The Secret of Camp Redwood

**Whoa there, pal!**

There are spoilers on this page! Do NOT read ahead if you'd rather wait and enjoy the content for yourself first, before seeing how it ends!

*The Secret of Camp Redwood* is the first book released in the Technilogica series. When the series was rehauled after the book's release in 2022, it was officially deemed part of a separate canon (in part due to Cass' redesign and name change, but also because of a significant plot element no longer being accurate). However, there has been mention of a rewrite that would place it back within Technilogica's current canon.

The book is mostly in CK's perspective, save for three chapters, 7 (Cass), 8 (Candii), and 9 (Candii).

## The Story

### Characters

* CK Karina
* Cassady Bristle
* Candii Gray
* Mariyah
* Crow
* The Campers

### Synopsis

The synopsis can be found on the homepage of *The Secret of Camp Redwood* website.

> CK would rather be spending her summer doing anything else, including jumping out of a moving car. And, is it just her bored-outta-your-wits imagination, or is there something kind of off about the camp? Nobody else has said anything yet so it's probably just her crazy brain...
> ...right? Not like anyone's in any real danger, after all.
>
>

### Plot

#### Chapter One

The book begins with CK and Cass being driven to Camp Redwood by Zarlah. CK recalls a few weeks prior, how Cass had begged to let her have a job of her own. CK had finally caved in, and helped Cass be hired as a camp counselor over the summer at a place called Camp Redwood. But CK is beginning to regret joining Cass as another counselor, and the two haven't even gotten to camp yet.

When the two arrive, they meet the head counselor and camp founder, Candii Gray. Candii gives the two one last brief interview, before giving them their Tent Aquamarine amulets (which they're told to NEVER remove) and sends them on their way. Outside, the two meet Mariyah, one of the Tent Amethyst counselors. She'd been watching the Aqua campers until Cass and CK arrived.

Cass and CK spend the rest of the day getting to know their campers a bit better. After they've finished, they hear Candii calling from outside; they've set up a nice campfire for everyone to have dinner around. At dinner, Cass and CK meet the other Tent Amethyst counselor, Crow.

Candii has also set up an icebreaker for the group; there are index cards with some fun, randomized questions, that everyone will take turns answering. CK makes a joke about the Notebook during her turn to answer one, which Cass tells her to put away, saying "CK, no! You weren't supposed to bring that! You're supposed to be watching the campers!" CK also makes a joke about her "imaginary friends", saying "I have many. One of them is called Erin. I think you would like her." CK considers calling Erin to come take her home, but decides not to.

After some ghost stories, which CK all found rather disappointing in comparison to OC High's resident ghost Iris Candii says it's time for bed. They've set up some cots in both tents, and has also provided souvenir blankets for the campers and counselors to have so they can always remember their first summer at Camp Redwood.

#### Chapter Two

The next morning, Candii wakes everyone up with a cowbell. CK stumbles her way outside, still half asleep, to find everyone is already wide awake and running around. Candii announces the day's activity will be creating macaroni art, the idea of which puts more pep into CK's step.

She's tempted to use the Notebook to create something flawless, but Cass reminds her that using the Notebook that carelessly could easily go very wrong, very quickly. Despite the cat's concerns, CK decides to use the Notebook anyway. She creates a very basic foundation for the team's statue, which they now only need to add details to. Much to Cass' surprise (and slight disappointment at being blatantly ignored), nothing managed to go horrendously wrong.

After a few hours of work, Tent Aqua manages to create a life-size sculpture of a certain cat on the back of a certain unicorn. In comparison to Tent Amethyst's tabletop bear sculpture, it's clear who the winner would have been... if it were actually a competition. CK deflates once more when Candii clarifies that it was all just for fun, not meant to be competitive at all. The idea was to create something that Candii would spray in a protective coating to have as decoration around camp, to remember the fun times had in years past. CK becomes frustrated at her wasted efforts, *"Of course* her group would be starting traditions. Because *of course they would."*

The rest of the day is spent going through the rest of the index card questions they didn't have time for last night. One of the first questions is *What do you want to be when you grow up?* to which Cass and CK respond with a bit of voice acting, poking some light fun at Erin. The campers also form friendships with each other, talking about their own hopes for the future.

After some discussion, Candii declares there aren't any other official activities for the day, and encourages everyone to explore the camp and try out the various stations they've set up. But rather than go with her tent, CK stays back to ask Candii about the amulets. Candii claims the amulets were just too expensive to risk losing, but CK isn't entirely convinced this is true. She prods a bit further, and Candii finally (indirectly) admits there's more going on, but insists they've got it handled on their own. CK still isn't satisfied, so she takes the conversation back to Candii's office in the cabin.

#### Chapter Tree (Lol get it?)

CK shows Candii her Notebook, and explains what she can do with it. "Someone had to make this place a reality. [...] That someone has the ability to alter the world, bring in new characters, anything she wants. And that someone is me. So if there's anything putting this camp in danger, I can handle it with just a sentence. No more fear, no more Amulets." Candii begins to understand CK and Cass' dynamic a bit better, and shows compassion when they learn Cass can't age.

Still, Candii is certain they can do things on their own. CK finally agrees (mostly because she remembered she left the entire tent with Cass unsupervised), but reminds them one last time the Notebook is always there if they decide they need it.

Upon returning outside, CK and Candii are met with utter chaos. Cass is chasing the campers around, trying to get them to behave. One camper trying to eat sticks, others running with scissors, playing with hot glue guns, or climbing trees without an adult to spot. Candii manages to wrangle everyone with a single sentence, a talent which CK and Cass envy. "How did- but why didn't- you know what, no. It didn't matter."

CK decides to take a nature walk to clear her head. Candii says that's completely fine, provided CK is back by seven so she's in time for dinner.

#### Chapter Four

CK pops in some earbuds and listens to her music, which usually helps her think. She's just kind of wandering about, following the path, seeing how well she can familiarize herself with the forest. She considered walking back to OC Ville, but figured there was no way she would make it back in time, so she decides to just stay on the path.

CK examines her amulet, wondering the *real* reason they were never to be taken off. But CK trusted Candii, so she kept it on and kept her Notebook put away to respect their wishes.

She's almost in awe of the color, a nice, rich teal, and its perfect smoothness. But looking closer, CK notices a little cloud has formed. It's almost impossible to see, but it looks like a dark purple figure trapped within the gemstone. The longer she walks, the more prominent the cloud becomes. It almost begins to feel like it's tugging her in a certain direction. CK decides to follow the amulet, wondering if it knows something she doesn't.

The amulet is at its strongest when CK approaches a cave. But when she walks towards its entrance, the amulet goes completely silent. No more pulling, but she notices the cloud is still there. CK sees there aren't any jagged rocks or dangerous trip hazards around the cave's entrance, so she wonders if she can safely enter.

But when she tries, she finds herself instantly back on her cot. She checks the time to be sure everything was real, not just some weird dream. Sure enough, it's still that afternoon. No time has passed since she stepped into the cave. "How did she get all the way back here?" CK determines there's definitely a connection between the cave and the amulets, so she seeks Cass out to have a talk about it.

Cass mentions she saw a similar cloud in Crow's amulet, in a shade of light blue, but that it went away on its own after a few moments. CK wonders if the two should talk to Candii about it, but Cass remembers how stressed they are already and decides "not yet. They've got their hands full".

CK makes a joke about having something she can do instead of watching the campers, which rubs Cass the wrong way. She reminds CK that, first and foremost, the two are camp counselors for the summer. Anything else comes second. CK makes a snide comment about Cass being "The Mom Friend" despite her age, but she carelessly hits a nerve with Cass, who CK'd forgotten is self-conscious about her age.

#### Chapter Five

CK tells Cass she didn't mean the joke to be offensive, but Cass calls her on it. "You kind of have a tendency to talk down on me, you know. Just because you're older than me doesn't mean I can't know stuff too." She also mentions CK's lassiez-faire approach to her job, only taking action when there's a desperate need for someone else. CK mentions her incredibly low social stamina, but then realizes that's no excuse. The two are on better terms again, and Cass resumes what the drawing she was working on with a few of the kids.

CK seeks out Mariyah, who she'd heard was at the pond. CK feels like a bit of cool water might be refreshing. On her way, she overhears Candii on the phone with someone. It almost sounds like an argument. When Candii comes outside, CK checks to make sure everything is okay. Candii explains it's just a small disagreement with someone they "haven't been getting along the best" with. They just force a smile, and ask if CK can help them carry something.

The two carry some boxes to a couple of tables Candii had set up. Inside, there are drinks (Candii offers CK an orange soda as thanks) and coloring books. They explain the idea of the coloring books is for each camper to do theirs on their own, and then compare how different they all are at the end of the summer. CK once again offers to help with the Notebook, after hearing Candii on the phone, but Candii still refuses. They finally admit they just don't want other people getting tangled up in the mess, which CK can understand, but she's still reluctant to just walk away.

#### Chapter Six

Once again, CK stumbles over piles of children trying to wake up in the morning. Candii introduces the coloring book activity, and declares it a day for coloring. (CK grimaces when Candii thanks her specifically for helping with setup. "Great. Now people would be expecting things.") CK ponders what the point of different tents are, seeing the campers all group with their friends regardless of the amulets, but decides it's probably just for fun and moves on.

CK settles for the cheap pencils provided at camp, deciding she doesn't trust anyone aside from Cass with her things. But as she picks up a blue pencil, she realizes her amulet is getting tighter. She wonders if the amulet shares her distaste for cheap, craft store bought supplies, but realizes her amulet is guiding her once more. When she finishes coloring the picture, a small child with a butterfly net sitting near a stream, she becomes uneasy at what the amulet had made her create. The person had sickly grey skin, white hair with a black underside, fully black eyes, and a golden yellow shirt. She quickly closes her coloring book before any of the kids could see, and realizes Cass has a very similar expression of worry. Without a word, the two retreat back into Tent Aqua.

Back in the tent, the two compare drawings. Sure enough, their creations are identical. The girls ponder why their amulets seem to be different from anyone else's. CK realizes everything started when she got back from the cave, and then told Cass about it. She wonders if the cave is linked to the amulets, and now that they know CK and Cass at least know the cave exists, they're trying to tell the two something.

They decide it's finally time to talk to Candii directly, as a pair. Candii shares their horror at the amulets' actions, and tears the pages out of both the coloring books. They crumple them up beyond recognition, and throw them away. Candii asks the two to leave, saying they need to make a phone call, and locks the door to the cabin. CK ponders what can be done, aside from just wait things out and see if there are any more answers. But then, she gets an idea.

#### Chapter Seven

Cass has a lot of trouble sleeping that night. As she's stuck thinking, she hears CK get up and sneak away. Cass decides to follow her, wondering if it's about the amulets.

Sure enough, CK unknowingly leads Cass right to the cave. It looks like there's something glowing from the inside, but Cass can't see that well from where she is. She sees CK take off her amulet and manage to step fully inside the cave. Worried, Cass picks up the amulet just to make sure nothing happens to it, hoping CK doesn't see her. Cass notices the swirls in both the amulets, just like CK mentioned before.

She sees CK bending over something, and Cass realizes there's a little cluster of amethyst and aquamarine crystals growing in the floor of the cave. CK manages to snap a small piece of aquamarine, trying her best to examine it in the dark. As she moves it around, a vine begins to sprout.

CK tries to control it the best she can, using the piece of aquamarine, but the vine only wraps around her ankle. CK grabs onto a shard of amethyst to try and keep herself grounded, but it snaps off and a large rock shoots up from the ground, knocking both crystals from her hand. Cass lets out a yelp of alarm, seeing CK dangle from her foot, accidentally blowing her cover. CK becomes angry that Cass followed her, despite the cat promising she just wanted to help keep her friend safe. CK sends Cass back to the camp to find Candii.

#### Chapter Eight

Candii is also having a hard time getting to sleep. They're surprised to see Cass wide awake too, and even more shocked when she starts screaming about the cave. After getting her to calm down and explain what's going on, Candii and Cass race back as fast as they can.

When they get there, Cass explains that CK took off her amulet to enter. This sets Candii into a frenzy, taking off their own amulet and handing both back to Cass. They race into the cave, then yell for Cass to toss the amulets back. Somehow, this lets Candii be in the cave with full control over both amulets. Almost like they've been practicing, Candii manages to use the Aquamarine and Amethyst pendants to release the vines that had fully cocooned CK.

The two fall to the ground and catch their breath. The first thing CK manages to say is that Cass "could have gotten yourself killed, and if Candii wasn't here, I wouldn't be here to bring you back!" Candii cuts the two off before they can get into an argument. They help Cass and CK understand each others' perspectives, and CK finally gives Cass a true apology, unlike before. Cass gladly accepts.

On the way back, instead of playing the world's most boring game of I-Spy, Candii decides to tell Cass and CK about how Camp Redwood was founded.

#### Chapter Nine

Candii used to work at a publishing company, but it wasn't long before they grew bored of the same thing every day. There was one story that caught their eye, about a summer camp that had all sorts of things to offer. Candii was inspired to start their own camp, since that wasn't something they ever ended up doing as a kid. After "a *whole* mess that I won't get into," Candii received permission to claim a plot for the camp.

Initially, Candii had wanted the camp to be at that cave. But as they were working, the nature began to fight back. Candii had initially worn the amethyst and aqua crystals as a nice accessory, but when they realized the land settled down as they did, Candii realized the campers would need to wear them at all times.

Candii decided it was safest to relocate. They'd hoped Camp Redwood was far enough away from the cave, but "these Amulets can remember where they came from", they realize.

After hearing Candii's story, CK wonders if she knows someone who might be able to help. She mentions she and Cass know someone from OC Ville who studies nature for a living. She promises it's not just a scheme for her to sneak home, and when Candii *finally* accepts that they need help, CK phones a friend.

#### Chapter Ten

The next morning, Jasmine Summers arrives at the camp. After some brief introductions, and receiving her amulet, CK takes her to the cave. Jasmine figures the reason the land seems to be fighting back is probably because it feels threatened, and Candii might not even realize it. She spends the rest of that afternoon having fun with the campers, and the next day, Jasmine takes CK and Candii back to the cave.

The trio notice how the cave has blocked itself off entirely, putting up a barricade of vines and rocks to keep everything else out. Jasmine encourages Candii to apologize to the cave, and the land surrounding it. The more Candii speaks, the more the cave begins to put its guard down. After Candii finishes, the cave fully opens itself once more. The three are able to safely enter, even while wearing their amulets. CK remarks that she "didn't think I'd be all that into camping," but has grown to love Camp Redwood.

CK makes a joke about having a big, dramatic moment to remove the amulets, but Candii says everyone can keep them as a thank you present since they won't be needed anymore. CK also mentions how Candii had been right all along, they didn't need to use the Notebook once.

When the counselors get back to camp, and Jasmine returns home, Candii offers to bring the campers and counselors to see the cave, just like they'd wanted from the beginning. "Who wants to go on a nature walk?"

## Gallery

Camp Redwood's sign and logoAn official coloring pageThe Camp Redwood logo on its ownThe complete front cover
## Trivia

* Candii's situation with the forest parallel's Cass and CK's relationship in the book.
	+ In chapter 10, Jasmine says "Sometimes, we think we're doing something entirely harmless, but we don't even realize just how much we're affecting someone else when we do." She's referring to Candii and the forest, but this can also be applied to the way CK talks about Cass throughout the book.
* Nicole is the one who drove Jasmine to the camp. Despite not being mentioned by name, her appearance is described.
* By the end of the book, CK mentions how the cowbell still drives her crazy. "Candii rang that *unbearable cowbell* to address the children."
* The idea for Camp Redwood was born when author Tech V worked at a summer camp, but the events of the novel as a whole are not based on that camp.
* Hidden in the website, there can be found a quiz to determine which tent you'd be part of.