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Today, I'm excited to share a couple of reviews that perfectly capture the spirit of summer!
First up is a camp-themed, family-friendly movie, followed by a faith-based camp series that's especially wonderful for teens. Both feature familiar faces you'll recognize from the Hallmark Channel and Great American Family. And be sure to stick around until the end of this post for a first look at an all-new camp movie premiere!
Before we dive into the reviews, I first have to say... there's just something special about camp stories, isn't there, whether it's roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire, singing along with new friends, or growing deeper in your faith.
If you love those special moments as much as I do, grab your favorite trail mix, settle into your comfiest camp chair, and let's head to camp together! Happy reading, friends!
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Summer Sparks – (currently streaming free through the Roku channel)
This is a very sweet, lighthearted camp movie – ideal for families! Adam (Jesse Metcalfe) and Monica (Kathryn Davis) are single parents who are slow, at first, at opening themselves up to the idea of love again, but as they spend more and more time together, there’s a subtle attraction between the two.
Both of their families decide to attend Camp Evergreen to reconnect over a cooking competition.
The kids are nice and get along well together, which is great to see. Monica's teenage daughter, Hannah, develops a sweet crush on fellow camper Sam, who also happens to be competing in the cook-off with his family. Sam also just happens to be the son of Monica’s childhood camp nemesis (of course, right?), who’s determined to win the competition at any cost.
A few mild cautions for kids: While this movie is really wholesome and G-rated, I just wanted to mention a few things… a teenage girl uses "Oh my G--" once or twice, Jesse Metcalfe and his son are still grieving the loss of their wife/mother while attempting to bond through this camp experience, and there’s someone at the camp who is a bully, at first, but eventually this person has a change of heart and chooses kindness.
Towards the end of the movie, the kids scheme to give Adam and Monica some alone time together – to which Adam says something to the effect of – “Did our kids try to ‘Parent Trap’ us?” It’s a really cute nod to that classic Disney camp movie!
Overall, this movie is a pleasant watch highlighting family, friendships, forgiveness, and a fresh Summer feel! ~Net
Summer Sparks | Official Trailer | The Roku Channel
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A Week Away: The Series - Streaming through Angel Studios
And speaking of camp, I just recently re-watched the camp series, A Week Away, that first came out last Fall through Angel Studios, and I was once again amazed at the deep, profound spiritual message in this series. It’s basically a mix of Grease, High School Musical, and Camp Rock meets Church Camp!
The main focus of the story is a foster teen named Max who arrives at camp very resistant to any message about God’s love. Max has carried years of pain, disappointment, and unanswered questions. He's joined by several other foster teens who wrestle with similar wounds, asking the same question many believers have faced: Where was God when I needed Him most?
It’s incredible to watch as the walls they’ve built gradually begin to fall. Each of them has to make an individual choice on whether to follow God. It takes some time, but as hearts begin to soften, bitterness gives way to forgiveness and healing.
The musical sequences are impressively staged. The choreography ranges from upbeat and energetic to emotionally intimate performances that actually deepen the story.
And while there are catchy and silly songs of Christian-themed pop and rock, there’s also an incredibly moving cover of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say,” which I have to say was done so beautifully as a duet with two of the show's leads. It’s my favorite song of the whole series, although many others are quite memorable, as well.
Carlos PenaVega (Mr. Manhattan, Get Him Back for Christmas) is wonderfully cast as Jeremy, the camp pastor, bringing relatability, humor, and steady spiritual guidance to the campers. His scenes with Max, the troubled teen, are truly inspiring and unforgettable. Alexa PenaVega (Before Your Father Finds Us, Get Him Back for Christmas) is also seen in a short cameo appearance.
And many will likely recognize Leigh-Allyn Baker from the Disney show Good Luck, Charlie.
While there's plenty of laughter, camp competitions, friendships, and even a few humorous pranks at the camp, the part I loved most was that the story continually points back to God's unconditional love. It's a great reminder that our identity isn't defined by rejection, abandonment, or past mistakes, but by God who calls us His own.
Cautions: The series includes discussions of childhood abandonment and foster care, bullying among teens, honest conversations about questioning faith, innocent teen crushes, two teenagers sharing a kiss, and a variety of harmless camp pranks. While some of the themes are emotionally weighty at times, they ultimately lead toward healing and redemption.
Overall, A Week Away: The Series is much more than a fun summer musical... it's an uplifting, inspiring story filled with memorable songs, dance performances, and a powerful message of discovering faith. It's an excellent choice for families and church youth groups - preteen age and up.
A Week Away: The Series is one of those series that stays with you long after the credits roll, just like our own camp or summer memories.
This series, with 7 episodes nearly 30 minutes each, was created for Angel Studios by Alan Powell (Christmas in the Smokies, Get Him Back for Christmas). It is a spin-off based on the Netflix film A Week Away.
A Week Away: The Series initially premiered August 28, 2025 through Angel’s streaming platform. And more great news, if you haven't heard... Season 2 is currently in the pre-production phase!
The movie soundtrack for A Week Away: The Series is available on Amazon.
You can also stream the first two episodes of season 1 free through the A Week Away Series YouTube page or the Angel website.
A Week Away: The Series | Official Trailer | Angel
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Bad Counselors - Currently in Theaters
Speaking of camp and Angel Studios, the streaming platform also released its approval for the new camp-themed movie, Bad Counselors, which will run in theaters for a limited time - July 22nd through July 27th.
This is Angel's statement on 'Bad Counselors':
"Angel is proud to support this hilarious fish-out-of-water story about two carefree fraternity brothers who find themselves just two weeks away from expulsion.
With 120 hours of community service standing between them and staying in school, they hatch an unlikely plan: pose as Christian camp counselors. The only problem? They wouldn't know a hymn from a hot dog.
What follows is a heartfelt comedy full of unexpected friendships, hilarious mishaps, and surprising lessons that prove sometimes the people least prepared for the job are the ones who need it most."
Note: This movie is rated PG-13
Also, look for Dominic Lopez (Chasing Christmas, Once Upon a Christmas Wish) in the supporting cast as one of the campers. You can also see him at the end of the trailer below.
Bad Counselors | OFFICIAL TRAILER:
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If you've seen any of these camp-themed movies and want to share a thought or review, please do so in comments.
Or... if you have another camp movie you love, please share those in comments, too.
I've yet to see the original A Week Away movie from Netflix, so if any of you have seen it, I'd love to know your take on it.
My classic camp movie suggestions are:
The Parent Trap (love both versions!),
Camp Nowhere (super funny, but beware of minor language like Home Alone),
Troop Beverly Hills (such a sweet movie... see Kelli Martin as a young girl in that movie and Shelley Long portrays the troop leader), and
Camp Cucamonga (look for Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, and lots more recognizable stars in this 90s camp classic)!
Plus, I've always liked the Hallmark camp-themed movie, Kiss at Pine Lake, starring Barry Watson, Mia Kirshner, Brennan Elliott, and Matty Finochio!
Hope you enjoy these camp shows as much as your favorite outdoor adventure!
Blessings,
Net
images via: Roku Channel, Studio TF1 America, Angel Sudios, Loam Entertainment, Zero Gravity Management, and Narrow Gate Entertainment
Camp Movies - DVD and Streaming:
(Click on posters for details)
