One Summer
First look
Watch the teaser
About the film
It’s more than just a summer.
Every summer, thousands of young people travel across the world to work at American summer camps. For many, it becomes one of the defining experiences of their lives. Yet few people ever see what that journey really looks like.
One Summer follows a first-time Camp Leaders participant as she leaves home for an unforgettable season in America. Through her experience, we explore far more than one person’s journey. The film opens a window into the culture of summer camp, the friendships it creates, the challenges it presents, and the personal growth that comes from stepping into the unknown.
At its heart is one summer in the life of a first-time camp counsellor. Around that journey, the film weaves together years of documentary footage, archive and personal stories to reveal the lasting impact of a programme that has shaped generations. It’s an honest portrait of a community built on adventure, connection and growth—and a reminder that a single summer can shape the rest of your life.
Why we’re making this film
We wanted something different.
For more than 25 years, Camp Leaders has helped thousands of young people spend their summers working at American camps. Yet despite the programme’s impact, most people only ever see snippets on social media or carefully curated promotional videos.
We wanted to create something different.
Rather than telling people what summer camp is like, we wanted to experience it alongside someone living it for the very first time. By documenting the highs, the lows and everything in between, our goal is to capture an honest portrait of one of America’s most unique cultural traditions—and the life-changing impact it can have on the people who become part of it.
Meet Immy
Immy
Why Immy?
Every documentary needs someone through whose eyes the audience experiences the story.
Immy represents thousands of young people who choose to leave home each year in search of something different. She’s adventurous, curious and passionate about travel, but like anyone taking such a leap, she’s also stepping into the unknown.
By following someone experiencing summer camp for the very first time, we hope audiences discover the world alongside her.
About Immy
- Born in Australia.
- Raised in Lichfield, UK.
- Loves travelling and meeting new people.
- Joined Camp Leaders as an intern in 2025 before becoming a full-time member of the marketing team.
- Summer 2026 marks her first experience working at an American summer camp.
The bigger story
The camp community
To understand what makes summer camp so unique, the documentary brings together the voices of camp directors and owners from across the United States. As the people who shape these communities year after year, they provide an authentic and often deeply personal perspective on the traditions, challenges and lasting impact of camp, helping to tell the bigger story behind Immy’s journey. Alongside them, we also hear from other members of the camp community, including camp alumni, returning international staff, first-time participants and camp professionals, reflecting the many perspectives and experiences that make camp what it is.
Production timeline
From pre-production to release
- Completed
Pre-Production
Early 2026 - Completed
Pre-Summer Production & Filming
February – July 2026 - Completed
Documentary Announced
July 2026 - Completed
US Filming
July – August 2026 - Completed
First Look Teaser
September 2026 - In progress
Post-Summer Production & Filming
September – November 2026 - Upcoming
Trailer Release
Autumn 2026 - Upcoming
Post-Production
October 2026 - Upcoming
Premiere
December 2026 - Upcoming
Public Release
January 2027
Gallery
Behind the scenes
Get involved
Be part of the film.
We’re looking for people from around the world to share their camp stories and become contributors to One Summer.
Selected contributors will be invited to a special filming day with the Camp Leaders team in Liverpool, UK. We’ll also be speaking to people remotely from across the world, so wherever you are, we want to hear from you.
If camp had a lasting impact on your life, register your interest and tell us your story.
