Father and Scout

At home in Los Angeles, Spencer reluctantly agrees to attend the dad-and-lad camping weekend after Michael's invitation letter. He acknowledges camping is outside his comfort zone and worries about disappointing his son. This decision shows he wants to connect with Michael, even if it makes him uneasy.

Donna expresses admiration for how Spencer bonds with Michael but presses for more outdoor, manly activities. She believes a weekend away could push them to grow closer as a father and son. Spencer agrees to try, hoping to improve their relationship.

The group departs from the harbor on a 3-hour boat ride to Catalina, where Scoutmaster leads the trip and introduces fellow dads Aaron, Brent, and Chet with their sons. They arrive nearly midnight and haul camping gear toward the site. The atmosphere is rough, mixed with humor and tension.

The first night features a 45-minute hike to the camp. Spencer complains loudly and insults the Scoutmaster, embarrassing Michael in front of the others. His behavior sets a tense tone for the weekend.

Spencer and Aaron skip the hike by taking a water taxi to the camp, despite the Scoutmaster's rule that water taxis are for the mothers' group. They hope to avoid the trek and reach camp early. The move foreshadows their reluctance to follow camp rules.

Saturday morning reveals run-down tents and a broken faucet, forcing them to skip showers. Breakfast arrives late with limited choices, prompting Spencer to grumble about the eggs and service. The rough conditions become a running joke among the other dads and their sons.

Archery proves challenging as Chet and Chip dominate with their own gear while other campers struggle. Spencer, without practice, fumbles and misses the mark. The team spirit of the weekend remains intact despite the early setback.

The group competes in the egg-on-a-spoon race and the potato sack race. Chet and Chip take the wins, leaving the Paleys to regroup and cheer their son. The events highlight the weekend's mix of competition and bonding.

Michael and Spencer attempt a canoe around the island but break the craft, incurring a $400 repair bill. Spencer reluctantly accepts responsibility and pays up. The incident teaches them about accountability in the camp setting.

The group hikes into an abandoned silver mine, where Spencer's claustrophobia triggers a panic attack. The Scoutmaster and Aaron carry him to First Aid, illustrating the risks of fear in confined spaces. Michael watches, sensing his dad's vulnerability.

Spencer throws a stone into the water against explicit instructions to preserve the beach, drawing the Scoutmaster's ire. He is stung by a jellyfish, forcing an evacuation of the beach. The moment marks a turning point for his behavior around the group.

In a tense basketball match, Spencer and Michael push hard against Chip and Brent, despite warnings. Michael is injured, yet the Paleys persevere and win by a single point. The game strengthens their bond and begins shifting Spencer's mindset about his role as a father.

During the camp assembly, the campers insist that Spencer deliver the speech, drawn by his humor. He delivers a loosened-up talk that resonates with the group, helping to defuse tensions. The moment signals a shift in how the campers view him.

Chet and Chip trash the Paley tent, and Spencer challenges him to own up to it, prompting a fistfight that the Scoutmaster must break up. The incident threatens the weekend's harmony and raises the risk of Spencer not returning next year. Michael watches in embarrassment as the escalation unfolds.

The treasure hunt yields gold-wrapped chocolate coins and sparks a confrontation as Chet and Chip arrive to claim it. The group falls into a bottomless cavern; Spencer helps rescue Michael, Chip, and Chet, earning bravery medals for the Paleys. They return home with a strengthened bond, while Donna remains skeptical and Spencer hints at future outdoor adventures.