A WEEK AWAY: Episode 1.1

“Can a Week at Camp Change Everything?”

What You Need To Know:

A WEEK AWAY is a TV series on the Angel app based on a 2021 Netflix musical. The first episode introduces the teenage campers attending Camp Aweegaway, including camp counselors Jake, Lenny and Savannah, and brothers Max and Charlie. Max, who’s been in the foster system for years, is doubtful about religion. However, he secretly hopes there’s someone bigger than himself looking out for him. Through song and dance, the teenagers explore their faith and doubts, drawing closer to God. Meanwhile, the camp directors worried the camp might lose its funding.

The first episode of A WEEK AWAY is fun. The young cast are talented singers and dancers. Actors David Koechner and Leigh-Allyn Baker give great comedic performances. The first episode of A WEEK AWAY has a strong Christian worldview. Camp Aweegaway is a Christian camp. So, it has many scenes with Christian references, from sharing scripture and testimonies to discussions about faith. One character is unkind to other campers, and one flashback scene features brief smoking and alcohol use. Otherwise, however, the first episode of A WEEK AWAY is family friendly.

Content:

(CCC, BBB, A, D, M):

Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements:

Very strong Christian worldview where characters share Scripture (camp pastor Jeremy recites Matthew 7:7-8 at the opening night bonfire) and their testimonies, camp counselor leads the campers in a performance of “Amazing Grace,” one character has some doubts but performs a song at the end of the episode where he also expresses his desire to believe in God;

Foul Language:

No foul language;

Violence:

No violence;

Sex:

No sex;

Nudity:

No nudity;

Alcohol Use:

A woman is seen with a half-drunk bottle of alcohol next to her in one flashback scene;

Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse:

Woman has a cigarette in her hand; and,

Miscellaneous Immorality:

Camp counselor makes some backhanded comments to her fellow campers.

More Detail:

A WEEK AWAY is a musical series that follows a group of teenagers attending Camp Aweegaway. Some are excited to return for the summer and serve as camp counselors, while others are first-timers and reluctant to engage with the messages of faith shared by others at camp. Will a week away at camp change their minds and hearts?

Episode 1 of A WEEK AWAY introduces viewers to Max, a boy in the foster system who is not thrilled to be going to Camp Aweegaway. He is joined by several other youths in his foster home, including his brother Charlie, who is excited about camp.

At camp, Max and the rest of the children meet counselors Jake, Lenny, and Savannah. Lenny is a former camper who found faith at Camp Aweegaway. She has a complicated relationship with Savannah, who is not always as nice as she should be.

Elsewhere, camp director David is surprised to learn that Camp Aweegaway might be in danger of losing its funding. Carla is the daughter of a minister who donated money to keep the camp going. Following his death, she’s now working to see if all his money is going to good causes. So, she’s evaluating the camp’s performance this week.

At the camp’s opening night bonfire, the new campers are sorted into their camp “tribes” and Lenny shares her testimony. She then leads the campers in a performance of “Amazing Grace,” which causes Max to grapple with his own feelings about faith.

Max has dealt with absent parents and a long history in the foster system. Through a song, he shares his desire to believe that there is someone out there who truly cares for him, but also his doubts that this could be true.

The first episode of A WEEK AWAY is fun. It boasts plenty of talented young singers and dancers, as well as interesting story lines that will keep viewers invested. It also features plenty of catchy musical numbers and enjoyable dance scenes. The first episode does an excellent job of setting up the series’ drama, from the possibility of the camp losing its funding, to some campers who struggle with their faith.

The first episode of A WEEK AWAY has a strong Christian worldview. Many characters share their faith, from reciting scripture, to talking about their own faith journeys. Even Max, who’s doubtful about the camp’s motives and Christianity itself, is still shown to want to believe in something bigger than himself. There are a few instances where one character, Savannah, is a bit unkind to others. Also, a flashback scene has references to smoking and drinking. Otherwise, however, the first episode of A WEEK AWAY is family friendly.

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