US
2006
78 minutes
Director: Larry Grimaldi and Kirk Marcolina

A group of gay teens celebrate, question and reconcile their sexuality with their religion at an atypical Bible camp in this snappy, fast-paced documentary. Rural Minnesota’s The Naming Project Teen Summer Camp is the first of its kind in the country: a religious summer camp for out LGBT youth. The campers range from the devoutly religious to those seriously questioning their faith. Eighteen-year-old Thomas wants to be both Christian and gay, but notes that “there is a backlash [towards] Christian gays. How can you be something when people are telling you you’re evil every day? But my love for God is greater than them.” Amongst his fellow campers are cherubic Tim, who wants to make some gay friends (and a boyfriend wouldn’t hurt!), extroverted dyke Christine, and the camp’s resident hottie, Jesse. In between spiritual activities and sing-alongs with Pastors Brad and Jay, the kids get up to more typical gay teen camp activities -- like Truth or Dare (greatly upsetting Thomas). With its brisk pace and lots of teen drama, Camp Out is a look into a truly new generation of queer youth, so join us and, as one of the Pastors remarks, “May God give you a fabulous evening.”
– Lawrence Ferber