What would you do- video in camp

amother

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 1:16 pm

My son is at an in-between camp and came home saying they showed them a video- berel and the bus driver... and it was scary for him. He's barely watched anything and he is 5. Am I correct to be somewhat unhappy that they are showing videos at the camp without telling us they would be?
Also has anyone seen this video and know if it would be scary for a 5 y/o?

Thanks in advance

amother

DarkViolet

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 1:18 pm

This must be cultural. I don’t have an issue with videos (especially Jewish ones!) at camp or out of it. I may not be the right respondee for your concerns

amother

Amethyst

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 1:23 pm

Berel and the bus driver is a great video (it's rebbe hill!) but my little kids were also scared at certain parts, because its very professionally filmed with realistic acting and costumes etc. I'd say its more for 8 year olds than 5 year olds.

shabbatiscoming

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 1:25 pm

I agree with the above poster that this must be cultural. I dont see anything wrong with this either.
BUT, that being said, if your son was scared, maybe mention that to the counselors.
And you can see what this video is on youtube (Iujst did a search for it)

amother

Pumpkin

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 1:41 pm

Yes, I can see where youre coming from 100%..

I would also want to know before esp with a 5 year old.

My 8yo also watched and I was a bit surprised because 100% I would have liked to be asked but Im less bothered maybe cos hes older and he does watch at home quite a bit.

Can you say anything now or is it too late?

amother

Calendula

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 1:43 pm

My kids school shows video presentations in school, I don't see the issue with it. I definitely wouldn't have an issue with it or wouldn't be surprised about it in a camp between camp. Camp between camp is generally more like babysitting and not very professionally run.

amother

Tanzanite

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 1:57 pm

Interesting.
There are some kids who are scared from things that seem very benign to others. My daughter just told me that she remembers being petrified from the story of Goldilocks and the three bears.

I recently took my kids to a children's museum. They had a show meant for little kids. But it was scary! One of the kids I was with (my sons friend) started crying so we quickly left.

I don't think you can expect the call to ask permission before showing a video. However, I do think it doesn't hurt to mention to the director that the movie was scary for your son.

amother

Puce

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 2:05 pm

Yes I would be very annoyed. I’m not sending my son to camp to be entertained by a video, I can do that at home, I expect him to be running, playing, projects and organized activities.

amother

Ivory

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 4:02 pm

I remember being terrified of hansel and gretel when I was in pre - K.

I do think that video isn't totally age appropriate for a 5 year old (more for a 8-9 year old) but it is an opportunity to process fear and anxiety with your son. Talk about what made him scared, reassure him, help him thru it.

Impossible to protect our kids from things that will scare them forever. When we work it thru with them we helpe them develop the things to deal with anxiety and kids who have "lawnmower parents" who smooth the way for them are not doing anyone any favors.

If you object to screen time from a hashkafic standpoint - especially when you are paying money to have them entertained in a camp, I am totally with you, and its ok to complain.

I mean - if I wanted my kids to watch they can do it at homef or free. The whole point is for them to be busy with other activities.

amother

Coffee

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 4:32 pm

Look at Punch & Judy. Lots of violence. That was the norm back in the day, I think.
I'm not disagreeing with you, OP.

I guess it depends on your community. There are some where no videos are accepted. Others where much more of a range is accepted.

We lived out of town for a few years, and my kids attended a day school. One day for some reason they said they're going to show a video, I forget about what. I asked the principal if he can assure me that the video meets my standards. He said not really. So I said I'll be keeping my kids home. But they did let us know beforehand.

amother

Peach

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 4:55 pm

amother Coffee wrote:

I was going to mention Punch & Judy!
I was visiting the UK & saw a kids puppet show - all looked like fun & games, until he started whacking her with the stick. All the kids & adults start laughing / cheering and I was in shock. I quickly took my daughter (I think she was 3 at the time) & got out of there.

There are cultural norms everywhere, but there are also age appropriateness.

amother

Blueberry

Thu, Aug 25 2022, 5:36 pm

I don't know about the videos but when my kids listened to the Berel series cds a few years ago, they were scared. I think 5 is too young and of course I'd say something.