The words 'summer camp' might conjure images of bonfires, starry night skies and singing acapella on acoustic guitars while roasting marshmallows - but a new documentary that’s hit Netflix could change that idyllic idea forever.
Depicting real-life events, this latest must-watch is far from a nostalgic trip down memory lane. In fact, it's a rather jarring journey that has left some viewers shocked and outraged before turning to social media to express their disbelief.
Released on the streaming platform in December, Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare, directed by Liza Williams, takes viewers into the dark world of The Challenger Foundation - a wilderness therapy camp.
Founded in the 1980s by ex-military special forces officer Steve Cartisano, this camp was touted as a solution for 'misbehaving' teens. However, the reality, as the documentary unfolds, is far from just a simple corrective retreat.
The film delves into the disturbing practices that took place at the foundation as it operated under a totally different guise. Parents would unknowingly send their teenagers to this camp in Southern Utah, only to have them endure insane tasks like a grueling 63-day, 500-mile hike in the desert – a supposed remedy for poor behavior.
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The documentary also highlights other extreme measures employed by the camp, including surprise nighttime abductions of teens from their homes.
As you can probably expect, social media reactions have been intense to say the least. Viewers have taken to various platforms, expressing their horror at the treatment of these teenagers. Comments range from gut-wrenching disbelief to fury, with many unable to understand how such abusive tactics could be used under the guise of therapy. The documentary has definitely struck a chord, particularly with its raw portrayal of the camp's harsh conditions and the aggressive methods used by the so-called 'militant counselors'.
One viewer's comment summed up the general sentiment: “Watching Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare and it’s actually making my stomach turn the way these people are so proud of abusing these kids.”
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Off the back of the documentary, a conversation has been sparked about the extent parents would go to 'fix' their children's behavior in the 1980s and 1990s.
Among the upsetting stories is the tragic case of 16-year-old Kristen Chase from Florida, who died just three days into the program. Her death raised many serious questions about the camp's practices and the lack of oversight that allowed the tragedy to happen.
Cartisano, the man behind this controversial camp, is featured in the documentary but passed away in 2019 after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
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While we’re on the topic of shocking Netflix documentaries, you might want to check out Bitconned, a doc that delves into the rise and fall of Centra Tech - a cryptocurrency firm that, according to the Department of Justice, scammed victims out of more than $25 million worth of digital funds, shaking the industry to its core.
The trailer is narrated by Ray Trapani, the company's COO and co-founder, who somewhat shockingly opens with: "Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted to be a criminal”.
If that comment alone isn't enough to make you want to watch it, I don’t know what is.