Camp Cool Kids

Movie review by Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media
Camp Cool Kids Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Faith-based summer camp tale deals with bullying.

NR 2017 104 minutes
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 20 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 12 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Stands out for .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Camp Cool Kids is a story that is set in a real-life, functioning Louisiana Christian camp. It's about confronting fear, coping with bullies, and confirming religious principles. The two central boys, one teen and one tween, are still grieving for their recently deceased dad and struggling with a move to a new community when they're sent to Camp Istrouma for a two-week summer session. While the issues are serious ones, the treatment of them is upbeat and straightforward, and relies on humor as well as pathos. The bullying includes insults, intimidation, and some nasty pranks -- including one in which kids endure the always-good-for-a-laugh stomach catastrophes. Fine for middle grades and tweens as a simple, religious, and moralizing tale with obvious outcomes.

Community Reviews

Bullen M.
Bullen M. Adult
November 1, 2021
age 7+

not enough hendrix

Every time Hendrix is on the screen, the plot thickens and I am drawn further into the story of the film. Especially in the tug of war scene, you could really feel Hendrix's passion through the screen. Also in the food fight scene he was one of the first to stand up, showing his enthusiasm for the project and his go-getter attitude towards religion and acting. This movie is a must-watch, but it would be a masterpiece if Hendrix had a leading role.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
Ecmo
Ecmo Adult
March 20, 2021
age 9+

Confusing and poorly plotted

I watched this with my 9 yo dtr and felt like I needed to keep interjecting to assure her that this is not how a summer camp actually works. You do not have to choose your own cabin and get stuck if you don't know anyone, big kids can't just wander into little kids' unattended cabins and trash them, counselors do not just wander off on individual walks with the kids, the kids don't just get to make campfires unsupervised, and there would be way more staff supervision. There's a lot of egregious bullying and very little actual consequences or repentance by most of the kids, although the main brothers do admit that they made poor choices. And the portrayal of girls as mostly one-dimensional objects was really disappointing. The camp director appeared to be the only female staff of any note and she was weirdly mean and dismissive for no good plot reason. If the story actually reflected the occasional Christian thing they tried to put in, that would be one thing (and would make it easier for viewers to decide if this was their kind of thing or to skip it). But it seemed so randomly and half-heartedly inserted in the script - a few sentences from a lecture about forgiveness before a prank went bad, or "follow God" in their list of rules, few of which were actually enforced. It didn't actually fit anything the rest of the plot was about. They should've either redone the plot to reflect an actual faith-based point of view if that was their objective, or left it out altogether. Even for a kids' movie, the script could've been a lot better. There are many movies and shows that are better for discussing making positive choices and learning to treat other people well.
See all 20 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Young Spence (Connor Rosen) and his older brother, Zach (Logan Shroyer), have had a rough go when CAMP COOL KIDS begins. Following the death of their beloved dad, they've moved with their mom to their grandfather's house. Grandpa (the always reliable Michael Gross) is a wise, loving mentor to his grandsons, especially Spencer, who's timid and fearful and feels very much alone in his new Louisiana community. But summer camp is coming, and the grown-ups think two weeks at Camp Istrouma, a well-respected Christian overnight camp, will be just the place for the boys to meet new friends and have some fun. Spence isn't so sure. And at first, he's right. Dean, the king of the camp bullies, is delighted to have a new skittish boy to intimidate. Saving the first day for Spence is finding cabin mates -- The Armadillos -- who are inclusive and warm-hearted. Unfortunately, Zach, asked by his concerned mom to look out for his little brother, doesn't initially see Dean as a villain and enthusiastically joins the bully's clan. Despite assurances of a sensitive counselor, Spence's worries escalate when camp activities frighten him, and Dean and company come up with increasingly embarrassing pranks. As the central event of their two-week sojourn, the Camp Istrouma Games, gets closer, Spencer and his buddies must endure the bullies' antics, fend them off, and find a way to assert their own specialness.

Is It Any Good?

As summer camp movies go, this one is colorful and spirited and has some quirkily fun performances that will appeal to kids, especially those who enjoy happy endings that rely on faith. Watching red-haired, freckled Connor Rosen's sweet, thoughtful performance (though sometimes so soft-spoken it's difficult to hear) is a treat. Other young actors, most notably Tyree Brown, who was so good in the Parenthood series, bring natural joyfulness to their roles. Louisiana's well-established Camp Istrouma is a beautiful, camera-ready place, and director Lisa Arnold makes the most of its lushness. It's doubtful, however, that their real-life camp activities are as unstructured, or that the bullying that takes place would go unnoticed and/or unpunished. Camp Cool Kids is a crisp, competent production; still, don't expect surprises or original emotional insights.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the bullies in Camp Cool Kids. Why is important not to "become a jerk just because someone is being a jerk to you"? How does your family, school, and/or community deal with bullying?

  • How does the movie emphasize important character strengths and skills like empathy, courage, teamwork, and communication?

  • What is the meaning of the declaration "Don't make them like you -- let them like you!"? Give an example of how this might work.

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