Cool Campers Read Online Free PDF Page B

air. “Okay, how about the Toads?” Again six hands went up. “Hmm, a tie. Well, let’s see. How about we compromise and call ourselves the Toad Claws?” We all sat there and looked at each other.
    â€œIs he serious?” I said to Graham. But before anyone could figure out if he was serious, we were officially called the Toad Claws.
    â€œI didn’t even know toads had claws,” Tiny said.
    â€œWell, technically they don’t,” BB explained. “Unless you consider—”
    â€œNow we need to come up with a patrol cheer,” Toad interrupted.
    â€œHow about, ‘Toad Claws are the best, just like Toad!’” Kyle said.
    â€œTalk about a teacher’s pet,” I whispered to Graham.
    â€œMore like a counselor’s pet.” Graham chuckled. “Who is that kid?”
    â€œYou mean Lizzy-Boy?” I said. We both burst out laughing.
    Shawn, one of the kids who was playing in the dirt, got up and said, “Let’s hop around like toads and hold our fingers in the air like a claw, like this.” Then he jumped around holding his finger high in the air and bending it like a claw.
    â€œPerfect!” Toad smiled. “Now just add a yell.”
    â€œHow about ‘Hooray Toad Claws!’” a kid called out.
    Then Graham hopped up like a toad and yelled out, “Har! Toad Claws!” like a pirate.
    â€œI like it,” Toad agreed.
    I wondered what the deal was with Graham and this pirate stuff. I looked over at BB and Tiny to see if they thought this was crazy too. But Tiny was already hopping around like a massive toad. I would have expected that, since he always seemed so happy. But even BB, who seemed a little more serious, was holding up his claw and cheering, “Har! Toad Claws,” like Graham. I thought it was the craziest patrol name and cheer I had ever heard, but I joined in anyway.
    â€œHar! Toad Claws!”

5
    Smashed Toes and Cannonballs
    AFTER A FEW minutes of jumping around like toad pirates, we were tired. We all straightened our claw fingers and took our seats back on the log benches.
    â€œOkay, Toad Claws,” said Toad. “Let me tell you what we have on the schedule this afternoon and tonight. In thirty minutes, you all have to be down at the lake to take your swim tests.”
    Kenny asked what a swim test was. Toad explained that we would each jump into the water out by the dock. Then we would have to swim the length of the dock and back three times. The first time you had to use a specific swim stroke, the forward crawl. The other two times you could use any stroke you liked.
    â€œAfter the swim test you can get cleaned up for dinner. And each night after the day’s activities the Toad Claws will meet back here for Roses, Thorns, and Buds.”
    â€œWhat’s that?” I whispered to Graham.
    â€œI don’t know. We didn’t do that when we were Cubs. Maybe it’s some secret activity you can only do once you’re a Grizzly.”
    All the Toad Claws ran into their cabins to get into their swimming trunks. I dug through my duffle bag but couldn’t find my trunks.
    â€œHey, where are we supposed to change?” Graham said. “I’m not changing in front of you guys, that’s for sure.”
    BB looked around the room. “Yeah, me neither. I’m going to the bathroom to change.” The cabins didn’t have a bathroom, so all of the campers shared a big bathroom next to the lodge. That’s where the showers were too.
    â€œWait for me,” I said. “I just need to find my suit.”
    Tiny had his entire bag dumped out in a pile on the floor. “Me too!”
    Good idea , I thought. I dumped out my duffle bag as well and searched through the pile. Finally, Tiny and I both held up our trunks and exclaimed, “Found them!”
    â€œIt’s about time,” Graham said. “Let’s go.”
    But instead of moving toward