Wild Boys: Arrival – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the “Arrival” episode of Wild Boys, hosted by Sam Mullins and produced by Campside Media in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, listeners are transported to the small Canadian town of Vernon, British Columbia, in the summer of 2003. The episode intricately weaves a tale of mystery, community response, and the enigmatic arrival of two young boys whose presence disrupts the tranquility of their tight-knit community.

Vernon, British Columbia: A Brief Overview

Sam Mullins sets the scene by describing Vernon as a quintessential Okanagan town, known for its natural beauty, vineyards, and outdoor recreational activities. Historically middle-class, the region has evolved into a playground for the affluent, yet it retains its small-town charm with a strong emphasis on community events like the winter carnival parade. Vernon's landscape, dominated by features like Kalamalka Lake and the iconic Cal General Store, provides a picturesque yet isolating backdrop for the unfolding events.

The Mysterious Arrival of Tom and Will Green

In the summer of 2003, Sam Mullins recounts his personal experience of encountering two unfamiliar, extremely thin boys walking along the shoreline of Kalamalka Lake Beach. Their unusual appearance and the fact that Vernon is a small town where everyone knows each other immediately raised suspicions.

"They had no place to live... It was more of like an energy or an aura thing. You could look at them in any context and be like, wait, what?" ([07:02])

The boys, later identified as Tom and Will Green, became a constant presence at the Cal General Store, drawing attention from locals who found their behavior odd and enigmatic. Despite their frequent visits, they maintained a low profile, fueling curiosity and concern within the community.

Tammy McDougal Ryder’s Intervention

Tammy McDougal Ryder, a new resident of Vernon and a dedicated mother of three, first noticed the boys while driving through downtown. Unlike others, Tammy felt a compelling urge to help them, motivated by their apparent need and vulnerability.

"I kind of made it a mission to see if I can find them to help them right." ([10:25])

Tammy’s proactive approach led her to investigate their whereabouts, eventually discovering signs of their recent presence in the woods behind the Cal General Store. Her determination culminated in her leaving a note with her contact information at the store’s payphone, a gesture that resulted in the boys reaching out to her.

Community Mobilization and Support

Upon contacting Tammy, Tom and Will accepted her offer of assistance. Tammy swiftly mobilized the Vernon community, enlisting the help of local volunteers to provide immediate support. This included securing temporary accommodation at the Vernon Lodge Best Western Hotel and supplying the boys with winter clothing, grocery cards, and other necessities.

"They were unique, and they would have been worth a sociological study." ([21:26])

Legal assistance was also sought, with local lawyer Dale Kermode offering pro bono services to help navigate the complexities of the boys' situation, particularly their lack of identification and official documentation.

Unraveling the Boys’ Background

As Tammy delved deeper, the boys revealed fragments of their past. They claimed to have been raised in a remote cabin by their parents, Mary and Joseph, in the wilderness north of Vernon near Revelstoke. Their upbringing was characterized by isolation, minimal contact with society, and an obsessive focus on a raw, fruit-based diet.

"They lived in some sort of cabin that was partially or fully underground... They had no access to media." ([19:47])

Their adherence to this peculiar diet explained their emaciated appearances but also raised concerns about potential eating disorders. Tammy observed that while they exhibited an obsession with food procurement and consumption, it bordered on a disorder rather than a mere dietary choice.

Challenges with Integration and Immigration Authorities

Efforts to integrate Tom and Will into society were met with resistance. The boys were reluctant to engage with officials and hesitant to provide verifiable information about their origins, leading to increased scrutiny from immigration authorities. The lack of identification and ambiguous background prompted the authorities to schedule a hearing, adding pressure to the situation.

"Any prying related to their diet, health, or any questions about their parents... was met with stonewalling or sudden defensiveness." ([27:01])

Tammy’s attempt to resolve their status by facilitating a visit to their alleged parents in Revelstoke proved futile. The encounter with their parents turned out to be unproductive, leaving Tom and Will without the necessary documentation to legitimize their presence in Vernon.

Climactic Confrontation and Revelation

As the immigration hearing loomed, Tammy orchestrated a plan to return the boys to their supposed homeland in Revelstoke, hoping to secure the identification they desperately needed. However, this plan unraveled when the boys spirited away, leaving Tammy and their lawyer in a state of uncertainty and anxiety.

"As they're driving back from the bush... they know that not a single word of it is true." ([36:40])

The episode culminates with the revelation that Tom and Will have been deceptive about their identities and backgrounds, hinting at deeper, potentially darker motives behind their arrival in Vernon. This twist leaves listeners pondering the true nature of the boys and the extent of their deception.

Conclusion

The “Arrival” episode masterfully captures the complexity of introducing enigmatic individuals into a small community, highlighting themes of trust, vulnerability, and the lengths to which individuals will go to help those in need. Through Tammy McDougal Ryder’s unwavering determination and the community’s collective response, the story of Tom and Will Green serves as a compelling exploration of survival, identity, and the sometimes murky lines between truth and deception.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Mullins [07:02]: "They had no place to live... It was more of like an energy or an aura thing. You could look at them in any context and be like, wait, what?"

• Tammy McDougal Ryder [10:25]: "I kind of made it a mission to see if I can find them to help them right."

• Tammy McDougal Ryder [21:26]: "They were unique, and they would have been worth a sociological study."

• Tammy McDougal Ryder [27:01]: "Any prying related to their diet, health, or any questions about their parents... was met with stonewalling or sudden defensiveness."

• Sam Mullins [36:40]: "As they're driving back from the bush... they know that not a single word of it is true."

Impact and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Sam Mullins intersperses the narrative with personal reflections and interviews, shedding light on the psychological and social dynamics at play. The story not only delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Tom and Will but also examines the community’s response to unexpected challenges. "Arrival" sets the stage for subsequent episodes, promising deeper insights and revelations about the elusive Wild Boys and their true intentions.

Final Thoughts

“Wild Boys: Arrival” is a gripping entry into the series, combining elements of true crime, mystery, and human interest. It invites listeners to question appearances, embrace community solidarity, and remain vigilant in the face of the unknown. Whether you’re a long-time follower of The Binge or new to the podcast, this episode offers a captivating narrative that underscores the complexities of helping those who walk into our lives under enigmatic circumstances.