In October 2018, during his first days as president of Nickelodeon, Brian Robbins put a room together to brainstorm ideas for potential SpongeBob spin-off series'. In February 2019, it was reported that a SpongeBob spin-off series was in the works. In June 2019, the series was officially announced with a 13-episode first season, which was later expanded to 26 episodes in March 2021. The idea for Kamp Koral originated from the flashback scenes from the film The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020).
In August 2021, the series was renewed for a second and final 13-episode season, which premiered on Paramount+ on July 10, 2024.
Premise
The series follows an alternate continuity of a 10-year-old SpongeBob SquarePants as he spends his summer at a sleepaway camp called Kamp Koral.[1][2] The camp is run by Mr. Krabs, a single father raising his baby daughter, Pearl.[3] The camp's activities are overseen by Mrs. Puff, who works as the scoutmaster and arts-and-crafts teacher.[3] SpongeBob bunks in a cabin with his friends Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks. Their cabin is run by Squidward Tentacles, a pessimistic camper who is slightly older than the others (almost a teenager)[3] and is a junior counselor. Unbeknownst to the campers, the Krusty Kanteen's chef Plankton runs a secret laboratory underneath the camp where his computer assistant Karen helps him create elaborate inventions to take over the world. Episodes focus on SpongeBob and his friends learning more about the campsite, exploring new places, and taking part in summertime activities.
Nobby and Narlene (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui and Kate Higgins respectively)[5] - Two hillbilly narwhals that live near Kamp Koral.
Release
The series was originally planned to premiere on Nickelodeon in July 2020,[2] but on July 30, 2020, it was announced that the series would instead be released on CBS All Access, the ViacomCBS streaming service, in early 2021.[6][7] It was later announced that the series will be airing on Nickelodeon as well later in the year.[8] On January 28, 2021, it was announced that the first six episodes would release along with The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run on March 4, 2021 with the launch of Paramount+.[9] The series also began airing on Nickelodeon on April 2, 2021.[10] On June 24, 2021, it was announced that new episodes would release on Paramount+ on July 22, 2021.[11]
On July 21, 2022, a "SpongeBob Universe" crossover special was announced, featuring the main series and spinoffs Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show. "The Tidal Zone", a spoof of The Twilight Zone,[12] was originally set to premiere on Nickelodeon on November 25, 2022,[13] before being delayed and rescheduled for release on January 13, 2023.[14] Alongside this, it was announced that new episodes of Kamp Koral would release on Paramount+ on September 30, 2022.[15] The final seven episodes of season one of Kamp Koral were released on May 26, 2023.[16] The second season premiered on July 10, 2024.[17]
Production
Development
SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg died on November 26, 2018. Animator/producer Paul Tibbitt — who worked on SpongeBob SquarePants between 1999 and 2018 and served as showrunner between 2005 and 2015 — remarked, "In the animation business, you know, there always used to be the sort of joke... When you run out of ideas, you just do Muppet Babies. Steve [Hillenburg] would always say to me, 'You know, one of these days, they're going to want to make SpongeBob Babies. That’s when I'm out of here.'"[18]
According to Vincent Waller, the idea for Kamp Koral originated in flashback scenes from The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020). Having worked on the original show for years, Waller calculated the hierarchy of the camp and the ages of the characters (albeit, younger). Marc Ceccarelli helped develop the new characters and new locations.[19] In October 2018, on one of Brian Robbins' first days as the president of Nickelodeon, he "decided to put a room together and really look at what the SpongeBob universe looks like". According to Robbins, "out of that came the Kamp Koral idea and actually a couple of other ideas".[20]
Announcement
On February 14, 2019, it was announced that an unnamed spinoff of SpongeBob SquarePants was in the works at Nickelodeon.[21][22] On June 4, 2019, it was announced that a CG-animated spinoff of SpongeBob SquarePants under the working title of Kamp Koral was officially green-lit with an initial order of 13 episodes.[23][24] In response to news of the series, Paul Tibbitt criticized its announcement on Twitter the next day, stating, "I do not mean any disrespect to my colleagues who are working on this show. They are good people and talented artists. But this is some greedy, lazy executive-ing right here, and they ALL know full well Steve [Hillenburg] would have HATED this. Shame on them."[25]
On February 19, 2020, the show was officially titled as Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years.[1] It was also announced that the voice cast from SpongeBob SquarePants would return for the spinoff series.[4][5] A sneak peek of the series aired during the Bears-Saints NFL wildcard game on January 10, 2021 on Nickelodeon.[26]
On March 4, 2021, it was announced that an additional 13 episodes had been ordered, bringing the series total to 26 episodes.[27] In August 2021, the series was renewed for a 13-episode second season.[28]
On the first day of jellyfish season, SpongeBob fails to catch a jellyfish. To help him, Sandy and Patrick disguise Squidward as a "jellyfish" to lure in SpongeBob, but suddenly a monster attacks. The monster eats Squidward and rampages across Kamp Koral. SpongeBob escapes the monster and saves the day, gaining the "Save the Camp from a Monster" badge.
2
2
"Sugar Squeeze"
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Brian Morante
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty & John Sanford
Kaz
"Sugar Squeeze": SpongeBob and the other campers discover their candy has been stolen by two con-artist backwood narwhals named Narlene and Nobby for their "Sugar Squeeze". SpongeBob and the campers glow yellow after tasting it, which Mr. Krabs notices, and is tricked by Narlene into using a machine to get the campers back to normal.
"Tag, You're It": SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy prepare to play tag, but they have to play inside after it starts to rain. They cause trouble, leading Squidward to throw them outside. Mr. Krabs eventually takes them in to play with baby Pearl, but Pearl's way of playing leads Mr. Krabs to demand Squidward to play with them. Later, the rain stops and Mr. Krabs is tagged forever.
3
3
"Quest for Tire"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Kenny Pittenger
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : John Trabbic
Kaz
"Quest for Tire": The campers are forced to go primal when Kamp Koral's weekly food truck goes missing. "Cabin of Curiosities": During the nighttime, SpongeBob and Patrick meet the nocturnal, monstrous members of the Trawler cabin.
4
4
"In Search of Camp Noodist"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Fred Osmond
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Brian Morante
"In Search of Camp Noodist": Narlene tells SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy of a fabled nudist colony, setting them off on an adventure. "Kitchen Sponge": SpongeBob gives birth to the Krabby Patty when being tasked to help out Plankton with making food at the Krusty Kanteen.
5
5
"The Treasure of Kamp Koral"
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty and Simon Edwards
"The Treasure of Kamp Koral": Mr. Krabs tries to get his claws on treasure that SpongeBob and Patrick find buried under the campgrounds. "Camper Gary": Following up from the origins of SpongeBob and Gary's friendship from The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run, SpongeBob disguises Gary as a camper to protect him from a snail-loathing Mrs. Puff.
6
6
"Midnight Snack Attack"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Fred Osmond
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Fred Osmond
"Midnight Snack Attack": SpongeBob and Patrick stumble into Plankton's laboratory and consume some seemingly harmless snacks, turning them into hideous and damage-prone monsters. "Hot Pearl-tato": Mr. Krabs tries to find a babysitter for an infant Pearl, but she proves to be a real hassle, even for the campers.
7
7
"What About Meep?"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Fred Osmond
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : John Trabbic
"What About Meep?": SpongeBob and Patrick try to help an anchovy fish named Chovy find his own, unique personality. "Hard Time Out": Patrick accidentally gets SpongeBob sent to the time out room, so the former tries to break him out - little does he realize, SpongeBob is slowly becoming delusional and going insane.
8
8
"Pat's a Li'l Sinker"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Kristen Morrison
"Pat's a Li'l Stinker": Mrs. Puff tries to teach Patrick how to swim. "Camp SpongeBob": SpongeBob misses the bus for the camp field trip, so he ends up forming his own camp with wild animals.
9
9
"Squisery"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Fred Osmond
"Squisery": Patrick and a broken-legged Squidward get "stranded in the woods," (really only a few seconds away from camp) but the two begin to enjoy each other's company after taking shelter. "Game Night": Mr. Krabs, Plankton, and Mrs. Puff are desperate to avoid SpongeBob so they can endure in their game night.
10
10
"My Fair Nobby"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Piero Piluso
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Kenny Pittenger
Mr. Lawrence
"My Fair Nobby": After hanging out with Miss Upturn and the folks in her cabin, Nobby's transformed into a snobby prestige. SpongeBob and Patrick have to help Narlene revive his country, hillbilly ways. "Gimme a News Break": Perch Perkins and Harvey report the news occurring around camp.
11
11
"Wise Kraken"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen Storyboarded by : Fred Osmond
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty
Luke Brookshier
"Wise Kraken": It's time for the Kamp Koral comedy talent show, and everyone's got to prove their hilarity chops. "Squatch Swap": Patrick is accidentally confused for young sea-squatch Swampy while out in the woods. Patrick gets used to Swampy's family customs, while Swampy gets used to SpongeBob and Sandy's. When their true identities are realized, chaos is set to ensue.
12
12
"The Ho! Ho! Horror!"
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Brian Morante
"The Ho! Ho! Horror!": Santa comes down to Bikini Bottom and he's ready to bring presents to the children of Kamp Koral, but his enlarged presence paints him as a giant monster. "Outhouse Outrage": When the camp outhouse explodes and dies as a result, Mr. Krabs interrogates SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward in a court case-like manner to find out who murdered it.
13
13
"Are You Afraid of the Dork?"
Supervising by : Sherm Cohen & Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Brian Morante
The Kamp counselors tell "scary" stories 'round the campfire, which are really only frightening to their lackluster tastes. The Flying Dutchman, watching from above in frustration, spooks the stories up tenfold and turns each of the counselors into scout badges - but SpongeBob and Patrick save the day by beating the Dutchman at his own game.
14
14
"Help Not Wanted"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty
"Help Not Wanted": Patrick's dad Cecil from The Patrick Star Show comes down to Kamp Koral and wins the heart of each and every camper with his wacky, fun antics and happy-go-lucky attitude. Mr. Krabs gets frustrated by Cecil's sudden uprising and tries to take him down with help of Plankton and Mrs. Puff, but they end up wanting to keep him as a counselor too. "Camp Spirit": SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy meet ghost camper Maisey Maines (India de Beaufort) and they quickly become friends, but her love for frightening everyone makes her the target of Mrs. Puff, an ex-ghost hunter.
15
15
"Hill-Fu"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : David Gemmill
Andrew Goodman
September 30, 2022 (2022-09-30)
July 31, 2023
115
N/A
"Sun's Out, Fun's Out"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty
Danny Giovannini
August 1, 2023
N/A
"Hill-Fu": Nobby helps train SpongeBob so he can defeat the ultra-skilled, supreme reign Sandy and earn a karate badge. "Sun's Out, Fun's Out": The Dinghy cabin members search for ways to beat the heat on the hottest day in camp, and the solution lies in Mr. Krabs' office, the only place around with an air conditioner.
16
16
"First and Last Aid"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Kurt Snyder
Bobby Gaylor
September 30, 2022 (2022-09-30)
August 2, 2023
116
N/A
"Night of the Living Stench"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty and Keegan Tsetta
"First and Last Aid": Mr. Krabs hires Nurse Helga when injuries at camp begin to concern Mrs. Puff, but SpongeBob's tendency to take constant physical damage leaves her in a rut. "Night of Living Stench": It's a match between dirty and clean when all the campers agree to not take showers, later in hopes of earning a badge - and Squidward's forced to fend for himself.
17
17
"Camp Crossbones"
Supervising by : Bob Camp and Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty and Darrell Rooney
Antoine Guilbaud
September 30, 2022 (2022-09-30)
July 22, 2024
117
N/A
"The Jelly Life"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Tim Prendergast and Keegan Tsetta
Kaz
"Camp Crossbones": Spongebob, Patrick, and Sandy decide to turn their cabin into a pirate ship.
"The Jelly Life": Spongebob does research on jellyfish by pretending to be jellyfish for one day.
18
18
"Lake Crashers"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Tim Prendergast
Bobby Gaylor
September 30, 2022 (2022-09-30)
July 23, 2024
118
N/A
"Boo Light Special"
Supervising by : Bob Camp Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty
Mike Bell
"Lake Crashers": The camper's demolition derby at the bottom of the lake. Mrs. Puff finds out and rescues Pearl from a car run over.
"Boo Light Special": Camp Master Krabs hires the Flying Dutchman. Flying Dutchman puts a curse on store products. He regrets his actions when campers demand refunds. Flying Dutchman quits after the cursed store products attack him.
19
19
"Painting with Squidward"
Supervising by : Bob Camp Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty
Kaz
September 30, 2022 (2022-09-30)
July 24, 2024
119
N/A
"Kamp Kow"
Supervising by : Jeff DeGrandis Storyboarded by : John Sanford
Bobby Gaylor
July 25, 2024
"Painting with Squidward": Squidward is determined to win the art competition.
"Kamp Kow": The Kamp Koral befriends a cow.
20
20
"Helter Shelter"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Tim Prendergast
Kaz
May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)
July 29, 2024
120
N/A
"Reveille Revolution"
Supervising by : Bob Camp and Jeff DeGrandis Storyboarded by : Ken Mitchroney
Bobby Gaylor
July 30, 2024
"Helter Shelter": Spongebob, Sandy, and Patrick are split up in their different cabins.
"Reveille Revolution": Squidward has to earn back his morning duties.
21
21
"The Switch Glitch"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Nick Lauer and Kurt Snyder
"The Switch Glitch": In the sole Kamp Koral segment featured within "The Tidal Zone" special, Patrick and Karen accidentally switch bodies when simultaneously consuming lightning berries. Karen (in Patrick’s body) impresses SpongeBob and Sandy with her knowledge, while Patrick (in Karen’s body) frustrates Plankton with his incompetence. Sandy attempts to solve things with an invention that will reverse the effects, but the star’s refusal to cooperate sends everyone into a wild chase that leaves the entire camp wallowing in stupidity.
Supervising by : Jeff DeGrandis Storyboarded by : Tim Prendergast
Mike Bell
May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)
July 31, 2024
122
N/A
"Deep Sea Despot"
Supervising by : Bob Camp Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty
August 1, 2024
"Are You Smarter Than a Smart Cabin?": In order to avoid doing chores, Sandy invents a "smart cabin" named Saul.
"Deep Sea Despot": Plankton serves food that causes Krabs, Plankton, and Mrs. Puff to get food poisoning. Squidward takes over as Camp Master.
23
23
"Regi-Hilled"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty and Ken Mitchroney
Bobby Gaylor
May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)
August 6, 2024
123
N/A
"The Perfect Camper"
Supervising by : Bob Camp and Jeff DeGrandis Storyboarded by : Dave Thomas
August 5, 2024
"Regi-Hilled": Narelene and Nobby teach Regigille backwoods living.
"The Perfect Camper": The Trawler cabin creates the perfect camper.
24
24
"Eye of the Hotdog"
Supervising by : Bob Camp Storyboarded by : Tim Prendergast
Mike Bell
May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)
August 7, 2024
124
N/A
"Patrick Takes the Cake"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Kurt Snyder
Kaz
August 8, 2024
"Eye of the Hotdog": Perch Perkins hosts a documentary about Craig Mammalton, who learns that he can't be the best at everything when he loses a hotdog-eating contest to Patrick. "Patrick Takes the Cake": When Patrick receives a cake in the mail, all of the other campers want it, so he takes the cake into the wilderness.
25
25
"The Taste of Defeat"
Supervising by : Jeff DeGrandis Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty
Bobby Gaylor
May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)
August 19, 2024
125
N/A
"Scaredy Squirrel"
Supervising by : Bob Camp Storyboarded by : Fred Osmond
Mike Bell
August 20, 2024
"The Taste of Defeat": Narlene opens up a restaurant, much to Plankton's chagrin. So Plankton tries to put Narlene's restaurant out of business and win his customers back. "Scaredy Squirrel": Sandy spends the night at the Trawler Cabin with SpongeBob and Patrick.
26
26
"Hats Off to Space"
Supervising by : Brandon Warren Storyboarded by : Tim Prendergast
Kaz
May 26, 2023 (2023-05-26)
August 21, 2024
126
N/A
"In a Nut's Shell"
Supervising by : Dave Cunningham Storyboarded by : Kurt Snyder
Bobby Gaylor
August 22, 2024
"Hats Off to Space": SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy go to outer space to retrieve the campers' hats, which have been stolen by Narlene and Nobby's cousin, Hatty McDoody (Jack McBrayer). "In a Nut's Shell": Narlene and Nobby disguise themselves as Mr. Krabs. Unfortunately, it is the camp Prank Day, and the two have to avoid the campers' pranks.
Supervising by : Keith Silva Storyboarded by : Mike Dougherty and Kurt Snyder
Andrew Goodman
July 10, 2024 (2024-07-10)
TBA
139
N/A
Reception
Allie Leatherman of Legacy Press felt that the series overplays the slapstick for comedic purposes that children would not find funny. She also argues that, "The shadows are extremely harsh, the color palette is ugly, and the backgrounds are boring and lifeless. The animation makes it unclear if it even takes place underwater. The character design is alright other than Patrick, who just looks like pink mush in the shape of a star."[62]
Jessica Curney of The Michigan Daily felt that the series is not needed and unnecessary for the franchise and that it does not have the same "spark" as the first three seasons of the original show.[63]
Mikel J. Davies of The Harvard Crimson wrote that the show "seems to fall short of becoming a beloved classic like its predecessor" and that its comedy is "shallow and unremarkable, much unlike the original show", but praised the decision to keep the original show's main cast of characters and their voice actors, and remarked that "in general, Kamp Koral is an entertaining and enjoyable show", and that "there is hope as the show continues", as "some of the episodes had that familiar spark of creativity".[64]
