The Ragazzi Fellowship

By Joseph Dawsen

Discover the secrets of the Ragazzi Fellowship in Joseph Dawsen's thrilling and captivating adventure. Join Frank Brewer, a camp staff veteran and high-ranking member of a national honor society with secrets as he navigates through this first year as program director at Camp Kaizen, a Boy Scout summer camp. Along the way, he will be put through the ultimate test of courage, trust, and leadership. Experience an unforgettable journey full of mystery in The Ragazzi Fellowship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890614438

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Part 1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Part 2

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

Reader's Note

About the Author

cover.jpg

The Ragazzi Fellowship

Joseph Dawsen

Copyright © 2024 Joseph Dawsen

All rights reserved

Second Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

Second edition published with Newman Springs Publishing 2024

ISBN 979-8-89061-442-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89061-443-8 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Part 1

1

I was dressed in a navy-blue suit, wearing a white buttoned-down dress shirt with a yellow tie. My mother made me iron my shirt again. She thought it was still wrinkled. I told her not to worry as my suit jacket would cover most of the shirt. I really didn't think this could vary my chances of getting the job, but oh well, one more time, it is.

I was mentally preparing for a job interview on a cold Wisconsin Friday afternoon in the middle of January. Standing at the reception desk at the local Boy Scout office, I hear,

Mr. Winson will see you shortly. Please have a seat, the receptionist urged.

There was a small sitting area with only a handful of chairs. I turned around to take a seat next to the end table that had a pile of magazines, none of which caught my eye. I will admit I was pretty anxious about the interview. I was thumping my right leg at the thought of it.

As I anxiously waited, I wandered upon the scout office. The receptionist was doing some sort of paperwork at her desk. She appeared oblivious to her surroundings as the fax machine beside her made a few loud beeps. The receptionist didn't even bother to turn around when a coworker dropped her cup of coffee on the ground.

Oh no! the coworker shouted.

The coworker hurriedly grabbed a paper towel to wipe up the mess as the secretary stayed numb to the outside world. To my right was a small gift store filled with scout clothes, books, and other miscellaneous items. A mother was putting a pair of pants in front of her young son to size him. The clerk nodded with the mother that the pants did appear to fit just right.

I heard footsteps to my left as I turned my head in the opposite direction. An older gentleman coming up the stairs begins to approach me as I stand from my seat.

Frank Brewer, good to see you! Please, follow me to my office, Mr. Winson said in a strong voice as he held out his hand to greet me. He was undoubtedly in an excited mood.

As we were walking to his office downstairs, he continued with the conversation, How have you been?

I've been good, Mr. Winson! School is going well. I'm learning to solve the healthcare crisis, I said jokingly.

Mr. Winson had a smirk on his face.

That's good, Frank! Healthcare is a fragmented industry. We need all the help we can get. I know you will do well in your studies. You have a bright future ahead.

We walked past a few offices and cubicles until we reached his office.

Please sit, Mr. Winson kindly said as we entered his office.

I took a seat in a comfy brown leather chair. He sat behind his desk. He offered me coffee, but I respectfully declined as he helped himself to a cup in his office. He had a Keurig machine in his office.

Mr. Winson was a white middle-aged man, fit among his age group, wearing a white dress shirt with his top button unbuttoned. He had short blond, light-brownish hair with a perfect shave. My mother would be proud of how he ironed his dress shirt.

Mr. Winson took pride in his career as a professional scouter displaying his achievements mounted on the wall, such as Scout Executive of the Year in the State of Wisconsin, which he earned a year ago. He also had his college diploma hung from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, receiving his bachelor's degree in business administration. He first began as a professional scouter after being laid off from a management position at a local automobile plant. This was due, in part, to the declining economy at the time, where a lot of jobs were lost. He, too, earned the rank of Eagle, the highest rank in scouting as a youth. He started working as a district executive for five years until his promotion to junior chief executive, overlooking all the districts in the council for another three years before being promoted to the senior chief executive role after his predecessor retired.

So, Frank, excited for the summer to begin? he said in a severe tone after taking a sip from his warm cup of coffee.

Sorta, my concentration right now is finishing off my final semester strong. I'm taking a few tough classes with an eighteen-credit load. After I finish up final exams, I'll definitely be looking forward to summer camp.

I was a senior at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee majoring in healthcare administration. Several years back, I, too, earned the rank of Eagle and had previously worked for the council's summer camp for the past five years, all in the Scoutcraft area. I was the Scoutcraft director for the past three. This year, I applied for the program director position since I met the age requirement of being at least twenty-one years of age. I figured this would be a great experience to put on my résumé.

My parents played a huge supporting role throughout my scouting career. It was my father who introduced me to the scouting program. My parents also encouraged me to get a job when I was sixteen. I was recruited to apply for a counselor position at the camp. I would say, by far, it was the most positive experience and the friendships that kept me going all these years.

Mr. Winson took another sip of his coffee slowly.

Please remind me what school you are at right now? asked Mr. Winson.

I'm at UW–Milwaukee, I replied.

You know I was an alum from the school many, many years ago, Mr. Winson replied.

Yes, I believe you mentioned that to me once or twice before.

Did I? Well, it's a great school. Not too far from here. It's in a great city with many opportunities for kids like you to do on the weekends. It's quite unfortunate that tuition levels are rising year after year. It worries me that it dissuades high school students from going to college, but what do I know?

I shook my head in agreement.

Mr. Winson continued.

So let's get this interview started, shall we?

He grabs a stress ball that is next to his computer. He begins to squeeze the ball with his hand and leans back in his chair, sitting comfortably.

So why do you feel you should be the program director this year?

I knew that he was going to ask this question. I almost interrupted him before he finished asking the question. My leg was thumping again.

I feel…I feel, and I think that I would be a great program director because of the number of years of experience I have. Not to mention I also have the required skill set that is needed in this position. I've seen plenty of the day-to-day operation. I can serve as a good leader not only to the staff but to the scouts. The scouting program has molded me into who I am today.

Mr. Winson proceeded with the next question,

What is one thing you would do differently as the program director from what you've seen?

The previous program director really set the bar high. I had no personal complaints against him. This would be tough to answer. I answered the question the only way I could. Talk about trends.

There are a few things that I've seen that could certainly be added to the program. One of the biggest concerns, as you know, is getting older scouts to come back to camp. The biggest opportunity is to have high adventure programs to potentially spark interest from the older-aged group. I hear a lot of this from peers that go to other summer camps. Specific suggestions are overnight camping, high ropes course, and white-water rafting trips, just to name a few.

Mr. Winson continued to nod. Felt he has heard this before, several times from others. He didn't say a word, though.

I felt the need to continue by saying, I would hope with these programs available at our camp, more troops within the council would commit to us consistently. As program director, I would want to be approachable and visible to everyone so that people can come up to me if there is an issue. I want to cut back on staff hazing the younger staff members. Without the younger staff members interested in coming back, there is no future program.

It was hard to determine what Mr. Winson was thinking from my response. I hope I didn't lose him. He gave a squeeze of the stress ball before he made a sound.

I can understand where you're coming from as far as staff is concerned. I've had my years on staff and seen many things. It does start from the top down in setting the tone and the culture. Personality plays a heavy role in engaging your team. As the program director, you have the liberty to explore new ideas. Those ideas, I leave that up to the camp director's approval.

Mr. Winson said sincerely.

It seemed I connected with Mr. Winson on some level. He asked a few behavioral-based questions to test my judgement in certain situations. I felt he was testing my character, which didn't bother me one bit. After I finished my last sentence, he put the stress ball down on his desk and leaned in closer to his chair, placing his elbows on the desk.

I know your scoutmaster well, Frank. He gave you a solid recommendation for filling the role. You've worked for the camp for several years. You've seen a lot of changes in the program. I feel that you will be a great program director. Frank, the position is yours if you want it?

I was in awe. I'd figure he would continue to grill me with challenging questions.

Wow! Thanks, Mr. Winson. I'm truly flattered, I said with excitement.

I wasn't expecting an offer this soon.

Good…I will give the operating budget to you in a few weeks for review. As you know, the camp director position remains open. We have several candidates to interview. More and likely, the candidate will be the new lighthouse district executive.

Sounds great!

In the last few years, the camp director position was somebody from the scout office. It was a cost-saving measure; indeed, however, a good chaperone for the rest of the staff.

Oh…by the way. Mr. Winson grabbed a piece of paper from his desk. He slid the paper to me with a pen. It was a contract. This is how much you will be paid by the week. This, of course, is a substantial increase from your pay last year. I'll need for you to sign to make it official if you would like to do it now?

I glanced at the weekly wage line. I was amazed at how much I was getting paid for being the program director. Little did I realize how much they made, but without hesitation, I signed the contract. Mr. Winson copied the original and handed me the copy so I would have one for myself.

Mr. Winson continued, If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call me. he handed me his business card. He continued saying, Ahh…I almost forgot. Here are the applications for the area directors. The camp director and you will have roughly three to four months to interview and decide on the area directors. I will notify you as soon as possible about who the camp director will be. I will arrange a meeting for the two of you to meet and greet. How does that sound?

My excitement was hard to contain. I smiled so wide I felt the corner of my lips touching my ears.

Thanks, Mr. Winson. Please keep me informed as I want to begin planning ahead.

I stood from my chair and shook Mr. Winson's hand.

And, Frank! Mr. Winson said.

Yes, Mr. Winson? I asked.

This will be the beginning of a new adventure for you!

Without hesitation, I said with a smirk. You think so?

Oh, I know so! Mr. Winson said with confidence. He added, You know the way out?

Yes, sir! I said.

I walked out of his office, heading straight upstairs. I waved goodbye to the receptionist and walked out the front door. I clenched my hand in the air with excitement. Can't believe I did it! I was so excited. I could hardly contain the news. I needed to share it with someone quickly.

I stopped at my parent's house to pick up a few things before heading back to my apartment in Milwaukee, as they lived near the scout office. My parents lived in Racine, located just south of the Milwaukee area. My father was home when I walked inside the door, and I saw his car in the driveway. As I walked inside the garage door, he was standing in the kitchen.

So…how did the interview go? my father asked as he was munching on food.

I got the job! I replied in excitement.

He paused to swallow his food before speaking.

I'd figured you would get it. I'm proud of you, son! He said sincerely.

I know, Pop, I know.

My father was heavily involved in scouting along with his father in the council when they were youths. My father and Mr. Winson were friends back in scouting a few decades ago. They were in the same troop unit. My father was very supportive and proud as he framed and hung the news article of me achieving Eagle Scout above the mantle in the den. He was sure proud.

I headed to the spare bedroom to grab some much-needed essentials. My father went downstairs, and I heard the loud footsteps from the creaking stairs. At the very same second, my cell phone was buzzing in my pant pocket. I looked at it. It was one of my roommates. I answered and put him on speaker, so I could continue packing up things that I was going to take with me.

Yo-yo! my roommate said in a relaxed manner.

What's going on? I replied.

When are you coming back?

I'm at my parent's house now. I'll be leaving here in a bit. Just finished the interview that I told you about.

Oh, that's right. How'd it go?

Really well! I got the job!

Alright, dude. It's party time when you get here.

See you in a bit.

Alright, man.

I hung up the phone. I grabbed what I needed and then left the spare bedroom. I yelled goodbye to my father from the top of the stairs. I didn't hear a response back. He must have fallen asleep on the couch watching television like he usually does.

The drive back wasn't so bad. I lived with three other roommates that I had met during my freshman year in the dormitory. None of them were involved in scouting but knew somewhat about the program. They were good roommates other than the fact they were lazy about doing routine house chores. We respected one another's space, which was good enough. There was minimal drama, if that, but we handled every situation like adults.

Later that night, we all headed to a party that all of us had been looking forward to attending since the beginning of the week. My buddy, whom I met through an Anatomy class, was hosting the party along with his roommates. They had a few kegs. I drank and socialized, but in the back of my mind, all I could think about was the summer. I felt like a million bucks.

2

Mr. Winson contacted me three weeks after to inform me about the new camp director that was hired. He coordinated a date and time so we could meet. I met with the new camp director the following weekend. We met at a south-side grill and bar back in my hometown.

When I arrived, the waitress informed me that my guest had already arrived. The waitress escorted me to the table. The camp director looked up when he saw the waitress and me approaching the table. He smiled and stood to shake my hand.

Frank, nice to meet you!

Pleasure is mine, I replied while shaking his hand.

As my boss has probably mentioned to you that my name is Taylor Meeks. Please sit down, he said warmly.

The waitress had left, assisting a nearby customer a few tables over.

Hopefully, you weren't waiting too long? I replied.

No, not at all. Just a few minutes. I decided to might as well get a table early as not knowing how busy of a place this can be.

Smart thinking, I said as I looked at the menu.

Taylor was a slender guy close to my height and weight. He mentioned early on he was from the east coast in the New Jersey area but never really talked about his past or upbringing. I never did ask his age either, but he looked a few years out of college.

You drink? Taylor asked.

Moderate, I said with reservations.

Hopefully, he wouldn't judge my consumption.

What's good here?

First time here. I'm sure most of it is good.

I can pretty much drink anything.

I'll go with Moscow Mule, I said. What are you liking?

I'll go with the same.

Taylor waved the waitress over. We ordered food with our drinks. The waitress came back with our drinks quickly. He took control of the conversation by asking me a lot of questions about the local community. I told him good and bad things like anything else. He seemed like a decent person to work with. There was never a dull moment in talking with this guy as he always had interesting questions and enjoyed the conversation. He changed the subject to summer camp.

So, tell me more about Camp Kaizen. Why work there? What do you like? Taylor asked.

Well, I definitely enjoy working there and never looked at anything else for a summer job. I enjoy scouting and teaching. The friendships you make whether on staff or through the campers. It's a small camp compared to other councils but doesn't bother me. It's like a second home to me, Frank answered.

Taylor nodded as he sipped his drink.

Anything I should know about the camp? Taylor asked.

The camp is in the middle of nowhere in a rural area. Ever lived in a rural area?

No, city boy.

Well, certainly an adjustment. We will have fun. Don't worry, I said, assuring.

The waitress came back with our food.

Let's eat, Taylor said with excitement.

Taylor and I reconvened a few weeks later at the scout office on a Friday afternoon. Taylor and I reviewed all the director-level applications prior. Taylor did a few phone interviews to narrow down the candidate list. I gave my recommendations to him on who I felt was best.

I was in Taylor's office in the basement with a legal pad and some applications on the desk. His office was close to Mr. Winson's; however, he wasn't there at the moment. Taylor walks into the room with a glass of water.

You ready to bring the first candidate in? I asked as I looked at my watch.

Yes, sir! he said with a smile on his face.

Taylor places the glass of water on his desk and grabs his legal pad out of his desk drawer to take notes.

Who do we have first? Taylor asked curiously.

Chester Margolis…is applying for the Waterfront director position.

I'll call Candace to have Chester come down, Taylor said as he picked up his office phone.

Taylor dialed the extension to the reception clerk.

Hi, Candace! Taylor said, then paused. You may direct Chester downstairs to us.

I could hear Candace's voice slightly speaking through the phone. Taylor listened a little longer, then replied, Thanks! He hung up the phone.

Chester is on his way. The other area directors are here too, Taylor said.

Chester was around five-eight and weighed about one-eighty. He is broad-shouldered. A guy you didn't want to pick a fight with by looking at him. The appearance can be deceiving as he can come off tough, but he's an amiable guy. He walked in the door with a smile on his face. He was dressed in a black suit and white dress shirt with no tie. I stood up to greet him.

Hey, Chester! I said with excitement as I shook his hand.

How are you doing? he responded in a friendly manner.

I'm good. It's good to see you, I replied.

Taylor chimed in. Hi, Chester, my name is Taylor. I'll be the new camp director, he said as he got up to shake Chester's hand. Please take a seat.

We had the seating arrangement spaced out in a triangular form where Taylor's desk separated his seat from Chester's and mine.

Very well, Chester replied.

I repositioned my seat slightly to face Chester.

Been looking over your application…Frank and I feel you have the experience of becoming our Waterfront director this year. I see that you worked at the YMCA in the offseason and worked at the Waterfront for the past three summers. Is that correct?

Chester nodded then spoke, Yes, I worked at the Waterfront for the past three years, with the past two years being as the assistant Waterfront director. I felt I gained valuable experience from the previous director. He was a good teacher. You can say I learned from the best.

I first met Chester through a mutual friend at a high school house party at sixteen. We instantly became friends when he mentioned he was in the Boy Scouts. I was the one that convinced him to work there a few years back, and we have kept in touch since then. He was a reliable and hard-working individual that believed in the scouting traditions of serving others.

Taylor pushed on Chester, asking him behavioral-based questions testing his character and decision-making. I felt Chester responded to every question reserved and confidently.

Taylor paused, then looked at me to see if I had any questions allowing me to ask a follow-up question, What are some of your goals during staff week?

Well, during staff week, I want to evaluate my staff's knowledge of lifesaving skills and swimming ability. I would ensure they master the skills needed before assigning them specific duties. I would try to put the best people in the right spots. As a Waterfront staff member, my main goal is to provide a rich experience to the scouts.

Taylor directed his attention to me to see if I had any additional questions. I shook my head no.

Any questions for us? Taylor asked.

How many staff members would be under my direct supervision? Chester asked.

Four others, Taylor responded sharply. Anything else?

No, not at this time.

Taylor continued, Very well, we are pleased to announce an offer to you to fulfil the Waterfront director role. You will be required to complete camp school starting at the end of May. Details will be provided later via email. I will also send a contract for you to sign since we had a mix-up earlier on typing one for you.

I chimed in. The reason was the first guy didn't show up for his interview, I said jokingly as both Chester and Taylor laughed.

In unison, we stood up. Taylor and I shake Chester's hand as he walks out of the office. Taylor shuts the door and then looks at me as he sits back in his comfy leather chair. You trust him?

"You ask that after you verbally extended him a contract? I said with a slight chuckle.

I did like this other guy that applied though he is not from our council. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a hold of him.

Quite unfortunate indeed, I said. You don't have to worry about Chester. He will go above and beyond expectations.

Very well, let's look at the next applicant.

Taylor opened the following personnel file and saw the next person's name for the shooting sports director. I recommended Duke Haley for this position. He was, by far, the hardest to recruit. We both went to the same high school though he was two years ahead of me. Duke joined the armed forces straight out of high school. After his time in Iraq, he was honorably discharged from the Army but failed to achieve Eagle rank. His troop unit dissolved after the scoutmaster got caught selling drugs to minors. The troop unit was small in numbers. The council recommended the remaining scouts transfer to other troop units. At that time, Duke stepped out of the program. He took what transpired pretty hard.

Taylor called Candace to send Duke down. Duke was tall, standing at six foot three. He was still fit from his military days. He was dark-skinned with a shaved head and wearing thick-framed glasses. His grey suit with a blue shirt and tie could easily be seen.

Duke, good to see you again! I'm glad you decided to apply for the position after all, I said with joy as I stood up from my seat.

The shooting sports director was more brutal to fill. This might be surprising because who wouldn't want to play with guns and get paid for doing so? But then again, I would need somebody to be held accountable to always ensure safety.

Taylor greeted Duke and instructed him to take a seat.

Taylor began the interview with a question. Duke, tell us why you are interested in the shooting sports director position?

Duke coughed before talking, Excuse me. I'm battling this nasty cold.

Would you like a glass of water? I asked.

No, thanks, Duke replied as he was covering his mouth.

Take your time, Taylor suggested.

Duke took a second to recover before speaking. At first, I didn't really think about the position until Frank approached me with the idea. With time to think about it further, I thought this would be something that I would be good at. I have a thorough knowledge of the rifles and shotguns that the camp use, having been in scouting and the time that I was in the service. When I attended camp as a scout, this was the area I liked the most. I think I will be a great leader and excellent addition to your staff, sir.

After camp is over, what do you plan on doing? Taylor continued.

I'm hoping to look for a job in the area here. I was living in Texas for a bit after returning from overseas. The school was never my thing, so I'm not sure about the college venue.

With a bit of hesitation from Taylor, I see…

Duke added, I still have time to figure things out, and perhaps during the summer, I'll have a clearer picture of what I want to do with my life.

Would you say you are good with conflict resolution? Can you identify a work experience that involved coworkers? Taylor asked, getting a better feel of Duke's personality.

In the military, there were plenty of situations where my squad members would causally fight. Drilling in harsh conditions is a good example. My drill sergeant always tested us to see how far we could go without breaking. With one member slipping up, the rest of us suffer even more by doing extra push-ups or something else that is strenuous. As a squad, you're evaluated as one unit. You're only as strong as your weakest link. In these circumstances, it is the process to understand the conflict from both sides and try to find common ground. Sometimes other arguments between squad members were silly, whether fighting over girlfriends or video games. It is embarrassing, but my nickname was ‘Care Bear' as I always resolved conflicts in my unit. I wasn't a fan of the name.

Taylor and I let out a short laugh.

Taylor added a follow-up question, Okay, Care Bear, would there be anything you would have done differently in these situations? Perhaps elaborate on something you learned?

Umm…I would not have done anything differently. I would have liked not to assume the nickname. But on a serious note, every decision has consequences, good, bad, or indifferent. You learn from them, and it makes you a better leader for the problems that lie ahead. However, with the position I'm applying for, safety will always take priority over anything else.

Taylor asked me if I had any questions to add, but I didn't. I was pretty confident that Duke's ability would do an excellent job. Taylor asked a few more questions to get a better feel for Duke.

Taylor liked Duke, so he concluded by saying, Well, Frank and I are planning on making you an offer if you decide to join us this summer. Of course, you will have to go to a camping school. We will email you the details later.

Taylor slides him the contract from his paper stack.

Duke takes a look, and a smile appears on his face.

I'll do it! I'm excited about this opportunity and won't let you down, sir. Do you have a pen for me to sign? Duke asked.

Taylor handed him a pen.

Duke signed the contract without hesitation. He handed the signed contract back to Taylor.

Taylor responded. Great! I look forward to seeing you there.

We all stand. Duke shakes Taylor's hand first, then me. Duke walks out of the office, happy.

Two interviews remained. Taylor grabs the next personnel file. The next position was the Ecology-Conservation director. I recommended Erik Reed.

Taylor grabs the phone to call Candace. Candace responded that he was already heading down. Before you knew it, Erik stood at the door. Erik had the appearance of a typical nerdy, nonathletic, short, and skinny guy with glasses. He was wearing khaki pants and a black polo shirt.

Hey, guys! Erik said.

Come on in, Erik, I said, surprised.

Taylor extended his hand to Erik to welcome him.

Please have a seat, Taylor instructed.

He sits down as Taylor and I are ready to begin.

Taylor began, So, Erik, I hear good things about you from Frank here about your knowledge and background in plant science, geology, and among other things, having won numerous science competitions in high school, as Taylor was looking over his résumé. From what I hear, you are looking at a possible full-ride scholarship to Wisconsin? Is that correct?

I would be glad to have Erik as my Eco/Con director. He worked last year on staff and would replace the outgoing Eco/Con director since that person was leaving for college early for another summer job. We got an age-exempt status for Erik because he was only seventeen years of age. Area directors, for the most part, had to be at least eighteen years of age, excluding Waterfront and Shooting Sports. For those positions, you had to be at least twenty-one. Erik was a priority in our hiring process. He had a bright future ahead of him. For one of his school projects, he wrote a proposal seeking grant money from the State for solar power to use on campgrounds. In his proposal, we would have enough power that the council could sell back energy to the local utility plant generating some additional funds for the council that can be allocated for camp improvement projects. We wouldn't find out if we received any grant money until later in the summer.

Yes! I've been very fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time. Ecology conservation is my passion. I feel this would be a great opportunity for me to continue to teach scouts about the joys of Mother Nature. The grant money would be a dream come true if we received approval.

Taylor added, Frank and I can't describe to you how exciting this is for our program. We will be anxiously waiting to hear back on the decision. Now, what do you need from us in order to have a better program at Eco/Con?

Umm…it's hard to say right now. I don't really remember what we have available from last year in terms of supplies, Erik said with uncertainty.

What I'll do is email you the inventory sheet from last year and, based on that, make some estimates on what you'll need, I said.

That will work, Erik replied.

Taylor asked some behavior-based questions before concluding the interview. I felt Taylor had the most confidence in Erik as a director compared to my other recommendations as to why the interview wasn't as long as the others.

With that said, we would love to offer you the position. However, you must know that you will be required to go camp school. We will email you with the details later, Taylor said as he handed Erik a contract.

Mr. Winson wanted to pay him a little extra than our original offer. Taylor and I didn't disagree due to his countless hours of working on the grant.

Erik looked at the contract carefully. He smiled as he looked up at us.

Thank you very much, he said with excitement.

Since he was a minor, we needed his parent's signature in addition to his, so it wasn't entirely a done deal yet.

Please be sure to share with your parents as we need one of their signatures along with yours. You can bring the signed contract back or simply scan and email it with signatures. Whatever works best for you! Taylor said.

No forgeries, now, I said jokingly.

Erik and Taylor laughed.

I'll be sure to have my parents review the contract later today. I will send it back as soon as I can! Erik replied with excitement.

Very well, Erik. Very nice meeting you and to have you aboard our team, Taylor concluded as he extended his hand to Erik.

Erik shook our hands and walked out.

Our last interview was next. Taylor took the last personnel file and reviewed it. The next guy was our Scoutcraft director candidate, Jaden Dorris. Jaden was my go-to guy for the last two years while I was the director there. We were the same age. I was very fortunate to have him in my area. He was dependable and good with the scouts, even though he was sometimes a hothead. Taylor allowed me to call Candace to send him down.

Jaden took some time as Taylor and I waited for his arrival. We were starting to question if Candace shared with Jaden to come down. Taylor was about to call Candace when Jaden appeared at the door.

Sorry, guys, for the wait. I had to run to the bathroom, Jaden said tirelessly.

Jaden was wearing a light grey colored suit with a white dress shirt. He was of a tan skin complexion with a slight shadow of facial hair. He had clean-cut hair. He was just as tall as me but a little heavier.

Come on in and take a seat, Taylor said.

Jaden took a seat.

Jaden, why don't you tell me more about yourself and what draws your interest in the director position? Taylor asked.

Currently, I'm studying Criminal Justice at a local technical college. I have an interest in being a private detective. I have done a few ride-along with a few cops. It was an amazing experience. I have tremendous respect for our officers after witnessing what they do every day, Jaden responded.

There will always be a need for great detectives, I said.

Jaden continued, What draws me to the position is the predecessor recently moved on.

I let out a slight chuckle.

I worked in the area for a few years. I really enjoy what I do.

Taylor nodded and then proceeded with his next question.

What do you like most about Camp Kaizen? Taylor asked.

"It is one of those things you can call your own home. Not that many people have