What does Stanley discover upon comleting his first hole?

Upon completing his first hole at Camp Green Lake, Stanley discovers a strange, old, and rusted object buried in the dirt. Initially, he is excited about the find, thinking it might be valuable, but the counselors quickly dismiss it as irrelevant. This moment highlights the harsh reality of the camp, where the boys dig holes not for treasure but as part of their punishment. It also sets the stage for the deeper mysteries of the story, connecting the past to the present.