Scout's Oaf

Summer camp has started and nobody wants Troop 44. They are the Junior Scout's biggest misfits and President Bingham can't find anyone that will take them to Jamorama. No one except bumbling scout leader Wally Dokes, who accidentally burned down the Fire Safety Tent the previous year. When Wally arrives at camp he's in for a big shock. His bottom of the barrel scouts don't look capable of winning a single merit badge, let alone the coveted Best Troop Award. The boys include Luis, a cocky, street smart Latino kid; Lamont, a nerdy African-American; Shawn, bean-pole thin and always on the verge of tears; Kyle, who refuses to go anywhere without his stuffed bear; and Kenny, a talented young athlete with a sullen disposition. Under Wally's questionable guidance, and with the help of a ditzy camp nurse named Helen, Troop 44 actually wins a few events. Much to the surprise of all they find themselves in the running for Best Troop Award. Things are looking up for Wally's scouts. But President Bingham has other plans.

Tim Martin is the author of The Culverts Of Humboldt County, There's Nothing Funny About Running, Wimps Like Me, and Why Run If No One Is Chasing You? He is a contributing author to The Ultimate Runner's Journal, Paradigm Journal (Volume Three), and seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Tim has also completed eight screenplays and is the co-creator of a TV reality show Repo Force, presently in development at Indigo Films. He is a single father who lives in Fortuna, California with his teenage son, Tyler, and a yappy pooch, Boomer.