Ally here! If you grew up in the ‘90s or early 2000s like me, there’s a good chance you remember Heavyweights—the 1995 comedy about a group of kids sent to a weight-loss camp that gets taken over by an over-the-top fitness fanatic, played by Ben Stiller. I saw it for the first time on the bus on the way to camp! The movie is packed with hilarious pranks, ridiculous training montages, and a triumphant campers-versus-counselors showdown. But how does Heavyweights compare to a real summer camp experience—especially one like Camp Foley? Let’s break it down!
What Heavyweights Got Right About Camp
While Heavyweights is exaggerated for comedy, there are a few things it nails when it comes to summer camp life:
Strong Camper Friendships
One of the best parts of summer camp is the friendships that form. Just like in the movie, campers bond over shared experiences, inside jokes, and team challenges. Camp friendships can last a lifetime!
The Camp Traditions
From goofy chants to camp games and competitions (Apache Relay, anyone?), Heavyweights captures the spirit of fun traditions that make camp feel like a second home. At Camp Foley, we have our own legendary traditions, from our epic regattas to our beloved campfire nights.
Funny Shenanigans
While we don’t encourage food smuggling (looking at you, Tony Perkis Contraband Bunk Search), friendly jokes are part of the fun. Camp Foley campers love a good laugh, whether it’s a silly skit, an all-camp game, or a spontaneous dance-off.
Outdoor Adventures
Even with all the movie’s comedic chaos, it still shows the fun of being outside—canoeing, swimming, and just being in nature. At Foley, we take that to the next level with sailing, waterskiing, archery, and even overnight wilderness trips.
What Heavyweights Got Completely Wrong
Of course, Heavyweights is a comedy—not a realistic camp experience. Here’s what it got totally wrong:
The Whole “Fat Camp” Premise
At Foley, and most real summer camps, the focus isn’t on changing your body—it’s about having fun, making friends, and trying new things. Every camper is valued for who they are, not what they look like!
Tony Perkis-Level Counselors
Real camp staff aren’t crazed fitness gurus who stage dramatic monologues about peak performance. I promise I only monologue at Foley about very important things! At Camp Foley, our counselors are fun, supportive, and dedicated to making sure every camper has the best summer ever. They’re more likely to be leading a campfire song than forcing kids to run an obstacle course at sunrise. Although we had a lot of fun last year bringing back the 1920s calisthenics to celebrate our 100th summer.
Campers vs. Counselors Showdowns
While a full-on rebellion against staff makes for a great movie climax, real camps thrive on teamwork. Sure, we have friendly competitions, but they’re about bringing people together, not overthrowing the leadership!
Unlimited Junk Food Stashes
Let’s be real—if campers had that much candy hidden in their bunks, there would be some serious stomachaches. At Camp Foley, we keep mealtimes balanced, with delicious food (and yes, treats at canteen!), so campers stay fueled for all the fun activities. Plus we wouldn’t want critters in the cabin looking for all those snacks either.
Would Heavyweights Happen at Camp Foley?
Not a chance! But would you still have the most fun, unforgettable summer ever? Absolutely. While Foley doesn’t have a secret junk food bunker or a Tony Perkis takeover, it does have:
- Epic outdoor adventures
- Amazing lifelong friendships
- Hilarious camp traditions
- Supportive, fun counselors
- A chance to try new things and just be yourself
At the end of the day, Heavyweights captures the goofy, fun-loving energy that makes summer camp special—but real camp (especially at Foley!) is even better. So, whether you’re reliving Heavyweights nostalgia or gearing up for your own summer adventure, one thing is clear: camp is all about having the time of your life.
Ready to have the time of your life this summer? Head here to register now!
What’s your favorite camp movie? Tell us in the comments!