Camp

Going to sleep-away camp can be one of the most wonderful experiences for a young girl. Or, alternatively, it can be one of the most terrifying. "Camp" is the story of Amy Becker, whose home life is less than pleasant, and who is sent away to summer camp for the first time as a teenager. Though she swears she hates her mother, whom she thinks often mistreats her mentally-challenged younger brother Charlie, she is less than thrilled to be leaving home. When she arrives at camp, she is subjected to horrifying 'initiation' rites and nonstop bullying by Rory, the ringleader of the girls in her cabin. Additionally, an unpleasant cousin reveals truths about Amy's mother that haunt her dreams. The counselors can't help, but with the support of a few close friends, Amy embarks on a journey to find her voice, and stop the tormenting. Upon returning home, Amy eventually comes to understand her mother in a new light, and together her family struggles through life, realizing that happiness can come from just living through tragedies. It is important to remember that everyone has their own demons that make them who they are, and Amy learns this as she gets to know both her mother and her tormentors. In this coming-of-age story about a girl who comes to terms with herself and her family, themes of bullying and parental issues will resonate with a wide array of teenagers.