Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake (Holes 1.50)

“So what do you think?” he asked. “It’s still a four-minute shower, so it doesn’t use any more water. But we get to enjoy it for a longer time.”

I was surprised. It really did make sense.

For a moment nobody said anything. We just stared at him.

“You amaze me, Armpit,” X-Ray finally said.

“Brains, and good looks.”

Armpit didn’t know if X-Ray was making fun of him.

“That’s really smart!” said Zigzag.

“We’d get cleaner, too,” said Squid, “’cause sometimes I don’t have time to get the soap all over me.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” said Magnet, holding his nose.

“What do you think, Caveman?” Armpit asked me. He knew I’d give him a straight answer.

“I think it’s a really great idea, Armpit,” I told him.

Once he realized we weren’t making fun of him, Armpit beamed a great big smile.

We all helped Armpit put his suggestion down on paper. There was a lot of discussion on how much time it takes to get wet, and to put soap on, but we decided the simpler, the better. This is what we finally came up with.

SUGGESTION

It’s a waste of water to apply soap while the shower water is running. So, instead of a four-minute shower, why not split it up? First, the shower should run for one minute to allow the person to get wet. Then it should turn off for one minute, while the person applies soap. Then back on for three minutes to rinse the soap off. This will use no more water but will allow all campers to get cleaner and smell better.

Armpit

D tent

We all watched Armpit proudly sign his name and drop the suggestion in the box. Three days later I saw Mr. Sir working on the showers.

The guys from D tent gathered around. X-Ray asked, “Whatcha doin’, Mr. Sir?”

“Adjusting the mechanism,” Mr. Sir replied. “So that the showers can stop and start.”

Magnet patted Armpit on the back.

That evening after dinner, Mr. Pendanski stood up and made an announcement.

“There will be a change in the shower procedure,” he said. “It is a waste of water to apply soap while the shower is running. Don’t worry. The showers will still last four minutes. But first they will run for one minute to allow you to get wet. Then the shower will shut off and remain off for exactly one minute. During that time you will apply the soap. Then the shower will come back on for the remaining two minutes. This will give you plenty of time to rinse off the soap. Remember, a clean body is a healthy body.”

I couldn’t believe it. Maybe I hadn’t heard right.

“Did Mom just say two minutes?” asked Armpit.

I’d heard correctly. We still had a four-minute shower, but only three minutes of water.

“Great idea, Armpit,” grumbled Zigzag.

“Do us all a favor, Armpit,” said X-Ray, “and don’t get any more smart ideas.”

Squid told

Armpit where to stick his next suggestion, and it wasn’t in the suggestion box.