It's summertime and Rudy Gerner (Chris Makepeace) is off to Camp North Star, a cut-rate summer camp for boys and girls. Leading the camp are counselor-in-training Tripper (Bill Murray). At first shy, down on himself, and reluctant to join with the others, Rudy is taken under Tripper's wing. Gaining a friend, Rudy begins to participate with the other campers. Tired of always losing the annual Camp Olympiad to the snobbish rich camp across the lake, Tripper despite his antics, encourages all campers to try their hardest, even if winning just doesn't matter. Spying a hidden athletic talent in Rudy, Tripper is able to convince young Rudy that the camp Olympics is Rudy's chance to shine and show the others what he can do.