Summer Camp...
This past Saturday was the Summer Solstice, or the official start of the summer season! During this time of the year, it is hard not to think about all my fond (and not-so fond) memories of summer camp. I have been to many camps over the years, including Girl Scout Camp, two different Horse Camps, and various local youth recreational day camps. My experiences at these camps provided me with a wealth of opportunities to try new things and learn skills that I use to this day. Camp provides plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors (whilst also avoiding bugs and trying not to get sunburned), participating in activities like swimming, hiking, boating, and archery, meeting new people, and getting out of your parents’ hair for weeks on end… With many camps not opening this summer, or operating with limited capacities, due to the current pandemic, I had to put together a list of some of my all-time favorite things about summer camp and have curated the selection of summer camp themed movies you can watch to fill that void you might have if you are unable to get away to camp this summer. Enjoy!
If your favorite thing about camp is:
The Food…
Heavyweights (1995, dr. Steven Brill) – This is one of those live-action Disney films that most ‘90s kids have probably seen at least once. Heavyweights has some iconic summer camp moments and food plays a major role given the setting revolves around a ‘weight-loss camp.’
It Takes Two (1995, dir. Andy Tennant) – I know, we’ve already mentioned this film a handful of times by now (but, seriously, it is that good)… It Takes Two has it all, especially when it comes to nostalgic camp food, think: Sloppy Joes, Mac and Cheese, S’mores, Chewing Gum, and Coco Puffs… Need I say more?
Arts and Crafts…
Camp (2003, dir. Todd Graff) – This is the quintessential summer theatre camp film. It is also notable for launching the careers of Sasha Allen (semi-finalist on season 4 of The Voice), Anna Kendrick (an Academy Award nominee), and Robin de Jesús (three-time Tony Award nominee).
Troop Zero (2019, dir. Bert & Bertie, aka. Amber Finlayson and Katie Ellwood) – While not ‘technically’ about summer camp per say, Troop Zero is a heartwarming and charming film about an unlikely group of “Birdie Scouts” who desperately want to go to the scout Jamboree over the summer, with the hopes of winning the talent show to get their voices recorded and sent into space on the Voyager Golden Record. The film captures the spirit of camp, from camping under the stars, various art and craft activities, and a whole lot of teamwork.
Pranks…
The Parent Trap (1961, dir. David Swift) – This film features some of the best pranks to end all pranks. From trashing cabins, to cutting people’s clothing, and to twins Sharon and Susan (played by Haley Mills, and Hayley Mills) switching places and causing utter chaos, this film has become an iconic summer camp staple within the Disney oeuvre.
The Parent Trap (1998, dir. Nancy Meyers) – Attempting to up the ante and outdo its predecessor, this remake of the 1961 film, casts Lindsey Lohan as mischievous twins, Hallie and Annie, who attempt to out-prank each other before joining forces to prank and ‘parent trap’ their parents. The air mattress scene makes me laugh every time I watch this film. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, rent both movies, have a double feature, and prepare to laugh your head off.
The Camp Counselors…
Ernest Goes to Camp (1987, dir. John R. Cherry III) – Starring actor and comedian Jim Varney, portraying his famous character of Ernest P. Worrell, this is one of the funnier ‘Ernest’ Films (there are nine… plus cameo roles in other films), as Ernest is roped in to being a camp counselor… An absolutely ridiculous summer camp film, but worth a watch.
Wet Hot American Summer (2001, dir. David Wain) – This cult comedy film has an incredible ensemble cast and spoofs all things summer camp. Set in 1981, the film centers on the last full day of camp at Camp Firewood (a fictional camp) located near Waterville, Maine. If this is your kind of movie, be sure to check out the Netflix revival prequel series, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015), and sequel series, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later (2017).
Ghost Stories…
Friday the 13th (1980, dir. Sean S. Cunningham) – As one of the most iconic and well-known slasher films, right up there with John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th is a must watch for any film fan. Set at Camp Crystal Lake, the film explores the camp’s sinister past, which comes back to haunt and torment a new generation of camp counselors.
The Final Girls (2015, dir. Todd Strauss-Schulson) – A satirical take on the camp slasher film, The Final Girls is a ‘fun’ romp that centers on the fictitious 1986 slasher film “Camp Bloodbath” and a group of teens who get mysteriously transported into the movie… Between the slasher tropes, comedy elements, and nostalgic-camp-horror mix, the film is a win-win-win in my book.
Summer Romance…
Poison Ivy (1985, dir. Larry Elikann) – This made-for-TV movie started what would be an important year in Michael J. Fox’s career, being followed up with the subsequent summer theatrical releases of Back to the Future (1985) and Teen Wolf (1985). Poison Ivy centers on camp counselor Dennis Baxter (Fox) who spends the majority of his summer at a boys’ camp, Camp Pinewood (set in Clifton, Maine), trying to seduce the new camp nurse, Rhonda (Nancy McKeon). I won’t tell you how the plant from the film’s title comes into play, but let’s just say that boys will do anything to get nurse Rhonda’s attention…
Moonrise Kingdom (2012, dir. Wes Anderson) – This delightful coming-of-age tale from Wes Anderson brings all the summer camp vibes, and then some. The film focuses on the young romance between 12-year-old Khaki Scout, Sam Shakusky (who attends Camp Ivanhoe), and 12-year-old island resident, Suzy Bishop. The young lovers hatch a plan to run away together, and the film explores the ensuing screwball-ish attempts to track them down. A truly delightful and mesmerizing film.
“Enjoying” Nature…
Addams Family Values (1993, dir. Barry Sonnerfeld) – This sequel to the 1991 live-action film, The Addams Family, while not specifically a ‘summer camp’ film, features some of the most iconic summer camp scenes one can find in any family-friendly movie. After Debbie, Uncle Fester’s fiancé, tricks Gomez and Morticia into sending Pugsley and Wednesday to summer camp, the siblings are dropped off at the overly cheerful Camp Chippewa for the summer, and things don’t quite go as planned… Between some lifeguarding mishaps, “The Harmony Hut,” and the Thanksgiving play gone wrong, the Addams’ make the summer one that the other campers and counselors are sure to never forget.
Troop Beverly Hills (1989, dir. Jeff Kanew) – Who says camping can’t be glamorous? Troop Beverly Hills is another modern classic, following the bumbling and well-meaning efforts of socialite Phyllis Nefler (Shelley Long) as she becomes the leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls scouting troop. If nothing else, this fun summer-y comedy film teaches us that camping is a state of mind, as who says you have to camp in the great outdoors (and be miserable and wet) when you could ‘rough-it’ just as easily at the Beverly Hills Hotel?
What are your favorite things about summer camp? Which of these ‘summer camp’ movies are your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and make sure you watch Jaws (1975) for our discussion and reviews of the film coming at the end of the month!
Happy Summer!!!
Copyright © 2020 Sarah Crane
