Content Warning: This section contains graphic descriptions of the death of a parent and descriptions of prescription drug addiction.

“I have a really good sense of direction. My dad used to say I was born with a compass in my head.”

For much of the book, Sam relies on his sense of direction to decide where to go. He gets much of his aptitude for Survival and Resilience Through Crisis from his dad, who is a guiding force for him throughout his adventure. In recalling his father describing the “compass in [his] head,” Sam shares the deep presence his father still holds in his life, both as a beloved parent and a resource for survival. He is motivated by his love for his parents, and the love and lessons passed between them enable his survival.

“I want to cry like a baby, I really do, but the heat of the fire has dried the tears right out of me.”

Sam’s fear and despair are intense, but his situation leaves no time for tears. He knows that he must keep going or risk being burned to death by the fire. Still, Sam carries a great deal of emotion because of his father’s death and his mother’s health. As a character, Sam is forced to be much stronger than the average 12-year-old child at summer camp. Though he holds his tears back out of a desire to keep going, he is an emotionally burdened character who has faced more than his share of personal hardship.