"The Rover Boys in Camp" is the eighth installment in the Rover Boys series, a collection of adventure stories for young readers. The narrative follows the Rover brothers—Dick, Tom, and Sam—as they return to Putnam Hall, a military academy, after a series of thrilling adventures. The story begins with the boys' journey back home from a perilous trip across the Pacific Ocean, where they were castaways on a deserted island. Upon their return, they are greeted with warmth and excitement by their family and friends. However, their homecoming is marred by an unexpected visit from Arnold Baxter, a notorious criminal who has escaped from prison. Baxter's intrusion leads to a confrontation with Anderson Rover, the boys' father, resulting in a robbery. Despite this unsettling event, the boys are eager to resume their studies and rejoin their friends at Putnam Hall. The narrative captures the camaraderie and youthful exuberance of the cadets as they engage in various activities, including gymnasium exercises and preparations for a military encampment on Pine Island. The story is rich with humor, as seen in the playful interactions between the boys and their peers, particularly with the German student Hans Mueller and the aristocratic William Philander Tubbs. As the boys settle back into their routine, they are faced with the challenge of electing new officers for the academy's military exercises. The story emphasizes themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of returning good for evil, as demonstrated by Dick Rover's Christian-like response to Arnold Baxter's misdeeds. The narrative is a blend of adventure, humor, and moral lessons, making it an engaging read for young audiences.