While Moses is away on the mountain, Hazzaka asks Seth, an 11-year-old boy, if he would allow his prize calf to pose for the making of a golden idol that would keep the people from wanting to go back to Egypt. Seth accepts because he wants to feel important, but what he doesn't know is that Hazzaka also plans to sacrifice the calf at the festival celebration.

In Seth and Ephraim's quest for excitement, the boys head into the desert against their parents' better advice. Dangerous journeys through a wild sandstorm and encounters with a menacing bandit and his wild jackal named Odiferous turn the boys' overnight camp out into an adventure of a lifetime.

Trouble comes to the Israelites' camp when Simeon, a handsome singer, literally turns the tents upside down with his lively songs and pocket-picking monkey, Martel. "Anything goes" is Simeon's rule as he unsuccessfully tries to steal the heart of another man's wife. Meanwhile, Amos the rat becomes the "fall guy" for Martel as he steals valuables from people in the camp.