Jesus Camp AU

http://instagram.com/eckcro

Max’s parents send him to the nearest and most convenient camp possible. Unfortunately for him, that turns out to be a Bible camp run by militant Christians Daniel and Jen.

Within the first two weeks, Max has tried to escape more times than he can count, and has made enemies with almost everyone at camp. Three exorcisms have been performed on him, and Max is afraid that he’ll go mad, if he doesn’t die first.

Still, Max manages to find a friend in Harrison, and occasionally is able to sneak over to Science Camp across the lake, where he hangs out with Neil.

## Characters

Short character biographies for each of the characters. Most of the information is constant across routes, but some is specific to Route 1A. More in-depth character profiles for major characters are in the works.

### Jesus Camp

#### Daniel

Daniel is very passionate about God. Born into a Roman Catholic town, he was raised on religion and it shows. He seems to have no life outside of his devotion to God. He can be very comforting when necessary, and is a very good orator. However, there’s something unnatural and creepy about him (but only Max seems to notice). Daniel works at the Bible camp because it’s the same one he went to as a child, and he wants to help more children see the light of God.

#### Jen

She keeps it on the down-low, but Jen is obsessed with Daniel. He helped her out of a difficult spot in her life and now she’s completely loyal to him. Jen is always upbeat and positive. She’s enthusiastic about helping Daniel run the camp, and she wants to do the best job she can. Although she still enjoys trashy magazines and shopping, she’s been making an effort to rid herself of any materialism to get closer to God.

Note: has had an unrequited crush on Daniel for about 5 years

#### Pikeman

The camp’s CIT, Pikeman acts as a third enforcer of God. Unlike Jen and Daniel, he doesn’t actually care about God; he just likes having power and forcing others to bend to his will. He’s cruel and sadistic, and enjoys making kids cry. When Jen and Daniel are busy with the campers, Pikeman keeps a sharp lookout to make sure Max isn’t getting up to any trouble. Unfortunately, he has naturally red hair, which he bleaches so that nobody will ever know he has the hair of the Devil.

#### Max

Max is a bitter bean. He was only sent to Bible camp because it was nearby and super cheap. He doesn’t believe in religion, and definitely doesn’t agree with how the camp is run. He makes many attempts to escape, but somehow Daniel always shows up at just the right time to stop him. He spends most of his time wreaking havoc at the camp, being extremely vocal about his distaste for everything and everyone. Max desperately wants Daniel to be arrested and becomes obsessed with exposing him for the terrible acts he’s committed.

#### Nikki

Nikki wants to be the perfect soldier of God. She loves her religion to a fault, and becomes violent when others (usually Max) say blasphemous things. She’s Max’s chief tormentor, often leading the other children in attacks on him. Daniel is her #1 idol, and she wants to someday be as close to God as he is.

Notes: hair dyed blue (natural hair is brown; Max dyed her hair as a prank); eyes are blue (but look violet under certain lighting)

#### Nerris

Nerris is a friendly and outgoing camper who loves sharing fun facts about the Bible. She has a Bible collection that she’s very proud of. Nerris is the first person to talk to Max on the bus ride to camp. She also brought 5 stuffed animals to camp with her, and her secret stash of Harry Potter books (which she goes to great lengths to hide from her fellow campers).

### Science Camp

#### Gwen

As far as Gwen’s concerned, to live is to suffer. She has a very pessimistic outlook, but does occasionally find things to enjoy. She dual majored in psychology and liberal arts, and is aiming to become a licensed clinical psychologist by going for her doctorate in psychology. Gwen works at Science Camp as a psychologist/social worker. She maintains an attitude of “stay in your own lane,” and doesn’t get involved with the campers outside of her official responsibilities. Despite her pessimistic outlook on life, she’s able to put on an upbeat demeanor for her job.

#### Erid

Chill and laid-back, Erid is working as a volunteer counselor at Science Camp. She doesn’t care about science, but working at this camp looks good on a resume, so she isn’t exactly complaining. For the most part, the campers enjoy being around Erid because she’s fun and cool.

#### Neil

Analytical and devoted to science, Neil helps Max investigate Daniel. The “eye in the sky,” Neil is in charge of remotely monitoring the cameras set up all around Bible camp. Neil is extremely unnerved by what goes on there, and all the unnatural, unscientific things. He’s determined to find a scientific explanation for the secrets they uncover. He often argues with Harrison (who sometimes goes to visit Science Camp with Max) over the existence of ghosts.

#### Space Kid

Although bullied for being a “loser, wannabe-astronaut,” Space Kid manages to be upbeat and cheerful, albeit a tad airheaded. His boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for space remains undeterred. Space Kid is Neil’s roommate, and likes to think that they’re the best of friends. His naivety and lack of self awareness causes him to be more of a nuisance to Neil than anything, but he’s trying his best.

### GLOBE Program for Graduate Students

#### David

David is a grad student who loves nature. He majored in environmental science and minored in animal science. Although not exactly sure what career he wants to pursue, he’s considered working at national parks or zoos. His constant optimism helps keep his friends’ moods up while they participate in The Nature Conservatory’s summer Growing Leaders on Behalf of the Environment (GLOBE) program.

#### Jasper

David’s best friend since middle school, Jasper is very invested in David’s well-being. He’s always there for David, and maybe has a little crush too. Jasper tends to have a friendly demeanor, but is above all a realist. He says things like they are, which can cause conflict with other grad students.

### Other

#### Father Judah

As Stowe’s head priest, Father Judah was the de facto head of the town (while a council of elders existed, the true power rested with the Church). Children described him as strict but fair, willing to hear both sides of an issue before making a ruling. His looks went a long way in convincing people of his holiness, but despite attempts by some to tempt him into sin, Judah remained celibate. His adherence to the rules of the Bible was unmatched, which would explain how he was able to become head priest at such a young age.

#### Father Gabriel

Father Gabriel was transferred to Stowe from another church. The townsfolk were told nothing about him or his past, and even Father Judah knew very little about him. Father Gabriel was quick to praise, but just as quick to punish. His energetic and outgoing temperament acted as a direct foil to Father Judah’s reserved and stiff mannerisms.

Often, he would bring children with him to hang out in the nearby town — usually Daniel — and bought them ice cream and candy. Unfortunately, this was part of his grooming process, and he ended up molesting a significant number of Stowe’s children. The Catholic Church, although aware of this, covered it up and provided no restitution or support for the victims.

#### Lily (Lilith)

One of Daniel’s constant companions from childhood, Lily had a mean-spirited nature. She reveled in harassing and tormenting Daniel at every opportunity, often ordering him around. Lily first appeared to Daniel when he was 4 years old.

Lily called herself Daniel's "imaginary friend," though Daniel became convinced that she was a demon. Nobody else could see or otherwise interact with her.

#### Saul

Saul was Daniel’s first — and best — childhood friend. He was a tall and quiet boy who followed the rules and kept his head down. Saul liked taking walks in the woods and listening to music. Although he dreamed of one day seeing the world outside of Stowe, he never told anyone, not even Daniel.

Saul’s parents were very typical Stowe parents. They didn’t spend much time thinking about him, caring mostly about how they appeared to their fellow townsfolk. They left him alone in the house often, preferring the company of other adults. His mother regularly cheated on her husband, and struggled with alcoholism; Saul’s father had had an affair or two of his own as well.

#### Noah

Noah was Daniel’s only other friend. Unlike Saul, Noah had a stubborn streak, which often got him in trouble with the nuns at school. He loved playing pranks, especially on higher-ranking people. During his preteen years, he took to smoking and drinking.

#### Beth

Beth was a sweet and gentle woman, but she scared the townsfolk. Unexplainable occurrences always seemed to follow her, and she possessed unnatural abilities. Her family tried to hide it, but as she got older, her abilities became increasingly difficult to hide. By the age of 18, the town was suspicious of her, and by 20, she was burned at the stake as a witch. She was the first witch Daniel witnessed the execution of.

#### Mikey

Mikey was a fellow camper at Jesus Camp with Daniel as a child. Cynical and atheistic, Mikey infuriated Daniel to no end.

## Locations

### Jesus Camp

A Bible camp run by Daniel and Jen, this camp is located somewhere in the northwestern United States. It has the usual cabins and mess hall, as well as a chapel for Sunday services. A priest from town drives in every week for Mass.

Daniel also went to this camp as a child.

### Science Camp

Across the lake from Jesus Camp, Science Camp is a summer camp for kids of ages 7-14. It has a number of wealthy benefactors — including Cameron Campbell — and boasts extremely expensive equipment. The camp is almost like a mini college campus, with a dormitory building, a laboratory building, and dining hall. The laboratory building contains classrooms and labs, with all the equipment children might need, as well as a main office, health center, and guidance center. The dining hall is located between the dorms and the lab building. All buildings' outer doors have electronic locking mechanisms, and are accessed through ID cards. Each camper and faculty member receives an ID card to swipe, giving them access to the appropriate locations at the camp. Each dorm room also requires an ID card to enter, offering insurance that nobody's room will be entered by people who are unwelcome there.

### Stowe

Stowe is the conservative Catholic town where Daniel grew up. Located in Wyoming with a population of a few hundred people, Stowe is a tight-knit community of devout Catholics. The church is the literal and metaphorical center of town. In front of the church is a gallows and a witch-burning pyre.

The town is supposedly run by the Council of Elders, but in reality, the church is in full control. The two head priests at Stowe’s church are Father Judah and Father Gabriel. The people of the town have very limited knowledge of the outside world, and people rarely ever move out. Only the clergy and the “messengers of God” are permitted to venture outside of Stowe.

Those suspected of witchcraft or blasphemy are subjected to archaic and harsh punishment, from the heretic’s fork to being burned at the stake.

## Routes

The AU was created with a basic storyline, but began accumulating divergences as it was further developed. The first devlopment was a "Camp Camp Jesus Camp Camp Jesus Camp AU AU," where the only difference was the inclusion of Danvid (although this has since become Route 2). From that, other potential outcomes of the AU began to become part of the AU canon, developing into unique routes and sub-routes.

Note that all routes are essentially the same for the first two weeks of camp, then diverge. (All routes contain some elements of Dadvid.)

### Route 1: Investigation

#### 1a: Best Realistic Scenario

The original route of the AU, and the only one currently completed, route 1a acts as the AU's "main canon," with all character biographies reflecting this. The investigation of Daniel is spearheaded by Max, and aided by Neil and Harrison.

Max and Neil gather enough evidence to get Daniel and Jen arrested and brought to trial.

*Ship: Jaspvid*

#### 1b: Ambiguous Ending

Essentially the same as route 1a, route 1b features a less satisfying ending.

#### 1c: No Agency

In this route, the investigation by Max doesn't lead to any positive results, the way it does in route 1a.

#### 1d: Worst Case Scenario

Route 1's overall worst-case scenario. Max has to watch as Daniel kills all of the other campers.

### Route 2: Romance

#### 2a: Danvid

The happiest route in the AU, 2a gives everybody at least a semi-sweet ending. Danvid good ending, everyone wins.

*Ships: Danvid, Gwenjen*

#### 2b: RIP David

Daniel's crush on David ends badly for everyone involved.

#### 2c:

In short, Daniel is rejected by David. Sorry Daniel, David isn't into Jesus freaks.

### Route 3: Ascension

#### 3a

After a series of unfortunate events, Daniel is able to help Max "see the light."

### Route 4: Crusade

Things don't go so well for Science Camp or GLOBE.

## Demonic Angel Daniel

An extension of the AU, demonic angel Daniel is an alternate universe where Daniel has an alternate form, characterized by angel wings and halo but devil eyes and horns.

Demonic angel DanielDemonic angel Danny
## Content

### Art

* Art on main account
* Ask account

### Playlists

* CCJCAU Father Gabriel and Danny
* CC Jesus Camp AU
* CCJCAU Daniel
* CCJCAU Daniel (College Years)
* CCJCAU Stowe
* CCJCAU Max
* CCJCAU Jen
* CCJC CC Jesus Camp AU AU [Danvid]
* CCJCAU Jaspvid
* CCJCAU Suggestions

### Other

* Official blog
* Aesthetic blog

## Creation History

Initially created in September 2017 as a joke, the first post appeared on eckcro's Instagram on October 18, 2017 as part of the Inktober challenge. Additional images for the AU were posted throughout the month, and it gained enough support and fanart (notably from popular user tartsy\_891) that a Discord group was created for the AU.

In the Discord group, Instagram user cardboardghost helped create a finalized design for Daniel's clothes, which is now canon to the AU.

As part of a follower milestone special, eckcro opened #askccjesuscamp, answering follower's questions to the characters. The amount of questions led to the creation of a separate Instagram account specifically to respond to questions.

## Trivia

* Max wears a green hoodie instead of a blue one.
* Daniel initially wore the same outfit as his canon counterpart.
* Pikeman dyes his hair blonde and wears blue contact lenses.
* Routes
	+ Routes 1a and 2a are the only ones roleplayed through to completion (and therefore, are the only two with solid timelines and events).
	+ Route 1a was the first route in the AU, followed by 2a and 1d.
	+ Father Gabriel only makes an appearance in route 2a.
	+ Each route reveals different snippets of each character's backstory.
	+ Route 1a is currently being written into a fanfiction (to be posted on AO3) by the AU's creator.