Summer is just around the corner, and many children will be attending summer camps for one or several weeks. After two summers impacted greatly by the pandemic and restrictions, these camps and summer programs are eager to welcome back campers.
At times day and sleepaway camps do rely on showing media. Rainy days or instructional times can be good opportunities for showing a movie, a series of videos, or specific clips. Realize that most camps don’t want to be considered “babysitting services” and try not to rely upon video and TV too often.
But there are rainy days when the kids cannot swim or play ultimate frisbee. There are times when the dance campers could benefit from watching an online performance. Or when the animation campers are shown very early cartoons as a history lesson. Or when the baseball campers would enjoy watching the highlights of a decades-old World Series game.
It is important to remember that what may have worked when you were a kid in camp may not be a good fit these days. There is much more scrutiny of and sensitivity toward movies and shorter shows that feature violence, inappropriate language, politically incorrect attitudes, and intimate situations. Just because the campers inform their counselors that “My parents let me watch Game of Thrones at home!” doesn’t mean they should be screening it as a camp activity (and gee whiz, do some campers like to exaggerate).
Thus, camp counselors and administrators need to think like teachers and educators, wisely selecting and even pre-screening media for their campers.
Specialty camps and summer programs
If you are programming for a specialty camp such as dance, baking, 3D animation, or sports, instructional and demonstration videos can be a good choice. Think carefully, however, about how the media can (and should) enhance the theme of the camp or activity.
For instance, if you have a group of campers working on tap dance, you could show them films featuring famous tap dancers and tap routines from film or TV. If the campers are learning guitar, show them a film of a concert recording. A baseball group can watch films about famous plays. But be careful about what you pick; it should be age-appropriate and meaningful.
Take a look at our instructional film reviews for some ideas.
Make movie night special
For sleepaway camp (and sometimes for day camp, as an after-hours special event), the occasional movie night can be a fun activity. My younger daughter mentioned that “Something nostalgic for the campers is fun.” She recalled how at sleepaway camp when they were in their mid-teens, one Saturday night they watched High School Musical, which was indeed a nostalgia trip for most of their age group. Popcorn was served and the kids showed up in pajamas and with sleeping bags.
Many camps might consider other films such as Star Wars or The Sound of Music. And while many of the campers might cheer it on, there will be some kids who are bored or even some who are upset by the violence or strife involved. Be cognizant of this: as they say, “Viewer discretion is advised.”
A very good article to help guide you in picking a film is here: “Movie Night Done Right.”
If you want to stir up a discussion amongst your campers and have an educational debate as an activity, sometimes you can pick a film that has controversial elements. If so, give it an introduction and lead a meaningful discussion after showing it. For example, the summer after 10th grade when I was in sleepaway camp, our unit watched the 1952 short film Neighbours. At first, we teenagers laughed at the action and silly music, but soon we gasped as it turned violent. We discussed the messages of the film (reasons why war starts, competition, etc.) Many of us ended up referencing that short film a long time after we watched it.
Children and teens in contemporary society are constantly surrounded by film, video, and social media so when they are in summer camp programs, there should be less emphasis on this and more on the actual activities of camp, be it a generalized camp or specialty camp. But there are times when well-chosen media can be the focus of a worthwhile activity. Just as in school, think carefully about what you choose for your young audience.
How do you host a movie screening in a camp setting?
There are numerous details to sort such as screen visibility, food and beverages, and technical logistics. Our guide to hosting an outdoor screening can help you sort out these details, even if your movie screening is indoors!
How much does it cost to host a camp film screening?
The cost of Public Performance Rights for each film varies based on the size and type of event with an average cost between $200 and $400.
If you have an interest in a particular film, you must contact the distributor of the film. Our distributor database provides contact information for numerous companies.
You can also request a quote for an annual or seasonal license or single exhibition license through Swank for your summer camp film screening!
Check out our information on public performance rights as you plan to show a movie at your summer camp.
What do you need for a movie screening?
A camp screening can either be held either indoors or outdoors. You can project your film onto a sheet or blank wall, or you may want to splurge on an inflatable film screen.
We recommend this inexpensive portable mini projector for your summer camp film screening.
Other essentials include tickets for admission and bags for popcorn and snacks.