At Camp Green Lake, the rules are surprisingly simple, yet profoundly impactful: there is primarily one overriding rule that dictates everything.
The Overarching Rule
The most crucial and virtually sole rule for the boys at Camp Green Lake is centered around the camp's elusive leader:
| Rule Category | Specific Rule | Implication for Campers |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral | Don't upset the Warden. | All actions and inactions must be weighed against potentially displeasing the Warden, as her displeasure can lead to severe consequences. |
This singular rule underpins all interactions and expectations within the camp. While there are daily routines and tasks like digging holes, the fundamental principle guiding a camper's survival and well-being is to avoid incurring the Warden's wrath. Her authority is absolute, making her disposition the primary concern for all campers.
Camp Policies and Practices
Beyond the explicit "don't upset the Warden" rule, there are also operational practices and preferences that shape life at Camp Green Lake:
- Naming Conventions: Although campers often adopt or are given nicknames by their peers (e.g., Zero, X-Ray, Armpit), staff members like Mr. Pendanski express a preference for using their given names. This practice reflects an underlying goal of rehabilitation and preparing the boys for reintegration into society as "useful and hardworking members."
- This preference highlights an attempt by some staff to maintain a semblance of normalcy and respect, emphasizing the boys' identity beyond their correctional facility status.
Key Aspects of Camp Green Lake Governance
The administration of Camp Green Lake, while seemingly lax in explicit rules, operates on an implied system of strict compliance to the Warden's unstated desires. This leads to:
- Ambiguity and Fear: The lack of clearly defined rules beyond "don't upset the Warden" creates an environment where campers must constantly guess what might be displeasing, fostering a climate of fear and cautious behavior.
- Hierarchical Power Structure: The Warden holds ultimate authority, with all staff and campers subservient to her will. Even counselors like Mr. Pendanski understand the importance of not provoking her.
- Focus on Purpose: The daily arduous task of digging holes is not explicitly a "rule" but the central activity enforced through the threat of the Warden's displeasure. Its purpose, while initially mysterious to the campers, is deeply tied to the camp's true, unspoken objective.
In essence, while the camp may appear to have minimal direct rules, the single overarching rule of not upsetting the Warden creates a complex environment governed by vigilance and deference to authority.
