The Outdoor Chums; Or, The First Tour of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club

When a sudden storm forces the academy’s roof to collapse, the students find themselves with an unexpected two‑week break. Five boys—members of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club—see the pause as a chance to put their hobbies to the test. They sketch a plan to head deep into the lumber camps beside the lake, hoping to fish, hunt, and capture the wilderness on film. Their enthusiasm turns the school shutdown into the seed of a real outdoor expedition.

Each member brings a distinct personality: the practical leader who loves a good shot, the skeptical friend who questions the fairness of the hunt, and the well‑to‑do son of a lawyer who likes to play the bold card. Their banter crackles with the era’s slang and a playful rivalry over gear—from repeating shotguns to a brand‑new camera. As they argue about permissions, transportation, and supplies, the groundwork for a memorable summer adventure takes shape.