The Champions: Julian's Private Scrapbook — Eldot

“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.” - Celia, As You Like It, Act II scene iv Camp Walker is like the idyllic Forest of Arden—a place away, where the characters can focus on essential matters of the heart while they play. They discover who they are and what they need; they are enabled to return to the regular world with problems solved, lessons learned, and skills readied for facing the challenges of life. The Champions is the last part in the five book Scrapbook series. It explores the world through the eyes of a young gay boy. His needs and desires are looked at honestly, with a sense of humor—and without debilitating present day prejudice at the controls. Julian has established himself as a leader and gained the respect that he has sought for so long. He discovers that it is wise to go slowly. Unknown to him, his experienced competition stumbles in haste, and fails; he comes closer to achieving his original objective than either he—or Mark—realize. Surrounded by hundreds of scouts, all working to get ahead, Julian finds a way to shine. His artistic ability grows by leaps. His insight into human nature makes his friendship valuable and helpful to others. Story lines begun earlier are resolved, along with a few late developments. These last three days at camp are even more fun. The busload of boys returns home with much achieved; two weeks of hard work has been full of fun and discovery. Are there no “lived happily thereafter” endings in a gay boy’s coming of age story? Of course there are. They’re just kept secret. Otherwise, the happy part gets destroyed. That’s the way it is in real life. Real life stories carry baggage—questions about factual detail tend to upstage and distract the reader. Key story and thematic elements often get lost. If the story contains intimacies, scandalmongers cluster and buzz about like fruit flies, and the important issues get drowned out by the din. These negative forces have been pushed aside for this telling of the story. Julian’s Private Scrapbook employs the fiction writer’s toolkit in place of documentary literalness. “Charming and humorous, the novel successfully ends the series… told from a gay perspective, this is a wonderful look at boys transitioning between childhood and adulthood.” —BlueInk Review Troop Nine Victorious Six first places and the relay! Ten Honor Ribbons Best troop for the fourth year. • Julian makes a new lifelong friend. • Danny’s short water polo career ends well; on Friday he is discovered by Tony—instant electricity. • Tom and Nick help Freddy’s Shooting Gallery end with a special treat. • There is secret night action as well. On Thursday, Geoff appears at Mark’s cabin door just before midnight. On Friday, Tony arrives at Danny’s tent after lights out. • Friday is graduation. Tom organizes the last day competitions. Julian presents his oversize portraits to Leonard and Sarge. • Saturday: morning is the relay races, afternoon the awards, packing up to leave. During the last camp assembly, Leonard gets a special lesson in art appreciation from Geoff. The long ride home is busy... especially the hour after dark. • Julian’s goal for camp remains unachieved—or does it? What are the prospects for the future? What has happened at home?