*i agree completely with Megan and Ava's response.   See 6 other replies

amen. i agree completely. i went to the Club Med of summer camp for years, and not only was it about pushing the boundaries and testing our limits, more importantly it was about learning about ourselves as young adults and having a safe place to discover new strengths, talents, and friends. Moreover, it was about having fun, which I think was clearly reflected in each camper by the end of the film.   See 6 other replies

Dude, it seems like you've never been to camp.
"but it seems like a money making racket with no professionalism to the staff. "
All camps have their own stores where kids can buy candy or small toys. The staff seemed to handle things perfectly well, especially the "problem" children. I was really moved by the lady who tried to comfort the kids who missed their moms by acting like a surrogate mother and tucking them into bed."Allowing a group or single child into canoes or boats is insane without an adult within arm's reach."Again, this is normal at camp. Also it's not like they let a single child out alone in a canoe. The cameramen were with him also, so I'm sure the counselors talked to the crew and asked them to make sure he was safe. They're also probably the ones who convinced him to come back too. Plus, the kids always had life jackets on. It's kind of hard to drown with one of those on."Plus so many of these children had issues that the documentary failed to show "There were 90 kids, in 3 weeks. It was impossible to capture everything."And encouraging 'dating' is just not cool. "These kids learn dating at school too. When I was 12, going to summercamp was ALL about flirting with the boys.   See 6 other replies

...Plus, these kids are exceptionally bright. Give 'em a break.   See 6 other replies

I'm currently a student in a history of documentaries course at UW-River Falls. Documentaries actually do not have a "code of ethics." That is something documentary filmmakers are working out amongst themselves and the film industry. Therefore, many documentaries, though by definition are unbiased, actually become biased and do not show all of the viewpoints. Also, keep in mind that documentaries are subjective rather than objective. Showing the lake as calm is definitely just part of making this film; it's what the filmmaker wanted. While you make good points, you also fail to realize what a documentary entails. Secondly, children need to take risks. Children are put into "bubbles of safety" now. Give them chances to "get messy, make mistakes and take chances," as Ms. Frizzle would say. It's a great learning experience to let children figure some things out on their own. Provided they are wearing life jackets and there are certified lifeguards on shore (which there no doubt were....or the state would be breathing down their necks) they're fine. That's what lifeguards are for. As a child at summer camp we did those same things. Thirdly, teaching about dating is important, even at a young age. Just because I knew about dating and boyfriends and had "growing up groups" in third grade doesn't mean I got into trouble with it ever in my life. That is all.   See 6 other replies