Here's a breakdown of the key events that drive the plot forward:
1. Greg's summer plans fall apart: Greg's initial plan to spend the summer hanging out with his friends and playing video games goes awry when his parents decide to send him to summer camp.
2. The search for an escape: Greg tries everything to avoid going to camp, including pretending to be sick, lying about a "serious" injury, and even attempting to run away.
3. The "Dog Days" adventure: When his efforts to avoid camp fail, Greg finds himself forced to attend a camp called "Camp Wannaweep," which is designed to get kids "in touch with nature."
4. The "Summer of Rowley" and Greg's growing isolation: As Greg struggles to adjust to camp life, Rowley, his best friend, has a surprisingly enjoyable experience. This causes a rift between them, leading to feelings of jealousy and loneliness for Greg.
5. The "Water Park" disaster: Greg's attempts to make his own fun outside of camp lead to a disastrous trip to a water park, which further isolates him from Rowley and other friends.
6. Facing his fears: Greg's attempts to control his summer situation ultimately fail, and he's forced to confront the reality of his circumstances. He realizes that avoiding camp and clinging to his old ways won't solve his problems.
These events build tension and lead to a turning point in the story, where Greg finally begins to see the value of trying new things and stepping outside his comfort zone. The rising action sets the stage for the climax of the story, which is Greg's eventual acceptance of camp and the realization that summer can be enjoyable even without his usual plans.