Camp (novel)
Camp is a young adult fiction book authored by Lev A. C. Rosen and released in 2020 through Little, Brown and Company. The story follows Randall Kapplehoff, a gay adolescent attending a queer summer camp, who reinvents himself to win the attention of his romantic interest.
Plot
The narrative of Camp revolves around Randall Kapplehoff at Camp Outland, a summer camp for queer youth. Passionate about musical theatre, Randall creates an alter ego named "Del" to present a more masculine image and attract Hudson, the object of his affection. Throughout the novel, readers gain insight into LGBT history and identities, while it also tackles issues related to societal and internalized homophobia.
Background
Rosen based the design of Camp Outland on his experiences attending and working at a Jewish summer camp, incorporating elements from his theater background into the storyline. Inspired by romantic comedies from the 1960s starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day, Rosen sought to develop a vintage-style screwball comedy that resonates with contemporary queer teenagers. The title Camp deliberately references several interpretations of the term, including summer camp, drag culture, and exaggerated masculinity.
Reception
Publishers Weekly described Camp as an "enjoyable, inclusive tale" that delivers positive messages about sex, romance, and LGBTQ themes. Meanwhile, Kirkus Reviews emphasized its romantic comedy charm combined with thoughtful thematic depth. According to Shelf Awareness, Rosen provides a sophisticated depiction of queer identities that avoids clichés and acknowledges challenges within the community. Maggie Reagan from Booklist praised the book for its candid exploration of internal prejudices among LGBTQ individuals, deeming it crucial reading for teens navigating love.
The novel earned spots on various best-of lists compiled by Booklist, Elle, The Guardian, The Today Show, and School Library Journal.
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Booklist Best Romance Fiction for Youth | Top 10 |
| Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth | Selection | |
| 2021 | American Library Association Rainbow List | Top 10 |
| Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Young Adult | Finalist |
Film adaptation
In October 2021, it was announced that Camp would be adapted into a film by HBO Max in partnership with Warner Bros. The movie is directed by Billy Porter, produced by Dan Jinks, with a screenplay written by Kit Williamson and Robert O’Hara. Porter also stars as Mark, who serves as the camp’s theater director.