After committing a crime on campus, two frat-brats pretend to be Christian camp counselors in order to fulfill the court-ordered community service.
Most summer camp films belong to one of two genres: comedy or horror. When it comes to horror, films like “Friday the 13th”, “The Burning”, and “Madman” come to mind instantly, along with many other slasher movies. As for summer camp comedies, one of my lasting favorites is “Meatballs,” which stars Bill Murray.
Director Chris Dowling delivers “Bad Counselors,” a family-friendly comedy based on religious principles and focused on honesty, selflessness, and sincerity. The movie avoids typical summer camp elements such as bad language, teenage sexual interests, and children unusually absorbed in odd hobbies. Instead, it explores opportunities for redemption, forgiveness, and personal and spiritual growth.
The movie centers on two college seniors, Grayson (Matt Cornett) and Tyler (Ramon Reed), who, after a night of destructive behavior driven by alcohol, are charged with crimes and possibly expelled. They are given a choice: complete 120 hours of community service within two weeks. Since Grayson has already been offered a good job in New York, he says that if he were expelled, he would lose the opportunity. On this basis, the two friends agree to take on the role of counselors at the local Burning Bush Camp.
When they arrive, Grayson and Tyler try to fit in with the camp’s Christian culture by appearing to share its beliefs. Over time, however, their attitudes begin to change. Grayson falls for Jenna (Brec Bassinger), the camp director’s daughter, while Tyler takes on a fatherly role for a young camper who is struggling and has no family.
On the last night of camp, the counselors and campers come together to watch an interpretive stage performance they arranged themselves. Dallas (Nathan Gamble), who is in love with Jenna, finds videos of Grayson and Tyler drinking and damaging college property. He shows the footage to all the campers, which leads to a fight between the two friends. While arguing, they accidentally knock over a light, causing the stage to catch fire.
After learning that Grayson and Tyler gained access to the camp through deception, the camp director, Tom (Chris Klein), throws them out and shows his deep disappointment. Back on campus and facing expulsion, the two realize their stay at Burning Bush Camp had a positive effect on them. They then make up and, with several of their college friends, go back to the camp, vowing to fix the relationships they damaged.
Compared with many other summer camp comedies, “Bad Counselors” is notably timid. Instead of concentrating on secret romantic affairs, terrifying stories told at the campfire about old crimes, or a fitness fanatic who treats the children like military recruits, the film softly satirizes the customs of evangelical camps and the stereotypes associated with churches. It then becomes a wholesome tale concerning friendship, personal growth, second chances, and redemption.
Certain faith-based films convey their messages with such intensity that people who do not share the Christian faith may feel alienated. “Bad Counselors” does not suffer from this issue; the film’s religious elements stay accessible, and its focus on family, friendship, and compassion gives it broader appeal.
The actors deliver strong performances throughout, and Grayson and Tyler’s character arcs feel believable. They move naturally from privileged, spoiled college students to more thoughtful young men. Through their experiences at camp, they learn that fulfillment comes from empathy, authenticity, and genuine human connection rather than superficial pleasures and self-interest. The people they meet and the problems they face help them realize hardships beyond their own lives, which makes their final development both believable and satisfying.
Available on DVD September 29th
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