Classic Movies for Summer Camps.
Is your school hosting summer camps this year? Then be prepared to have a backup plan in case an outdoor activity day is rained out or the unexpected occurs. Here are eight camp-themed flicks, all covered under our annual Public Performance Site License, that make perfect additions to a summer of fun. We also added programming ideas for each title in case you want to turn the screening into a full-blown camp activity.
Elementary School
"Scooby-Doo: Camp Scare"
Zoinks! Jinkies! Ruh-roh! There might be a monster lurking in the halls. Make sure it doesn’t get away by having campers investigate, just like the Scooby gang, before watching the real experts solve the on-screen crime.
"The Parent Trap"
You don’t have to be long-lost twins to bond over something as delicious as Oreos dipped in peanut butter. Help campers connect before the film by providing a smorgasbord of treats and then challenging them to create their own yummy and unique creations.
"Camp Rock"
It doesn’t matter if you can define a treble clef or are 100 percent tone deaf, anyone can participate in a lip-sync battle! Have campers go head-to-head before the screening, and be sure to have plenty of inflatable guitars and diva-esque props on hand so they can truly channel their inner performer.
Middle School
"Troop Beverly Hills"
The fashion and hair of “Troop Beverly Hills” is so totally ‘80s. Amp up your movie screening with a ‘80s themed pre-party, complete with neon spandex, side ponies, fanny packs and an awesome dance party.
"Addams Family Values"
The Addams’ families’ values might not be the best ones to teach campers, but it could help them learn how to put on a great play – just like the Thanksgiving one in this late 1990’s classic. Just make sure to skip the fire blazing finale.
"Heavyweights"
Camp Hope, a weight loss camp for boys, was a lot of fun until fitness entrepreneur Tony Perkis takes over and announces his new plan to turn the camp into the top weight loss infomercial in the country. When the campers decide to take back the camp, the real fun finally begins. Host your own relay competition inspired by the movie's Apache Relay to add a fun spin to your end of camp activities.
High School
"Meatballs"
Host an Olympiad tournament just like North Star vs. Mohawk’s. You could set up the same challenges as the ones in the movie, like the hot dog eating contest, stacking contest and race. Or, feel free to come up with your own original ideas specific to your school and camp!
"Moonrise Kingdom"
Sam and Suzy wouldn’t have survived their three-day adventure without some street and nature knowledge. Provide teens with some of their own by giving a lesson or two in wilderness skills. Or, have them earn badges in activities like archery and insect identification. Who knows when these skills will come in handy.
