I dozed off; when I woke up, we just entered Pennsylvania. Slowly everybody started to wake up whispering. The police cars and buses turned off the highway and pulled in a parking lot with a restaurant. When the bus came to a halt, everybody woke up.

Officer Turner stood up, then loudly said, Listen up. We stopped here to eat dinner. All of you will step off the bus and form two lines on the side of the bus. When everybody is off the bus forming two lines, then you will be instructed to walk inside the restaurant. We will stop at the restrooms, and then one of the police officers will show you where to sit. I warn you, be on your best behavior. I will say this once again. Do not try to escape. We will catch you.

Can we order anything? A voice came from the back.

Officer Turner answered, You can order anything on the menu you are given. Do not go overboard, or I will personally order for you.

The bus door opened; we all stood up and did what we were instructed to do. Everything went smoothly. Before we knew it, we were on our way again.

About two hours went by before we turned off the highway. It seemed like we were heading for the boondocks. Every once in a while, we would pass a small grocery store, a gas station, and a couple of houses; all the rest was woods. We finally turned down a dirt road. Some of the kids were getting restless. It must be nerves, or they were eager to get off the bus. It seemed like the road was extra long and leading deeper into the woods. I finally saw a big sign on the edge of the road Welcome to Camp Summerset; a little further down was a gate with two people standing on each side. Above the gate was an arch-shaped structure with Camp Summerset in big bold letters across the arch-shaped structure. The gate opened automatically, letting the buses and police cars continue on in. I looked back to see if the gate closed; I couldn’t see. The bus finally came to a halt. I looked around to see what the camp was like. The grounds were well kept up, the grass greener than ever. There were two brick buildings about fifty yards apart from each other. On one building, it had a sign, Boys Dorm, on the other building, Girls Dorm, in big bold letters. Diagonally across was a huge building with a sign, School, and next to that was a smaller building with a sign, Recreation Hall. Down further was a smaller building; the sign on the building had Office on the building. On the other side of the office building, was a larger brick building; the sign read Client Cafeteria. There were six other buildings with no signs on them. Close to the six buildings was another large brick building, Staff Cafeteria. There was another small brick building with a sign on it, Medical Building. I even noticed a small convenience store on the premises. Anybody could tell Camp Summerset was very well kept up and is in top shape.

The bus door opened; Officer Turner said in a loud strong voice, This is it, where I leave you kids off. One at a time, go to the back of the bus, show the officer which suitcase is yours. She will hand it to you, then come to the front and off the bus. You are to stand on the grass, where the counselors tell you. You are now in their hands. Officer Turner paused. We will start in the front to my right. As Officer Turner pointed to his right, another officer went to the back of the bus.

One at a time, we did what Officer Turner instructed us to do. I noticed the other bus unloading in the same manner.

As we got off the bus, we were instructed to stand in a group away from the buses. The buses were finally empty. Boy, there must be about sixty or more teenagers here!

A man stood in front of us. Welcome to Camp Summerset. The teenagers paid no attention to him; they just kept on talking. The man’s voice got stronger and louder. Listen up! Listen up, everybody! I am not going to repeat myself, so shut up! Suddenly it came to a dead silence. You could hear the birds chirping in a distance. What a pleasant sound, better than hearing cars whipping by like I am used to. The man continued, My name is Mr. Dick Richards. When I call your name, you will yell out ‘here’ and stand over there, as he pointed to his left, where there were six counselors standing, three female counselors and three male counselors. One of the counselors will take you to your assigned room.

Dick Richards had a clipboard in his hand. As Mr. Richards started calling girls’ names, I could see he was checking them off. Mr. Richards started the next group as one of the female counselors took a group of girls to the girls’ dorm.

Jack Lanwood.

Jack yelled, Here.

Mr. Richards said, Tim Nickerson.

I looked at Jenny. I wish we could stay together.

Mr. Richards’s voice got louder. Tim Nickerson.

Jenny said, Don’t worry, Tim. I am sure we will see each other. You better go now.

Mr. Richards loudly ordered. Tim Nickerson, we don’t have all night. Tim Nickerson!

I looked down while slowly walking toward the other boy, saying, Here.

Mr. Richards said, Billy Jackson. A boy came forward and stood next to me. Mr. Richards looked at him, saying, What’s wrong, Billy, the cat got your tongue?

Billy looked at Mr. Richards, saying, No.

Mr. Richards asked, Then why didn’t you yell out ‘here’?

Billy slyly replied, You have eyes, can’t you see, or are you blind?

Mr. Richards calmly continued, Chris Taylor.

Chris answered, Here.

Mike Johnson.

Yeah.

John Woodland.

Yo.

Mr. Richards looked at one of the male counselors.

The male counselor came over to us. You boys follow me.

The counselor took us to the boys’ dorm. Inside was a long hallway. At one end was a room; the sign posted read LAUNDRY ROOM. Down the hallway on the right, we passed four bedrooms, on the left, one huge bathroom with showers and a changing room just outside the shower room. At the other end of the hallway was another huge room; the sign posted was TV ROOM. The counselor went in the last bedroom; we followed behind. The bedroom had eight beds with lockers beside each bed. There were sheets, pillowcase, one blanket, and a pillow neatly piled on the beds. The bedroom was very clean; posted on each bed and locker were our names. You could tell this building was not very old. At the back of the bedroom were three windows.

The male counselor spoke up. Your names are posted on each bed and locker. There are locks and keys in the lockers. You will keep your lockers locked at all times. You will keep this bedroom clean at all times; your beds will be made every morning.

Jack Lanwood turned to the male counselor. You mean we have to make our own beds!

The male counselor replied, That is correct.

Jack remarked, I never made a bed in my life!

The male counselor said, Well, it is time you learn how. The male counselor walked over to my bed; he took the sheets, pillowcase, blanket, and pillow off my bed, saying, For those boys who do not know how to make a bed, watch. I am only doing this once for you. The counselor made my bed, pulling it tight with ninety degrees hospital corners. I will expect these beds to be made when I return in two hours. The male counselor left the bedroom.

I put my suitcase on my bed and started to unpack. The rest of the boys went to their lockers except for John, who sat down on a bed. Jack Lanwood’s bed and locker was on one side of me; Billy Jackson was on the other side of me. Across from me was John Woodland.

Jack said, Hey, Billy, open the windows so we can smoke.

Jack brought out an ashtray from his suitcase. Billy and Jack lit up a cigarette.

Billy turned to me, asking, You want a cig?

No, thanks, I have my own. I took out a pack of cigarettes, took a cigarette out, and lit it up.

Chris said, I don’t think you guys should smoke in here.

As John joined us, he said, Who is going to tell on us? Look man, we do not accept any squealers in this bedroom. If you squeal on us, you will be one sorry son of a gun. So nobody had better even think of squealing. Got that straight everybody. Besides, this place already sucks.

Billy added, Yeah, nobody is going to tell me what to do or what not to do.

Chris and the others decided to join us and lit up a cigarette. We introduced ourselves to each other. Although some of them knew each other already, I hid my pack of cigarettes along with a carton in the last draw in my locker. Mike Johnson and Chris Taylor were assigned across from Billy and Jack. There were eight beds in our bedroom, but only six people, so we had room to breathe. We all seemed friendly toward each other, but time will tell. We helped each other make our beds. Everybody started to unpack except for John, who just sat on his made bed. John seemed to be the big shot in our bedroom; you know the type, a troublemaker. The same male counselor walked in our bedroom; by his face’s expression, he was surprised to see the beds made up exactly the way we were shown. Of course, the two empty beds did not have to be made up.

The male counselor started walking over to John. In ten minutes, you are to take your empty suitcases and backpacks to the hall closet.

John butt in. Why can’t we keep our suitcases in our bedroom?

The counselor replied, No suitcases allowed in any bedroom. That is the way it is.

For sure, they don’t trust us, John, Billy sarcastically said.

In ten minutes, boys. Then the male counselor turned and left our bedroom.

Ten minutes went by; all of us except for John brought our suitcases to the hall closet. As we put our suitcases in the closet, a male counselor asked our name and checked it off a list he had on a clipboard. We returned to our bedroom.

Jack said, John, you better bring your suitcase to the closet.

Chris added, Yeah, they checked our names off a list.

John sarcastically replied, What are they going to do to me, lock me up? I am already a prisoner here.

Just then the same male counselor as before came walking in our bedroom; he walked over to John. I told you I wanted you unpacked in ten minutes and your suitcase in the closet. Why didn’t you obey me?

John retorted, I guess I am just slower than the others to unpack. Besides, I don’t take orders from nobody.

Just as John said that, the male counselor took John’s suitcase and dumped it all over his bed; some of it ended up on the floor.

John stood up, yelling, You didn’t have to do that!

The counselor calmly said, Maybe next time, you will learn how to take orders.

The counselor took John’s suitcase and left the bedroom. We were all astonished. John just started to complain and cuss as he put his things in his locker. They really mean what they say around here goes; you have to obey all rules or else. Little did we know the male counselor that came in our bedroom would be our team counselor!

I was so exhausted, riding all day on the bus and then unpacking, so I decided to lie down. I glanced at my watch; it was 8:55 p.m. I put my watch in my locker and changed in my pajamas; then, I closed my locker and locked it.

As I lay down two male counselors went from bedroom to bedroom, saying, Lights out in fifteen minutes, boys.

CHAPTER TWO

The next morning, the two male counselors went from bedroom to bedroom, yelling, Get up boys!

Wake up call, formation outside in a half hour.

Get up. Don’t forget to make your beds.

Everybody in our bedroom slowly got up; Chris asked, Formation? What in the world is a formation?

We all shrugged our shoulders. We got dress and made our beds. By then, a half hour went by. This extra loud bell rang; it sounded like a school bell. We looked out our bedroom doorway; boys were rushing around in the hallway. Some of the boys started heading outside. We waited until the noise died down before we went outside. When we reached the dorm doorway, I stopped short. I could see four male counselors showing the boys where to stand.

One of the male counselors whistled and yelled, Keep moving, boys, don’t hold up the line.

It looked like a military formation, four ranks with seven boys in each line except for the second and third row, which had eight boys. We were in the fourth row at the back of the formation. On the right side of our formation, the girls were doing the same. There were four female counselors instructing the girls where to stand. The formations were formed between the two dorms, but we were facing the dorms. I looked over to see if I could see my sister; I finally saw her. Jenny was in the last row like us. She looked at me; we smiled at each other.

John nudged me, saying, Boy, those girls are awesome especially the one who smiled at you.

I answered, I know.

John asked, She smiled at you. Do you know her?

I replied, Yeah, she is my sister.

Wow, what a fox! How old is she?

Sixteen.

John was annoying me with his questions. Will you introduce me to her?

Suddenly, Mr. Richards called us to his attention. Listen up, people! It became quiet. This will be your formation every morning and night. At 8:00 a.m., you will be in formation. Before the formation, I expect all Camp Summerset clients to have already made their own beds. Wake up time is at 7:00 a.m., formation at 8:00 a.m. After the morning formation is dismissed, the clients’ cafeteria will open for breakfast to be served. The morning formation is for the flag ceremony. As the flag rises, everybody will sing, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ Then at 9:30 a.m., another formation in the fields behind you near the track will be formed for PT, abbreviation for physical training for those who do not know what PT means. After PT, I will be assigning all clients to teams with two counselors to instruct you. At noon, the cafeteria will reopen for lunch. After lunch, back to your teams. The counselors will release you at 4:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., the clients’ cafeteria will open at which time dinner will be served, and at 6:00 p.m., the last formation will be formed in front of the dorms at which time the flag will be taken down as we sing ‘Taps, Day is Done.’ Are there any questions? Mr. Richards paused a few minutes. Do not be late for any formation or team activities. I hope you understand. All you have to remember is when the bell rings, formation, when the buzzer goes off, mealtime. There will be no changes in formation, teams or roommates. So everybody better learn how to get along with each other. Mr. Richards paused again. Let’s hear you sing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ now.

All the counselors started us off as two of the counselors raised the flag. I think all of Camp Summerset clients got the words mixed up, not to mention we were off key. It sounded awful. I was glad it was over.

Mr. Richards said, Before I dismiss you for breakfast, I just want to say, I hope you sound better tonight. You are dismissed.

The buzzer went off; what a weird sound! All Camp Summerset clients filed in the clients’ cafeteria.

After we ate breakfast, we went outside for a smoke. I saw Jenny standing near the girls’ dorm.

I walked over to her. What is happening, Jenny?

Jenny asked, What do you mean?

I said, I saw you at breakfast and waved to you to sit with us, but you just ignored me.

I just didn’t see you, Tim.

Sure you didn’t, I softly commented.

Tim, I have been thinking.

I questionably said, Thinking—thinking about what?

Jenny answered, I don’t think there is a way out this time.

Upset I, said, What do you mean? You said we could escape this place and look for Dad.

Look, at this camp, Tim! It is crawling with counselors everywhere. I am sure this camp isn’t all that bad. Besides, we have to be here.

I said hastily, I can’t believe you said that Jen! After you had promised me that we would escape. Why, Jenny, why?

Just then, the bell rang for PT formation.

Jenny said, Come on, Tim, we got to go to formation.

Jenny and I walked to the fields near the track for formation. We stood into formation. I could not believe Jenny gave up. There were nine counselors; Mr. Richards and another man stood in front of the formation. We could tell the counselors apart from the head ones because they were wearing T-shirts with the word Camp Summerset along with the word counselor underneath and their names under the word counselor imprinted on their upper left side. Mr. Richards and the other man