Today, Explained Sleepaway camp's nostalgia economy
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Jun 22, 2025 
Join Leslie Paris, a UBC professor and author of 'Children's Nature,' alongside producer Devan Schwartz and Vox correspondent Anna North, as they dive into the nostalgic world of summer camps. They explore the evolution of these camps from the late 19th century and their cultural significance in fostering friendships. Discover how films like 'Wet Hot American Summer' and 'Friday the 13th' showcase the duality of camp experiences—filled with joy and fear. They also discuss the challenges families face in planning summer activities amidst societal pressures.
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Origins and Nostalgia of Camps
- Summer camps started in the late 19th century as a way for urban middle-class boys to experience manly outdoor adventures.
- Over time, camps expanded to include girls and became an important cultural institution reflecting nostalgia for an idealized American past.
Camp as a Nostalgia Teacher
- Summer camps serve as sites where children first learn about nostalgia and adult memories of camp influence sending their own kids.
- Camp represents a first adventure away from parents, deeply embedding it in cultural memory.
Camp as Social Connector
- Many people meet lifelong friends and even partners at summer camp, illustrating its lasting social impact.
- Co-ed camps since the mid-20th century facilitate these meaningful social connections.