Spy Camp

In Spy Camp, the CIA is staffed by incompetent adults. Alexander and the Academy’s principal are two particularly egregious examples of adult ineptitude, but even Cyrus Hale, renowned spy, is so driven by his ego that he will not listen to Erica when she warns him not to walk into SPYDER’s trap in the farmhouse. This motif serves two important functions in the book: First, the incompetence of the adults allows Ben and his friends to take the lead in situations that would normally be well beyond their level of involvement; additionally, the motif communicates the idea that young people should not be underestimated. While the first function makes the book’s plot possible, the second helps impart the book’s messages of valuing one’s individual contributions, not judging by appearances, and believing that you can make a difference. If the Agency and Academy staff were competent and good at their jobs, there would be no need for Ben and his friends to step in to save the day. The reader may also notice that SPYDER’s operations seem to be run by kids and young adults, further developing the motif.