Camp, the new summertime classic
It’s that time of the year again! When the days seem longer than nights and the sweet sound of crickets slowly lull you asleep. You can feel the warmth of the sun embrace you like a gentle hug, as you blissfully gaze into the vivid symphony of colours in the sunset, slowly disappearing into the dark. Kids joyfully play in the streets while parents enjoy a refreshing drink by the crystal clear waters reflecting onto their sun kissed skin. It’s the time you wished would never end, when you wished you had one more hour to savour the last dwindling seconds of sunshine.
It’s a hot summer night in New York City, 2013. The streets are flooded with tourists and the blaring sound of endless car horns makes the idea of sleep impossible. As I continue staring into the abyss of darkness while exerting every effort to will myself to sleep, I turn my gaze over to the dark-cast TV and begin hazily flipping through channels. I come to a freezing halt as nostalgia overtakes me. I’ve just uncovered what is arguably the best summer TV show of all time, Camp. Captivated and sitting at the edge of my seat, I eagerly wait for the next episode to be aired.
Camp is an American-Australian comedy and drama released in 2013. It is a single series TV show which is sure to leave you with a lingering hunger for more. Consisting of only ten episodes, each takes you through the journey of an overstretched single mother, Mack, who desperately struggles to run a summer camp whilst raising a teenage son, and attempting to rekindle her romantic life. Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without an iconic comedic duo. Buzz and Kip are the perfect definition of opposites attracting. Their energies and personalities are perfect synergies for each other which sets the scene for joke after joke.
Camp nostalgically reminds viewers of their own summer camp experiences with its carefully-crafted display of your typical all-American camp, including everything from musty wooden cabins, to the late nights spent huddling around a roaring campfire. However, don’t be fooled by the shallow use of stereotypical summer tropes. This series contains powerful performances and perfectly-timed character developments, transforming a cliche summer classic into an intricately layered story. It is sure to appeal to both the child and adult in you with its intuitive combination of comedy and drama.
If you’re looking for a light-hearted, yet serious show that addresses many of the issues we all undoubtedly encounter within our lives, Camp is the show for you. It seamlessly weaves socially taboo issues like teen pregnancies and abusive relationships with innocent summertime worries like camp rivalries and summer love. For many, Camp acts as a joyous journey down memory lane, leading us down a reminiscing path of our own once glorious days at summer camp. Whether you’re looking for the next best summer TV classic, or just a way to pass the time, Camp is the perfect series. So, kick back, grab your popcorn, and enjoy the show.
By Angela Wong.
