A review by daybreak1012
Baby-Sitters' Summer Vacation by Ann M. Martin

5.0

 Before I get to my actual review, a quick disclaimer: Ever since I learned that Netflix was reimagining one of my favorite childhood book series, I had decided that I would be embarking on a re-read of this series, reliving a series of books that helped to shape me into a voracious reader. I am so excited to embark on this travel back in time. I don't expect to be mentally stimulated -- I mean, I'm not exactly a pre-teen middle-schooler these days -- but I make no apology for choosing to enjoy this series from the perspective of adulthood. Don't expect me to have any sort of psychoanalyst or feminist sermonizing on the appropriateness of the situations or the effects on a young girl reading these books; there's plenty of that to go around already. I'm here for the nostalgia and the meander down memory lane.  
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I recall the childhood version of myself and how I anticipated the next BSC book release. Super Specials were an extra thrill. I loved that they were longer and something different, while still maintaining their comfortable familiarity. And because it was always some group adventure, you got a mix of narrators from chapter to chapter. I find it worth a chuckle that I get that same excitement during my adult re-read of the series.

What I liked about Baby-Sitters' Summer Vacation:
The setting - I really only had one experience with going to camp. I guess you could say two experiences, sort of, since we went to the same place in both fifth and sixth grades, but it wasn't summer camp (I don't remember if it was late fall or early spring, but I know we had snow once), and I went with my class at school, so I knew everyone there. This made a traditional summer camp setting novel for me, intriguing, almost (but not quite) making me think it would be fun -- sort of the same effect the movies had on the BSC that landed them on this adventure in the first place.
Multiple character perspectives - As I mentioned, we get revolving narrators, and I loved that we would frequently get the same event from various perspectives. I appreciated that in addition to all the girls, we also got a little time with Logan, over on the boys' side of the lake.
Some of the character revelations - While it didn't surprise me at all that Mary Anne's apprehension resonated with me, I was not expecting it from Stacey. Another unexpected turn was seeing Kristy admitting to feeling inferior and insecure. I think that taking the characters out of their typical environments allows for the opportunity to explore some previously unrevealed aspects of their personalities.
Claudia and Will - I often struggle to connect with Claudia, other than her relationship with her grandmother, and this holds over from my childhood even. I am not artsy, I have never been cool (ha), and I never really struggled in school, other than advanced math classes. But this storyline with Claudia was so sweet and so well executed. It was so fun to root for her rather than feeling disconnected from her character.
Feeling justified for NOT being a camper - Everything about Stacey's experience is why I don't camp. I am absolutely not kidding. Not even a little bit.
Cabin distribution - At first, I was a little curious that none or our regulars ended up in the same cabin, at least not as CITs (counselors in training). Some of the Babysitters were paired with Stoneybrook kids, and Mal and Jessi were together (but they were there as campers), but our five main girls each found herself with a cabin of unknown contemporaries. Ultimately, I was pleased with the opportunities this provided. I mean, could Mary Anne's co-CITs have been any more cringe-y? And Mallory and Jessi's cabin mates were downright awful. This really allowed for some tension to take form, which, of course, is necessary for a solid plot. 

What I didn't care for:
Zero things - Even more than three decades later, this book delighted me. 

Going in, other than Stacey, I couldn't have recalled a single plot point for you, but as I read, it all came back to me. Re-reading this series has been such a fun endeavor for me. My original rating of five stars holds firm; I enjoyed every single page of this trip down memory lane. And now I am dreading the one I know is coming next, but we'll get to that in due time...