Camp: The Movie

Recently, I've been thinking about how today's "Christianity" isn't really Christianity at all. Church service topics are more often selected based on how they will make the congregation feel and less often about how it will glorify God. Many Christians sugarcoat things to make life sound like an ever-wonderful thing. Perhaps it's even more than just Christians; maybe Christians are doing this because they, like everyone, want the storybook ending seen in the movies.

I just came back from a movie. In fact, it was a Christian movie. Very little was sugarcoated. And I liked it.

Camp Rivercrest often hosts the area's Royal Family Kids Camp. This is a camp for vulnerable and foster children. Theaters in areas that have a Royal Family Kids Camp have been showing the new movie, "Camp".  It just came to Fremont theaters this weekend. I was planning to go sometime this week (it only has a one-week run), but after running into Paula and Mikayla at the YMCA this afternoon, we made plans for me to go with them tonight. 

I currently work with foster kids several times per week. I've been asked if I share the gospel with any of them. In reality I do, but not they way that people expect me to share the gospel. Spirituality is one of the many tough subjects that could bring up a past hurt or send someone over the edge. I am a godly model for them, and I answer any questions they ask me, but I don't do the traditional "presenting the gospel". It's not that I'm shy or scared; it's because I know that, because of this touchy subject, they won't listen to me in the traditional way. 

I was wondering how a Christian movie would go about portraying foster kids. True, there are some very sweet foster kids (who often have many phobias or other challenges attached), but this only covers a portion of foster kids. These kids are more prone to get into fights, cuss people out, and break the law. I actually know someone who went to Royal Family Kids Camp, and he said that while he liked the free food, he thought the "religious stuff" was kind of stupid. I was curious as to how a Christian movie would go about this. After all, even though I've seen some good Christian productions before, bad words, physical contact, and other negative aspects magically don't appear in any of the difficult scenes. Let me just say, if you would get offended by an angry child flipping the bird, you may be offended by Camp! (But I think you should still see the movie anyway.) I don't advocate violence or vulgar language, but I appreciated how the producers didn't shy away from making this movie as realistic as possible.

Ken (the main character counselor) weasels his way into camp merely to impress a new client. Eli (the main character child) is seen getting beat (on his birthday no less, not that he ever got to celebrate his birthday in his lifetime), and later displays the scars to prove it. A girl whose mother wouldn't take her to school can't read her camp mail. Another girl is scared to go to bed because of the past experiences she had at night. A heavyset child tries riding a bike for the first time, saying she was told she was too fat to ride a bike. There's one boy where we don't know much about his past, but he's created his own back story convincing himself that he is from another planet and is waiting for his mother ship to take him back. Many children (and even some adults) cuss, fight, and have insecurities. In fact, the stereotypical gospel message isn't even presented in this film, but it's these real-life scenarios that point towards Christ. 

In fact, the only part I found remotely cheesy was the ending (I won't spoil it!). But even then, it wasn't exactly unrealistic. In fact, I think the ending will make more people think about ways they can contribute to this great cause. Oh, and it was pretty good acting too. Not "Christian good" but actual good.

Of course, along with the heart-wrenching scenes, there were some good moments too. After all, camp is one of the few places left in the world where kids can actually enjoy their childhood. Toward the end of the movie, counselor Ken says "It seems like now camp is real and my real life is fake." Because I work at a camp, I'm naturally a big fan of the power of camp. But I think this will speak even to people who have no experience with camp as well. 

I hope to take the time to see Camp.  (40% of theater profits go to help local Royal Family Kids Camps!) In fact, I may even go see it again. A word of warning, be prepared for realistic events, not the normal mushy movie stuff. But even more, be prepared to witness a film about a wonderful effort!

Note: This movie is only playing in select theaters across the country. Each theater has its own opening date, and all theaters will only run this movie for one week. Be sure to visit http://thecampmovie.com/ so that you won't miss out!