Chapter Eighteen

On the fourth day of camp, Ms. Susan and Mr. Kyle spend some more time talking about ocean conservation.

“We’ve had requests for more information. We also thought it was time to share some happier news,” says Ms. Susan.

I find out that many places are making big strides with plastic. For instance, some cities like San Francisco have even banned plastic bags. Many businesses are eliminating plastic straws. Some countries like Denmark are so green friendly that a person there only uses on average four plastic bags a year.

I raise my hand. I’m feeling nervous, but I want to share my new pledge with the group. I spent an hour this morning designing it with fun bubble letters. Even Mom agreed it looked great. I’m a little scared to ask everyone separately to sign so I decide to start with Mr. Kyle first. He is easier to talk to, and he has a louder voice than I do anyway.

“I was thinking about our four points yesterday that we wrote down, and I made it into a pledge. I am thinking maybe everyone could sign it?”

“That’s brilliant,” says Mr. Kyle. “Will everyone sign Stella’s pledge?”

I look around timidly. To my surprise, everyone is nodding their head.

“Why don’t you pass it around?” adds Ms. Susan.

I pass it to Kristen who passes it to Logan. One by one, all the campers sign the pledge. I even get a few thumbs-up. Finally, Kristen brings the pledge back to me.

“This is so smart. I also love how you drew the letters,” says Kristen.

“It just doesn’t feel like enough,” I reply. “I want more people to sign. It feels like there is only so much I can do, and this is a gigantic problem.”

“I feel the same way,” she replies.

Suddenly Kristen jumps up. “I’ve got it. Maybe we should start a group, that way we can do more together.”

“That’s a great idea!” I reply.

Then I pause. “But I don’t know how to do that. Do you?”

I raise my eyebrows at her.

“Me either,” says Kristen, “but there is no harm in trying.”

Before we can chat about it more, we move on to finishing our enrichment toys. I’m pleased with the design Kristen, Mariel, and I came up with. We took a Hula-Hoop and attached different shapes out of rubber and strips of fabric. We designed our toy with dolphins in mind. Dolphins are one of the smartest mammals and love to play. We hope that it will keep them entertained. I realize, though, as I hold the toy in my hands, how little I spoke to Mariel during our group project. I just could never figure out what to say to her. She always looked like she was deep in thought … or worse. Like maybe she doesn’t like me. How am I going to start a group if I can’t speak to everyone?!

At lunchtime, I begin to talk to Kristen more about the club idea when out of the blue Logan joins our table. I haven’t spoken to him much, but he seems nice and excited about things he really likes.

“Kristen told me that you have a save-the-oceans group,” he says.

I sit back. Kristen looks sheepish.

I am surprised, but I feel happy. I guess Kristen decided to start the club idea for us.

“We’ve just started,” I reply. “It’s just a couple of us.”

Logan looks disappointed. Oh no, I’m underselling this.

I enthusiastically reply, “But we have ideas. I’ve made posters with my best friend, Jenny.”

Logan stares at me, waiting for me to say more. This happens often when I’m feeling shy. Then I remember Jenny’s baking book and have a moment of inspiration.

“And we’re going to do a bake sale and give all the money to an ocean charity.”

“We are?” says Kristen. She looks excited.

I shrug and nod.

Logan replies, “That’s great, but we’ve got to do more.”

“I think so, too. Do you have any suggestions?” I ask.

Logan grabs his chin.

“And maybe we can get people to sign the pledge you mentioned, at the bake sale,” he replies.

My mouth drops. That’s even better.

“I like that! We could make a printout, and everyone could take it home with them to help remind them,” Kristen exclaims.

Logan shakes his head. “That will waste paper.”

I frown. He’s right. If we’re going to be green, we need to be not wasteful.

“What if we make a blog page?” responds Kristen. “My older sister has one and she could help us get one up.”

“That’s a good idea,” replies Logan.

Mr. Kyle comes over. “I couldn’t help but overhear. I know it’s not the ocean, but we have something you can do right here. We have a cleanup day at the beach at Lake Michigan. It’s this Saturday. Ms. Susan and I will be there.”

“Yes!” we all shout.

Mr. Kyle leaves, and I pull out my notebook so that Kristen and Logan can write down their phone numbers. As I look at their handwriting, I feel encouraged. I have an official group! Perhaps together we can really help make a big change. At least it will be more than I could have done all alone.