Gerald Wright's Movie Coverage      

"SUMMERCAMP"

Directed by: Bradley Beesley & Sarah Price
Running time: 85 minutes on HDCAM format
Release date: July 18, 2007
Genre: Documentary
Distributor: Argot Pictures

This inspirational documentary film exposes and chronicles the life of children from all economic, racial and social backgrounds at Swift Nature Camp in northern Wisconsin. This is a place young people can "let it all out". As an adult we take a vacation to a getaway place and leave our problems behind us. But these kids are not as fortunate as we are, because these children are not mature enough to handle problems. So how can they leave it behind them? These problems usually go along with them to camp with the rest of the baggage.

The filmmakers do a great job in getting the struggles of the kids with homesickness, peer grouping, group activities and first love on film. The story focuses on four children out of the ninety. One child who really shines is 9 year old Holly from Aurora, Illonois. Her father died of cancer and she has become a loner who requires security in her life, even though she seems to be quite independant. Then there is the anti-social unpopular 13 year old Cameron, he thrives on fights and bad behavior. And there are two very bright kids named 11 year old Boo (girl) and 11 year old Spencer (boy) who both seem to project leadership qualities.

Among all these children are the counselors who have their own problems interacting with each other as well as the children. But the fun filled daily activities, such as, talent shows and sing-alongs kept everyone involved. We the audience are shown this through the eyes of kids, displaying how life can be for a young person trying to find his or her identity and learning how to prepare for adulthood and society. This a good wholesome film re-inforcing positive guidance, discipline and good basic traits to live by.