Jesus Camp

Jesus Camp documents an evangelical Christian summer camp where children partake in programmes designed to strengthen and intensify their beliefs. The founder of the camp, Becky Fischer, describes her mission to indoctrinate young people in the word of God.

Fischer stresses the importance of a Christian presence in the political and moral fabric of America, using her Kids on Fire camp to reinforce the religious instruction children under her charge already receive at home. Utilising computer games, animation and team activities to get her message across, she urges the children to ‘take back America for Christ’.

The film also reveals the children’s home lives, where every aspect is influenced by evangelical beliefs. Their textbooks teach creationism and reject global warming. When they listen to music, it is Christian songs, and they are also exposed to right-wing talk radio. Their activities include preaching to strangers and protesting against abortion outside the Supreme Court building.

Jesus Camp features interviews with Ted Haggard, an evangelical pastor and spiritual adviser to George W Bush, and Mike Papantonio, a talk-show host critical of the Christian right. The film generated controversy when it first aired, with some people claiming that the children at the summer camp were victims of brainwashing and borderline child abuse.