





Nothing sparks childhood nostalgia when the weather turns warm like a mention of summer camp. Whether you went as a kid or just lived vicariously through lucky campers on-screen, it’s an age-old tradition that resonates with anyone who loves the great outdoors … or just wanted to freefall onto one of those giant water blobs.
Picture it now: the rustic charm of cabins and campfires. The intense passion of a short-lived fling or unrequited crush. The sociopolitics of bunk assignments, camp-wide competitions, and counselor drama. It’s a place to learn survivor skills and social skills — often at the same time (Battle Camp, anyone?). And did we mention s’mores?
For a chance to revisit all of the above, here’s a list of summer camp–themed titles ready to load you on the bus to adventure. And the best part is: you can enjoy them from the comfort of your own home — with the AC on and no bug spray required. Have fun!

Camp Firewood is once again in session. This 2015 miniseries serves as the prequel to the 2001 cult classic film Wet Hot American Summer, a satirical comedy about a group of eccentric junior counselors on their last day at a fictional summer camp in Maine. This time, it’s day one and most of the cast — including Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, and Molly Shannon — return to play younger versions of their original roles. (Just go with it.) There are also new faces: Jason Schwartzman, Lake Bell, and Kristen Wiig to name a few, plus a handful of notable guest appearances we won’t spoil here. What’s the same, though? WHAS’s signature brand of hilarious absurdity.

Twelve of your favorite Netflix reality TV stars have arrived at camp — where there’s $250,000 up for grabs and a giant elimination wheel that decides who goes home. To reduce the number of times each player’s name appears on the wheel (increasing their odds of staying), our competitors must win a grueling physical and mental challenge, outlast others in a “punishment,” and convince their fellow campers not to vote for them. The name of the game is “unbeatable, unbreakable, and unhateable,” and the results are un-look-away-able.

Sometimes you’re just a week away from having your life changed forever. Such is the case for Will Hawkins (Kevin Quinn), a musically inclined teen facing juvenile detention until his foster mom (Sherri Shepherd) convinces him to attend a weeklong Christian summer camp with her son George (Jahbril Cook). Once there, Will finds new friends, romance with fellow camper Avery (Bailee Madison), and most importantly, a fresh start. But will his checkered past follow him and mess everything up? Featuring new versions of throwback songs by Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Steven Curtis Chapman, this family-friendly musical has a sweet message about forgiveness and second chances.

From Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions comes this critically acclaimed documentary about Camp Jened, a trailblazing summer camp for teens with disabilities. Years later, former campers and counselors have become activists in the disability rights movement, fighting for accessibility legislation and crediting the camp for galvanizing their efforts. Equal parts heart, humor, and hope, Crip Camp’s 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes is well-earned.

Rim of the World is your typical Southern California summer adventure camp. There’s ziplining, canoeing, and … alien invasions? When the extraterrestrial attacks begin, teens Alex (Jack Gore), Dariush (Benjamin Flores Jr.), ZhenZhen (Miya Cech), and Gabriel (Alessio Scalzotto) encounter a dying, crash-landed astronaut who hands them the key to humanity’s survival. Now, it’s up to the foursome to protect the world from total annihilation in this sci-fi film written by Zack Stentz (Thor, X-Men: First Class) and referencing the iconic kid-led action flicks of the 1980s.

And we’re back at Camp Firewood like we never left! In this series set in 1991, the gang returns to camp for a 10-year reunion — only to discover that Beth (Janeane Garofalo) has plans to sell the place. Despite brand-new careers, updated fashion, and — in Ben’s case — new faces (Adam Scott takes over for Bradley Cooper), their love for CF remains intact. So, will our favorite former junior counselors and admin come together to save the camp over the course of eight episodes? You’ll find out, and the ridiculousness of how is more than worth the watch.























































