“Here’s what we’re going to do,” Sky says. “Each of you will stand up in turn, state your name, and tell us a little something about yourselves. What you’re interested in, what you do for fun, like that. Mia, if you don’t mind, you go first.”

She leaps to her feet with a big grin. Obviously, she doesn’t mind at all. “I’m Maria Valentina Garcia, but I go by Mia, ’cause that’s what my abuela calls me. My grandmother. My dad is a dentist, my mom runs the office. I have two little brothers. When I grow up, I’m gonna be a lawyer. Not the money kind, the kind that helps people. My favorite thing to do is read books.” Pleased with herself, she plops to the sand and hugs her knees.

“Deke?”

He sighs, and stands reluctantly, both hands thrust into his pockets. Big for his age, and built like a linebacker, with blond hair close cut and light blue eyes that can be cruel or bored. “Is this like Survivor or something? Because that show is so lame.”

We laugh because it’s a little like Survivor, but without the cameras.

“State your name, please.”

Another big sigh. “Okay, okay. Deacon Bailey. My mom and dad work for Byron James, the zillionaire who’s paying for all this, so that’s probably why I got picked for the program. That and because I don’t get straight As like my dad did when he was my age, and for some reason, he thinks this trip will help me do better.” He snorts. “No chance!”

Most of the kids laugh, but it’s a nervous laugh.

“My favorite thing is playing Super Smash Brothers. I’m really good at it, even if I’m not good at school.” He shrugs like he couldn’t care less what anybody thinks, and slumps down.

“Thanks, Deke. Tony? Tony? You’re up.”

“What?”

“Your turn.”

“Oh yeah, sorry.” He staggers to his feet, making a goony face, his nose and cheeks red with sunburn. “Anthony Meeks. Tony. My parents are just normal parents, which means they can be a pain.” Our laughter encourages him, and he starts clowning around. “My favorite thing? I dunno, lots of things. Candy Crush. Firecrackers. Telling dumb jokes. Riding my trail bike. Hip-hop! Girls!”

“Thank you, Tony.”

“Mortal Kombat!”

“Daniel.”

I’ve been dreading this. Giving a talk in front of the class is, like, my worst nightmare. But at least I didn’t have to study or memorize. And if this is the price of a white-water rafting adventure, so be it.

“Daniel Redmayne. Sorry, but I’m pretty boring. I have three little brothers and we share the same room, so earbuds are essential. This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done. I mean the raft, not me talking. Thank you.”

“Thank you, Daniel. Imani?”