Camp Lazlo is a cartoon about a boy scout camp called Camp Kidney, where the campers are animals and the camp runs badly. It was made by Joe Murray for Cartoon Network and ran for five seasons from 2005 to 2008, ending on March 27, 2008. The show follows Lazlo, an optimistic spider monkey, Raj, a timid elephant, and Clam, a quiet albino rhinoceros, as they face trouble at their camp. The camp leader, Scoutmaster Lumpus the moose, is selfish and harsh, while the assistant, Slinkman the banana slug, is mild and kind.
The Main Characters
Lazlo is the heart of the show. He is cheerful, curious, and full of energy, which puts him at odds with the camp’s strict rules. Raj is shy and nervous, and Clam barely speaks, answering questions with short phrases that repeat the last words spoken to him. The supporting cast includes Edward the angry platypus, Chip and Skip the twin dung beetles, Samson the clumsy guinea pig, and Dave and Ping Pong the twin loons. The show also follows the girls at the nearby camp, Acorn Flats, led by Miss Jane Doe, a deer, and her assistant, Ms. Rubella Mucus, a warthog.
The Setting and Style
The camp is set in the Pimpleback Mountains near Leaky Lake. It looks like a summer camp from the 1950s and early 1960s, with cabins named after beans and simple, bright colors. The sky can be yellow, and trees are not always green and brown. The design is meant to feel warm and familiar, like a memory of childhood camp. Murray, the creator, drew on advertising art, lamps, and old vacation brochures for the look.
What Works
- The humor is gentle and well timed, aimed at children but still funny for adults.
- The character relationships are strong, especially between Lazlo and Raj.
- The show does not rely on gross-out jokes or cruel comedy.
- The animation is clean and bright, fitting the retro setting.
What Falls Short
Some episodes are too busy, packing in jokes without letting any land. The camp’s problems, like being threatened with closure, get repeated often without moving the story forward. The show’s tone can shift from sweet to dark within a single scene, which can confuse young viewers.
The Legacy
Camp Lazlo won three Primetime Emmy Awards and three Pulcinella Awards during its run. It also earned nominations for another Emmy and an Annie Award. The show spawned DVDs, restaurant promotions, a video game, and digital download releases.
Final Word
Camp Lazlo is a charming, well-made show that sometimes overreaches. Its heart is in the right place, even when its jokes miss the mark.
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