Hitty Minerva McGonnigal shows Hitty Maggie, from Redwood, the zinnias that Hitty Petal had planted earlier that month.

"Lovely," she says. "We had gorgeous Iris' at Our Persons house this year, and the Lilacs were lovely, too."

"No, no," says Hitty Minerva McGonnigal, "Don't pick the zinnias!"

One of the Mini-Hittys giggles and climbs up over the side. "Sorry!"

"Come down," says Charlotte Hitty. "Those are not for climbing. You'll have plenty of places to climb safely at the Apple Tree."

"OK!" shout the Mini-Hittys, and scramble down the Morning Glories. "Can we go now?"

"First we have to stop at Our Person's Purple Basil."

"But we want to climb!"

"Oh," says Charlotte Hitty, with a little smile, "I think you'll be able to climb to see the Basil."

"Wow! The view from here is fantastic," sighs Hitty Lavina. "We never get to climb like this at home."

The Bitty Boys, Josh and Charlie, try to spot the AGA, but it's too far away.

"Look!" shouts Hitty Geneva, "There's one of the Bald Eagles!"

Sure enough, one of the pair of Bald Eagles that live near the AGA coasts overhead on the wind currents.

Sure enough, once they arrive at the Apple Tree, there is plenty of space for climbing. The 20 Mini-Hittys hit the tree at a dead run, climbing and giggling and shouting to one another.

Hitty Lavina catches one as she jumps from the top of the Hanging Playhouse. "Hey!" It's too far from the ground for that nonsense."

Hitty Qwinevere Cole relaxes on her branch. "Now, this is living," she sighs. She wished Hitty Petal had come along, as she wanted to talk to her about their respective sisters, but she knew there would be time at Camp.

"I love your stylish yet affordable shoes!" says one of the Mini-Hittys to Hitty-Kit. "I didn't know the Raikes girls could wear shoes.

"My person carved out my feet specially for bare feet," says HItty-Kit. "And I just got these green jelly-shoes. Green is my favorite color."

"I'll help you up," says Bitty Boy Charlie. "Girls can't climb as good as us boys can."

Mini-Hitty giggles. "You boys think you are so smart! Just wait for Camp! We've got a
pl--" she claps one hand over her mouth.

"What? Asks Bitty Boy Charlie. "What's that? A Plan???" He frowns. A plan about.....oh no! "Josh!" he yells. "Get over here, we gotta talk!"

The Staffers remain on the ground in the shade. Poor Mr. Spock gamely tries to keep up with the women as they discuss the best ways to use herbal tea, how to plant flowers, what to do to keep the school dogs from getting fleas, and recipes for crumb cake.

However, once they begin to discuss the boys and how to keep them in line during Camp Week, he perks up. This is going to be his task, along with Mr. Giles, Oz, and Xander.

"What about China Charlie?" he asks. "Does he work at the Camp?"

The women hoot with laughter, "China Charlie drives the bus and helps around the Academy but he has made it clear that his idea of camping consists of sleeping on the couch instead of his bed!" explains Mrs. Plum, as the laughter dies down.

Hitty Maggie snuggles with Bitty Boy Bobbi. He's wearing the very smallest Camp Uniform, and thinks he is very big.

"Wanna climb the tree," he says, and pouts when Mrs. Plum says no.

"It's too high for little boys," she says, and give shim a cookie.

"So, what's it like in space?" asks Mrs. Baker, who lives with the Redwood Hittys.

"Not as pleasant as it is sitting right here with you," says Mr. Spock graciously.

Mrs. Baker giggles. She thinks Mr. Spock is quite the gentleman.

"Actually," says Mr. Spock, "I have a lecture planned for the Campers. Perhaps you would care to attend? You would find it most informative."

"It's a date!" she cries, then bursts into giggles again as he looks perplexed.

"I beg your pardon?" asks Mr. Spock.

"I mean, I will see you there," says Mrs. Baker, getting herself under control.