Greg gets sick and has to miss the father-son campout. His dad, who had signed up to drive, has to go alone. Greg feels disappointed that he will not get the chance to show off his new camping skills. The campout turns out to be a disaster when one of the scouts bites another scout and Dad has to take them to the emergency room. Greg gets the feeling that Dad isn’t impressed by the Boy Scout troop.

Greg forgets to get his mom a gift for Mother’s Day, so he piggybacks on Manny’s handmade card. He considers making her a chore coupon book like he usually does but decides that he does not want to actually do chores.

Greg’s plan to impress his dad with a do-over campout gets ruined when Mom suggests that Rodrick tag along. Greg dreads spending more time with Rodrick since he and Greg are currently fighting.