Camp Shababadahs - Revision history

Siddharth1: /* Swimming */

2025-11-27T06:06:52Z

Swimming

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:06, 27 November 2025
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	Being founded by lifeguards, swimming took front and center. Every child was required to complete a swim test and memorize a series of water rules. Those that could not swim were taught. The camp directors spent painstaking years establishing the main swim area on the lake out in front of the mess hall, clearing it of sharp rocks and submerged logs. Two other swimming beaches were added nearby. Lifeguards were on duty during all daylight hours and the lake was even watched at night to prevent unauthorized swims. The three designated swim areas included piers, dive boards, and slides. Campers were encouraged to bring and share floating toys.		Being founded by lifeguards, swimming took front and center. Every child was required to complete a swim test and memorize a series of water rules. Those that could not swim were taught. The camp directors spent painstaking years establishing the main swim area on the lake out in front of the mess hall, clearing it of sharp rocks and submerged logs. Two other swimming beaches were added nearby. Lifeguards were on duty during all daylight hours and the lake was even watched at night to prevent unauthorized swims. The three designated swim areas included piers, dive boards, and slides. Campers were encouraged to bring and share floating toys.

	The directors personally organized swimming events on every level and handed ~~our~~ awards. Several world-class swimmers are known to have attended the camp, with one even outright stating the camp taught him to swim and gave him his love for the sport.		The directors personally organized swimming events on every level and handed out awards. Several world-class swimmers are known to have attended the camp, with one even outright stating the camp taught him to swim and gave him his love for the sport.

	==Camp Culture==		==Camp Culture==

Siddharth1: /* Camp Activities */

2025-11-27T06:06:33Z

Camp Activities

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:06, 27 November 2025
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	Whole-season campers could also enter into an organized soccer league which tracked performance by individual players and not teams. This came about because players changed teams throughout the season as loyalties shifted. The league could become quite contentious, and more than one dragon devouring is believed to have been orchestrated to eliminate a problem-player.		Whole-season campers could also enter into an organized soccer league which tracked performance by individual players and not teams. This came about because players changed teams throughout the season as loyalties shifted. The league could become quite contentious, and more than one dragon devouring is believed to have been orchestrated to eliminate a problem-player.

	Despite all of these attempts, the camp made no effort to ensure less athletic campers had the chance to participate, so only a small subset of attendees got to enjoy the full ~~gambit~~ of sporting activities. Such uninspired campers were often left to their own devices, however the camp offered plenty for these children as well.		Despite all of these attempts, the camp made no effort to ensure less athletic campers had the chance to participate, so only a small subset of attendees got to enjoy the full gamut of sporting activities. Such uninspired campers were often left to their own devices, however the camp offered plenty for these children as well.

	===Swimming===		===Swimming===

Siddharth1: /* Initial Design and Layout */

2025-11-27T06:00:19Z

Initial Design and Layout

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:00, 27 November 2025
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	===Initial Design and Layout===		===Initial Design and Layout===
	Shababadahs was constructed on the windward side of the lake at the terminus of the road. This was also the same side of the lake as the [[Dragon Fence]], which sat about 1,000 yards from the mess hall. The founders spent most of their remaining capital building what they saw as "the heart of the camp", a state of the art timber dining ~~all~~ and industrial kitchen. Above the dining hall they had an elaborate apartment for themselves along with offices. Because of this proximity to the road and utilities, the dining hall had all the modern conveniences including power and plumbing. The heart of the camp itself covered the entire area between the lake edge and the [[Dragon Fence]], making the fence plainly visible from most of the camp.		Shababadahs was constructed on the windward side of the lake at the terminus of the road. This was also the same side of the lake as the [[Dragon Fence]], which sat about 1,000 yards from the mess hall. The founders spent most of their remaining capital building what they saw as "the heart of the camp", a state of the art timber dining hall and industrial kitchen. Above the dining hall they had an elaborate apartment for themselves along with offices. Because of this proximity to the road and utilities, the dining hall had all the modern conveniences including power and plumbing. The heart of the camp itself covered the entire area between the lake edge and the [[Dragon Fence]], making the fence plainly visible from most of the camp.

	The founders planned to house 200 campers in 20 bunk houses built around a large green space near the dining hall. When their contractors informed them they only had enough money left to build 5 bunk houses (at a steep discount, no less), the founders fired the contractors and spent the remaining capital on materials, keen to build the bunk houses themselves. Since all four were talented woodworkers with some construction experience, this went well.		The founders planned to house 200 campers in 20 bunk houses built around a large green space near the dining hall. When their contractors informed them they only had enough money left to build 5 bunk houses (at a steep discount, no less), the founders fired the contractors and spent the remaining capital on materials, keen to build the bunk houses themselves. Since all four were talented woodworkers with some construction experience, this went well.

Siddharth1: /* Settlement and Sale */

2025-04-20T05:58:04Z

Settlement and Sale

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:58, 20 April 2025
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	This still left the property in a state of limbo. The structures on the site had only one possible use: as a summer camp; a function for which it had demonstrated itself most unsuitable. As undeveloped land, it was valued at just 1.6 million wingbeats (much less in practice given the remote location and lack of commercial uses), nowhere near enough to pay for all the claims against it. Any potential buyer would have to pay tens of millions, and it was thought no one would want it at that price.		This still left the property in a state of limbo. The structures on the site had only one possible use: as a summer camp; a function for which it had demonstrated itself most unsuitable. As undeveloped land, it was valued at just 1.6 million wingbeats (much less in practice given the remote location and lack of commercial uses), nowhere near enough to pay for all the claims against it. Any potential buyer would have to pay tens of millions, and it was thought no one would want it at that price.

	Then, in N.D. 517,[[Naomi Jusenkyou]] came forward with a request to buy the property. She named over 100 individuals who were to be removed from the lawsuit, and offered only 25,000 wingbeats ahead to the others. Her demands further included she be allowed to buy several neighboring properties (some not for sale) at slightly above market value. She then finally added she not need approval to make changes or upgrades to the land.		Then, in N.D. 517, [[Naomi Jusenkyou]] came forward with a request to buy the property. She named over 100 individuals who were to be removed from the lawsuit, and offered only 25,000 wingbeats ahead to the others. Her demands further included she be allowed to buy several neighboring properties (some not for sale) at slightly above market value. She then finally added she not need approval to make changes or upgrades to the land.

	Being one quarter dragon herself and having standing within [[High Mountain Flight]], the dragons offered no objections (indeed Naomi's funds were actually those of High Mountain, which she had received and managed as a member), which left it up to the Alliance government to make the approvals. Seeing as the land was useless and "practically belonged to the dragons already" they let the sale go ahead, arguing it was the very best offer they could possibly hope to get (Naomi paid about 30 times the market value of the land).		Being one quarter dragon herself and having standing within [[High Mountain Flight]], the dragons offered no objections (indeed Naomi's funds were actually those of High Mountain, which she had received and managed as a member), which left it up to the Alliance government to make the approvals. Seeing as the land was useless and "practically belonged to the dragons already" they let the sale go ahead, arguing it was the very best offer they could possibly hope to get (Naomi paid about 30 times the market value of the land).

Siddharth1: /* Advertising */

2025-04-20T05:55:01Z

Advertising

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:55, 20 April 2025
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	The founders began taking out ads in free newspapers around [[New Arindell]], and further drummed up business by papering the city with fliers. This was very non-standard for summer camps of the time and involved a lot of legwork by the founders, who were by then crashing on friends' couches to get by. Since they didn't have any pictures of the camp and no real experience, their advertising played heavily into low rates and low hassles, promising parents they could "dump your children and not worry about them all summer!"		The founders began taking out ads in free newspapers around [[New Arindell]], and further drummed up business by papering the city with fliers. This was very non-standard for summer camps of the time and involved a lot of legwork by the founders, who were by then crashing on friends' couches to get by. Since they didn't have any pictures of the camp and no real experience, their advertising played heavily into low rates and low hassles, promising parents they could "dump your children and not worry about them all summer!"

	They mostly targeted middle-class neighborhoods, but the promised low rates (about 20% under the standard prices for low-to-mid-tier camps) attracted a lot of lower-income customers. From the middle-classes, this brought in parents with delinquent children they wanted to be rid of for a few weeks and ~~whom~~ had been kicked out of other camps.		They mostly targeted middle-class neighborhoods, but the promised low rates (about 20% under the standard prices for low-to-mid-tier camps) attracted a lot of lower-income customers. From the middle-classes, this brought in parents with delinquent children they wanted to be rid of for a few weeks and who had been kicked out of other camps.

	===Initial Opening===		===Initial Opening===

Siddharth1: /* Advertising */

2025-04-20T05:54:45Z

Advertising

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:54, 20 April 2025
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	===Advertising===		===Advertising===
	The founders began taking out ads in free newspapers around [[New Arindell]], and further drummed up business by papering the city with fliers. This was very non-standard for summer camps of the time and involved a lot of legwork by the founders, who were by then crashing on ~~friend~~'s couches to get by. Since they didn't have any pictures of the camp and no real experience, their advertising played heavily into low rates and low hassles, promising parents they could "dump your children and not worry about them all summer!"		The founders began taking out ads in free newspapers around [[New Arindell]], and further drummed up business by papering the city with fliers. This was very non-standard for summer camps of the time and involved a lot of legwork by the founders, who were by then crashing on friends' couches to get by. Since they didn't have any pictures of the camp and no real experience, their advertising played heavily into low rates and low hassles, promising parents they could "dump your children and not worry about them all summer!"

	They mostly targeted middle-class neighborhoods, but the promised low rates (about 20% under the standard prices for low-to-mid-tier camps) attracted a lot of lower-income customers. From the middle-classes, this brought in parents with delinquent children they wanted to be rid of for a few weeks and whom had been kicked out of other camps.		They mostly targeted middle-class neighborhoods, but the promised low rates (about 20% under the standard prices for low-to-mid-tier camps) attracted a lot of lower-income customers. From the middle-classes, this brought in parents with delinquent children they wanted to be rid of for a few weeks and whom had been kicked out of other camps.

Siddharth1: /* History */

2025-04-20T05:52:24Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:52, 20 April 2025
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	===Financial Backing===		===Financial Backing===
	The foursome found financing through contacts at a high-end fitness club where he worked the rest of the year. They put together an elaborate presentation based off rough numbers and guessed they would need 100,000 wingbeats to get off the ground. The financiers were in turn looking to dump some cash on a failed business venture for tax purposes, and agreed to fund the group to the tune of 60,000. The rest would be made up from the founder's life savings and small loans from various family members. Initially the group ''Safewater Investments'' formed as a financial entity, but was then immediately dissolved so that the backers could claim the ~~lose~~ on their taxes.		The foursome found financing through contacts at a high-end fitness club where he worked the rest of the year. They put together an elaborate presentation based off rough numbers and guessed they would need 100,000 wingbeats to get off the ground. The financiers were in turn looking to dump some cash on a failed business venture for tax purposes, and agreed to fund the group to the tune of 60,000. The rest would be made up from the founder's life savings and small loans from various family members. Initially the group ''Safewater Investments'' formed as a financial entity, but was then immediately dissolved so that the backers could claim the loss on their taxes.

	The four founders now had a small fortune on their hands and no oversight. After operating for two years without proper licensing or an actual registered business, they created ''Wolfram, Whitney, Strat, and Sanke LLC.'', later abbreviated to WWSS LLC. When the camp started operating with better efficiency the group began operating a string of seasonal under eighteen dance halls back in Arindell, where they further advertised the camp.		The four founders now had a small fortune on their hands and no oversight. After operating for two years without proper licensing or an actual registered business, they created ''Wolfram, Whitney, Strat, and Sanke LLC.'', later abbreviated to WWSS LLC. When the camp started operating with better efficiency the group began operating a string of seasonal under eighteen dance halls back in Arindell, where they further advertised the camp.

Siddharth1: /* Initiation Rites */

2025-03-26T01:46:17Z

Initiation Rites

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:46, 26 March 2025
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	The second initiation site was at a secret swimming beach two miles from the camp. Where the same boulder field intersected with the lake shore, a stream flowed into the lake and deposited sand over a large flat area about six feet deep. This beach was known to the camp directors and used for sanctioned "Swim expeditions" during daylight hours, but otherwise off-limits. All the campers knew about it and sneaking out for night swims was pretty common. The Baiters took it a step forward, requiring all members to come and skinny-dip, with new initiates having to jump from a specific rock in full view of the others. In the boulder field beside the swim area, the Baiters carved hundreds of petroglyphs depicting secret rites and various events from their mythology. Most of these were known to other campers and some staff, but since the meanings were a cult secret they were written off as petty vandalism.		The second initiation site was at a secret swimming beach two miles from the camp. Where the same boulder field intersected with the lake shore, a stream flowed into the lake and deposited sand over a large flat area about six feet deep. This beach was known to the camp directors and used for sanctioned "Swim expeditions" during daylight hours, but otherwise off-limits. All the campers knew about it and sneaking out for night swims was pretty common. The Baiters took it a step forward, requiring all members to come and skinny-dip, with new initiates having to jump from a specific rock in full view of the others. In the boulder field beside the swim area, the Baiters carved hundreds of petroglyphs depicting secret rites and various events from their mythology. Most of these were known to other campers and some staff, but since the meanings were a cult secret they were written off as petty vandalism.

	Very few baiters reached the third level, and the location of the third initiation site was one of the deeply-guarded secrets. During the trial one of the former baiters led authorities to it. The site was well hidden but had been stumbled upon a few times, and initially had no obvious significance. It was past the boulder field a few miles outside camp, accessible by a narrow slot-canyon and reached only by a reasonably dangerous climb down a 14 foot cliff-face. On the stone wall, baiters were to create a unique symbol of their own and draw or etch it on the wall beside the symbols from the other baiters. In the area in front of the cliff, they were then made to dig a shallow hole(representing a grave) and lay in it while the other third-levels made dragon noises around them. Once complete, they then had to build a cairn over the hole, representing the empty grave that would be made for them if they were eaten while attempting to reach the fourth level. Much like the petroglyphs by the swimming hole, camp staff knew vaguely of this location but again believed it to be just another play area.		Very few baiters reached the third level, and the location of the third initiation site was one of the deeply-guarded secrets. During the trial one of the former baiters led authorities to it. The site was well hidden but had been stumbled upon a few times, and initially had no obvious significance. It was past the boulder field a few miles outside camp, accessible by a narrow slot-canyon and reached only by a reasonably dangerous climb down a 14 foot cliff-face. On the stone wall, baiters were to create a unique symbol of their own and draw or etch it on the wall beside the symbols from the other baiters. In the area in front of the cliff, they were then made to dig a shallow hole (representing a grave) and lay in it while the other third-levels made dragon noises around them. Once complete, they then had to build a cairn over the hole, representing the empty grave that would be made for them if they were eaten while attempting to reach the fourth level. Much like the petroglyphs by the swimming hole, camp staff knew vaguely of this location but again believed it to be just another play area.

	The final site was found only when a former, now adult baiter was forced to lead authorities there as part of a plea agreement. The site, just a few thousand feet from the camp's mess hall, consisted of a small cave called 'the dungeon'. The opening was covered by a metal grate with a lock, and when not obscured by leaves, campers were told that bats and snakes lived inside. In reality, the hole went about a dozen feet and opened into a small, dry chamber. It was in this where the final secret initiations were kept, along with books and other documents concerning the whole history of the society. Most notably, it contained extensive records of all the suspected deaths by dragon, essentially a signed confession for the order.		The final site was found only when a former, now adult baiter was forced to lead authorities there as part of a plea agreement. The site, just a few thousand feet from the camp's mess hall, consisted of a small cave called 'the dungeon'. The opening was covered by a metal grate with a lock, and when not obscured by leaves, campers were told that bats and snakes lived inside. In reality, the hole went about a dozen feet and opened into a small, dry chamber. It was in this where the final secret initiations were kept, along with books and other documents concerning the whole history of the society. Most notably, it contained extensive records of all the suspected deaths by dragon, essentially a signed confession for the order.

Siddharth1: /* Supervision and Safety */

2025-03-26T01:45:12Z

Supervision and Safety

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:45, 26 March 2025
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	None.		None.

	Or at least very little. The four co-owners of the camp had all met while working as life guards, and water safety was about the only thing they understood. Every single employee was required to know how to swim and to take a basic ~~live~~-saving class. The staff of 60 included at least 20 fully-trained and registered lifeguards. Every camper was required to take a swim-test on the day they arrived. Any who failed or reported being unable to swim were given lessons. In fact one of the enduring legacies of the facility was ~~it's~~ dedication to ensuring every single camper could tread water.		Or at least very little. The four co-owners of the camp had all met while working as life guards, and water safety was about the only thing they understood. Every single employee was required to know how to swim and to take a basic life-saving class. The staff of 60 included at least 20 fully-trained and registered lifeguards. Every camper was required to take a swim-test on the day they arrived. Any who failed or reported being unable to swim were given lessons. In fact one of the enduring legacies of the facility was its dedication to ensuring every single camper could tread water.

	Unfortunately, that same dedication did not extend to most other activities. Since archery was a popular sport in Arindell, they usually had a professional archery instructor to run the range and give lessons. Otherwise most activities were run by junior councilors (paying attendees in their late teens) and only marginally supervised by councilors. For a camp that catered to many hundreds of kids, they had just 28 councilors.		Unfortunately, that same dedication did not extend to most other activities. Since archery was a popular sport in Arindell, they usually had a professional archery instructor to run the range and give lessons. Otherwise most activities were run by junior councilors (paying attendees in their late teens) and only marginally supervised by councilors. For a camp that catered to many hundreds of kids, they had just 28 councilors.
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	Age range of the employees contributed to the over-all poor safety record of the camp. The owners of the camp opened it in their mid-twenties and refused to hire anyone older than themselves. Since they owned it free and clear, they had no one to answer to. As the summers passed and the owners got better at managing it, they discovered they could save money by continuing to hire exclusively 18-22-year-olds for all but the most vital camp functions.		Age range of the employees contributed to the over-all poor safety record of the camp. The owners of the camp opened it in their mid-twenties and refused to hire anyone older than themselves. Since they owned it free and clear, they had no one to answer to. As the summers passed and the owners got better at managing it, they discovered they could save money by continuing to hire exclusively 18-22-year-olds for all but the most vital camp functions.

	A small town in the [[Long Lake]] region then made this problem even worse by passing a law allowing 16 year olds(with proper work permits) to work at "over night establishments". This law was intended to allow teenagers to work overnight shifts at restaurants and hotels during he busy tourist season, with the assumption they would go home to their parents afterwards. Due to the poor way in which the law was worded, Camp Shababadahs was able to rent a P.O. box in the town which allowed them to hire fully-fledged councilors as young as 16, the same age as many of the campers.		A small town in the [[Long Lake]] region then made this problem even worse by passing a law allowing 16 year olds (with proper work permits) to work at "over night establishments". This law was intended to allow teenagers to work overnight shifts at restaurants and hotels during he busy tourist season, with the assumption they would go home to their parents afterwards. Due to the poor way in which the law was worded, Camp Shababadahs was able to rent a P.O. box in the town which allowed them to hire fully-fledged councilors as young as 16, the same age as many of the campers.

	Discipline was a massive issue. The camp had rules and punishments, but these were very seldom enforced. Most infractions were punished by a verbal reprimand from a junior councilor and never reported to the staff. Only misbehavior at the archery range, wood shop, or waterfront ever saw formal reprimands (usually with meal-cleanup as punishment) and even then were not recorded.		Discipline was a massive issue. The camp had rules and punishments, but these were very seldom enforced. Most infractions were punished by a verbal reprimand from a junior councilor and never reported to the staff. Only misbehavior at the archery range, wood shop, or waterfront ever saw formal reprimands (usually with meal-cleanup as punishment) and even then were not recorded.

Siddharth1: /* Camp Culture */

2025-03-26T01:43:47Z

Camp Culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:43, 26 March 2025
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	During the first season, the camp needed to provide parkas and jackets to all children (a licensing requirement). Being unable to afford branded merchandise that first year, the owners went and bought military surplus from the [[TDFN]]. These were military-grade and came in forest camouflage. Later seasons saw the parkas replaces by camp-colored one, but the campers liked the jackets so much the directors kept going with it.		During the first season, the camp needed to provide parkas and jackets to all children (a licensing requirement). Being unable to afford branded merchandise that first year, the owners went and bought military surplus from the [[TDFN]]. These were military-grade and came in forest camouflage. Later seasons saw the parkas replaces by camp-colored one, but the campers liked the jackets so much the directors kept going with it.

	Returning campers then sewed their "lifer" patches to the jackets and began customizing them at the arts and crafts stations. The camp councilors encouraged this, and by the fourth year many campers wore unique and fabulously decorated coats. This gave rise to a pseudo-militaristic style to the camp(that was not advertised in brochures).		Returning campers then sewed their "lifer" patches to the jackets and began customizing them at the arts and crafts stations. The camp councilors encouraged this, and by the fourth year many campers wore unique and fabulously decorated coats. This gave rise to a pseudo-militaristic style to the camp (that was not advertised in brochures).

	This led to campers referring to anything that happened outside of camp as "civilian life" and adopting informal "ranks" based on the number of years they had attended.		This led to campers referring to anything that happened outside of camp as "civilian life" and adopting informal "ranks" based on the number of years they had attended.