This documentary focuses on a summer camp in Nelson, New Hampshire where a new society is created each year with local government, banking, community center, stores, public gardens, legal system and entrepreneurship. Called "The Game of Village" the film gives an overview of the camp, its mission and history. Throughout the film, it explores what the program includes the individuals who help run it and its radical approach to education. We observe the campers, the adult commissioners who guide them and watch as they undertake the activities and responsibilities needed to create "The Village.".
We first meet Amy and Maisie, two commissioners, who give us an overview of the camp and its purpose. We explore the various activities that take place at the camp and meet a former Village parent. The campers themselves discuss how "The Village" they build is like a small society where everyone has a job, property, and their own currency. They create their own money for the village. More people, Noah, Nica, Daisy and Sasha share their experiences with the camp and their thoughts about it. The camp's founder, Cia Lselin, known as Godmother of The Game of Village. She started this with her grandkids, and as she grew older, she expanded it into the camp that was established in 1971.
The camera work is fantastic. One great example is at the start and end of the film, where we get an amazing shot of all the campers in a sing-along all together in a circle. There are no main characters, really - this documentary focuses on the kids within the camp, the commissioners who oversee it, a camper parent and a former camper. The camp is set in a private wooded area in Nelson, New Hampshire. There isn't any background music, per se, except for the campers' sing-a-long at the beginning and end. My favorite part is when all the campers are in a circle talking about the government structure with the village and they are discussing new laws, amendments, and other ways to help the village run more smoothly.
The film's message is stated at the beginning of the film: "Our children are the future of this world, it's not about what we can get out of them, it's about how we can empower them." Note that it does mention family dynamic struggles such as divorce.
I give The Game of Village 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, and adults.
By Zamrya F., KIDS FIRST!
This documentary focuses on a summer camp in Nelson, New Hampshire where a new society is created each year with local government, banking, community center, stores, public gardens, legal system and entrepreneurship. Called "The Game of Village" the film gives an overview of the camp, its mission and history. Throughout the film, it explores what the program includes the individuals who help run it and its radical approach to education. We observe the campers, the adult commissioners who guide them and watch as they undertake the activities and responsibilities needed to create "The Village.".
We first meet Amy and Maisie, two commissioners, who give us an overview of the camp and its purpose. We explore the various activities that take place at the camp and meet a former Village parent. The campers themselves discuss how "The Village" they build is like a small society where everyone has a job, property, and their own currency. They create their own money for the village. More people, Noah, Nica, Daisy and Sasha share their experiences with the camp and their thoughts about it. The camp's founder, Cia Lselin, known as Godmother of The Game of Village. She started this with her grandkids, and as she grew older, she expanded it into the camp that was established in 1971.
The camera work is fantastic. One great example is at the start and end of the film, where we get an amazing shot of all the campers in a sing-along all together in a circle. There are no main characters, really - this documentary focuses on the kids within the camp, the commissioners who oversee it, a camper parent and a former camper. The camp is set in a private wooded area in Nelson, New Hampshire. There isn't any background music, per se, except for the campers' sing-a-long at the beginning and end. My favorite part is when all the campers are in a circle talking about the government structure with the village and they are discussing new laws, amendments, and other ways to help the village run more smoothly.
The film's message is stated at the beginning of the film: "Our children are the future of this world, it's not about what we can get out of them, it's about how we can empower them." Note that it does mention family dynamic struggles such as divorce.
I give The Game of Village 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, and adults.
By Zamrya F., KIDS FIRST!
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