Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uplifting docu tackles trauma of war and its impact on kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Camp Courage
What's the Story?
As a toddler, CAMP COURAGE star Milana lost a part of one leg in an explosion in the Russia-Ukraine war in 2015. She also lost her mother, so her grandmother Olga has been caring for her ever since. Eight years later, the two are joining a group of other families affected by the war in Ukraine invited to a weeklong camp in Austria, where they will be given opportunities to push their own boundaries in ways that will help them heal and grow.
Is It Any Good?
This short film packs a big punch. Focused on the story of a little girl and her grandmother, Camp Courage is filmed with affection and aplomb. It weaves together personal photos and videos with news clips and more recent footage to convey messages about war and its impact on humans of all ages. One emotional sequence involves a camp organizer who is an Iraq war vet. He breaks down connecting his own participation in a war that "took childhoods away" to his healing through helping kids today impacted by the war in Ukraine. "We're all broken," he says. But that's not what this film shows. This film shows love, connection, and healing. You can't manufacture emotions and moments like these, and it seems to be a message the world is in need of -- now more than ever.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war that impacted the main characters of Camp Courage. What is happening today versus in 2015, when Milana was injured? Where can you find more information?
How do the different people profiled in this film demonstrate courage, resilience, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Milana and her grandmother Olga get testy with each other at moments. Olga consults a woman who appears to be a counselor about it. What advice does she get? How does Milana later apologize to her grandmother?
What do you think Milana learned at the camp?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2023
- Director : Max Lowe
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 33 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, some violent images and brief language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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