‘Summer Qamp’ Review – Make Camp Great Again [TIFF 2023]

“It’s more of an anti-conversion camp,” quips Isiah, a 17-year-old transgender teen who is returning to Camp Fyrefly with his friends who have also transitioned. “We’re sort of like…the cool kids now,” he jokes.

In Summer Qamp, the documentary debut film from Jen Markowitz, they focus on Canada’s only LGBTQ+ summer camp and the non-binary and trans kids who attend. The camp takes in kids from 14 – 18, and gives them a space that is authentically and exclusively theirs.

All of the kids come from different backgrounds and some are facing different challenges, everything from gender and body dysphoria to their sexual identities to coming out to their parents, or simply just existing. Throughout the film, we hear from each of them as they express what the camp means for them and how it has helped them. Markowitz is wise to keep the narrative focused on the kids and their stories, and because of this we get a rich exploration, balanced in tone which allows for the humanity to come through.

One person in particular who stands out is 17-year-old Ghoul, who should be protected at all costs. Ghoul is autistic, partially handicapped, and the most outlandish personality in the entire film. They design their own spikes and also have a creative craft with baby dolls. There’s a particularly touching moment in the film where the kids get to pet horses. Ghoul has a healthy fear of horses that she fights to overcome, and it’s the kind of inherent innocence and sweetness that younger people possess that will endear them to audiences everywhere.

Another interesting person in the film is Jade, a former bully who had to accept that their hatred was self-targeted, and eventually transitioned. Jade’s story has so many layers to it because of how dark of a place they were in previously and how much better their life has improved since transitioning. Their story is incredibly personal and probably the one most people need to hear.

Along with them, there is Ren, who is new to the queer world and identity. Their involvement at the camp is a truly eye-opening experience as its the first time he’s seeing trans people and older gay members of the community. For someone who’s been so isolated from the community and all that comes along with it, your heart breaks for Ren as they try to navigate through a world that’s foreign to them, but one they absolutely want to belong to.

Markowitz wisely keeps the camera out of the way of the campers during their activities. The kids aren’t performative towards the camera, and Markowitz never encourages it either. This makes the film feel a lot more natural as you’re just witnessing the kids finally get to just be kids in a safe space. This tactic only highlights what works so well with this film: the way we see people who have been targeted. Markowitz’s naturalistic approach gets audiences to witness their humanity and possibly understand more about what they’re going through and how they deal with it. It’s also tremendously helpful in eliminating harmful and often untrue conceptions about the LGBTQ+ community.

For anyone else, going to camp comes with a massive level of anxiety. You’re leaving the comfort of home, the familiarity with your surroundings, to go out and meet people from different parts of the world. It’s always an unsettling feeling, but here, they make camp look amazing. Horse petting, archery, lip synching contests and all look like the best time a kid could have, and that’s all these kids are hoping for. To exist in a space where they are welcomed and accepted. They got it at Camp Fyrefly, but they need it all over the world.

Summer Qamp held its World Premiere as part of the TIFF Docs section at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. 

Director: Jen Markowitz

Rated: NR

Runtime: 80m