Ernest Goes to Camp (1987)
Synopsis:
Ernest P. Worrell is a well-meaning handyman at a summer camp who dreams of becoming a guidance counselor. When a group of juvenile delinquents arrives at Kamp Kikakee, Ernest gets his chance to prove himself by working with these troubled kids. However, his efforts are complicated when a shady strip mining company threatens to shut down the camp permanently. Ernest must find a way to inspire his young charges while also saving the camp from corporate developers. With help from Nurse St. Cloud and facing off against the mining company's ruthless foreman, Ernest uses his unique brand of enthusiasm and determination to protect the camp and make a difference in the lives of the kids under his care.
Where To Watch: Ernest Goes to Camp
Parental Feedback
Ernest Goes to Camp delivers fast-paced, slapstick comedy centered around a well-meaning handyman who takes on the challenge of mentoring troubled youth at a summer camp. Parents should expect broad physical humor, lighthearted camp hijinks, and a straightforward good-versus-evil storyline involving a mining company threatening the camp's existence. The tone remains consistently upbeat and family-friendly, with Ernest's bumbling antics driving most of the entertainment while touching on themes of perseverance, believing in others, and environmental conservation.
Why Kids Should Watch Ernest Goes to Camp
Ernest Goes to Camp offers several positive elements that make it appealing for family viewing.
The story centers on Ernest's unwavering determination to become a guidance counselor and his genuine care for the juvenile delinquents placed in his charge. His persistence in the face of obstacles demonstrates that believing in yourself and others can lead to meaningful change.
The camp setting provides a backdrop for teamwork and community building as Ernest works to inspire his group of troubled kids. These themes show children the value of working together toward common goals and supporting one another through challenges.
The environmental storyline involving the shady strip mining company introduces young viewers to the importance of protecting natural spaces. This subplot reinforces the idea that standing up for what's right matters, even when facing powerful opposition.
Jim Varney's portrayal of the lovable Ernest P. Worrell brings warmth and humor to the character's journey from handyman to mentor. His comedic performance keeps the story entertaining while maintaining an underlying message about finding purpose and making a difference.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Ernest Goes to Camp
Parents may want to consider a few concerns before viewing Ernest Goes to Camp with younger children.
The juvenile delinquent characters may exhibit some defiant or disrespectful behavior early in the story, which could require parental context. While these behaviors are ultimately addressed, younger viewers might not immediately understand that these actions are portrayed as problems to be overcome.
The slapstick physical comedy includes pratfalls and exaggerated mishaps that some parents may worry children will attempt to imitate. Ernest's bumbling nature leads to various accidents and chaotic situations that could inspire unsafe play.
The conflict with the mining company and its foreman Bronk Stinson introduces mild antagonism and corporate villainy that might feel slightly intense for very sensitive children. While handled in a family-friendly manner, the threat to close the camp creates tension throughout the story.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Ernest Goes to Camp earns approval for families seeking lighthearted comedy with positive messages about mentorship, environmental stewardship, and believing in second chances.
What Parents Should Know About Ernest Goes to Camp
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Ernest demonstrates kindness, perseverance, and dedication to helping troubled youth find their potential, showing that caring for others and believing in them can inspire positive change. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The threat of the camp closing and the conflict with the mining company may create some tension, but these moments are handled with humor and resolve positively without becoming overly intense. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the juvenile delinquents learn through Ernest's guidance that their negative behaviors have consequences, while the villainous mining company ultimately faces defeat for their destructive plans. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the story emphasizes teamwork as Ernest and the campers work together to save Kamp Kikakee, demonstrating how cooperation and mutual support lead to success. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, children will learn that everyone deserves a second chance, that protecting the environment matters, and that one person's dedication and belief in others can make a real difference. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Ernest Goes to Camp as nostalgic family entertainment that introduces children to Jim Varney's beloved Ernest character. Many note that while the humor is silly and the plot straightforward, the underlying messages about mentorship and environmental protection remain relevant. Some parents mention that the slapstick comedy style may feel dated to modern audiences, but most agree it provides harmless fun suitable for elementary-aged children and up. The PG rating reflects mild comic mischief and the presence of juvenile delinquent characters, though parents report these elements are handled appropriately for family viewing. Overall, families find it an acceptable choice for movie night when seeking lighthearted comedy with heart.
Official Ernest Goes to Camp Trailer
Why Kids Love Ernest Goes to Camp
Ernest P. Worrell turns Camp Kikakee into a nonstop slapstick playground where every handyman task becomes a hilarious disaster. His clumsy attempts to fix things around camp lead to wild mishaps involving flying tools, collapsing structures, and perfectly timed pratfalls that keep the chaos rolling from one scene to the next.
The juvenile delinquents Ernest tries to inspire create their own brand of mayhem with pranks and rebellious antics that backfire in the funniest ways. When Ernest teams up with Nurse St. Cloud and the campers to outsmart the villainous Sherman Krader and his intimidating foreman Bronk Stinson, the camp becomes a battleground of silly traps and clever schemes.
The showdown against the strip mining company brings out Ernest's most creative problem-solving as he and the kids use everything at camp to defend their territory. Nature itself becomes part of the adventure as the group explores the woods and turns the outdoor setting into their secret weapon against the bad guys.
Ernest's goofy personality and ridiculous sound effects make even simple moments feel like comedy explosions. His determination to prove himself as more than just a handyman drives the action forward as he leads his ragtag team in saving Camp Kikakee from being destroyed.