The need for all adults, not just parents, to be more aware and understanding of young people is implied through the neglect and indifference of some of the staff at Camp Tall Pine. Max, a camp counselor, ignores and thereby allows certain campers to take Laura and Howie to "Goat Island" and humiliate them. Mr. Wells, the camp administrator, tries glibly to pass off "the goat island ritual" as an annual, harmless tradition. His patronizing manner becomes defensive when threatened with Maddy Golden's lawsuit. Margo Cutter, another camp counselor, and Miss Gallager, the juvenile officer for the county, show concern and effective leadership in finding Laura and Howie, thereby lending a balance to the other ineffective adults who are supposed to have the welfare of young adults as their professional priority.

Other adults are more openly hostile to Howie and Laura, thereby showing their contempt for...