Abbott Elementary Season 5, Episode 5 Recap: ‘Camp Abbott’ Takes the Teachers Into the Wild

Abbott Elementary: Camp Abbott

Barb is in her element this week, literally. While the rest of the teachers are dragging through the Halloween season, she’s harmonizing in music class and dreaming up something wholesome: a camping trip for the older kids. Because when the kids talk about vandalizing for fun, Barb hears “outdoor learning opportunity.” Bless her heart.

The Setup

Ava is, of course, focused on her own Halloween plans, while the other teachers are running on fumes. Tasha’s got the right idea with a Halloweentown marathon, but Barb has other plans: she’s already got permission slips, permits, and a campsite reserved. The woman came prepared. The rest of the teachers? Not so much. They want no parts but Melissa, volunteers everyone. They all agree that Barb won’t last an hour in the wilderness.

The Campout

Cut to Barb thriving like she’s auditioning for Survivor: South Philly Edition. Ava shows up “to make sure there are no casualties,” which, let’s be honest, is a way for her to brag and take credit for the success of the trip, and also, deep down, she truly cares. When attempts to scare Barb into retreating fail, Jacob steps up to tell a spooky story, because of course he does.

Then comes Mr. Johnson, draped in a Gladiator cloak, declaring he’s Denzel’s character but quoting lines from Training Day and Remember the Titans. Pure chaos. The kids scatter like extras in Sleepaway Camp.

Gregory and Janine’s Moment

While searching for the kids, Gregory and Janine get lost in the woods. They have a romantic moment, talking and leaning on each other, chemistry popping, and reminding us why she shipped them so hard.  Barb eventually finds them, sees what’s happening, and, because she’s Barb and possibly meddling, offers to give them some “peace and quiet” alone.

Later, a park ranger stumbles upon the campsite and tells them that they have broken several hundred rules. Barb shows her permit, but it was issued for a different park. No fear, Barb smooths it over by letting him use her deluxe bathroom setup.

By morning, the teachers are refreshed; it seems they needed the tip more than they realized… except poor Jacob, who emerges from the woods looking like he fought a swarm of mosquitoes and lost. Badly.

Final Thoughts

This episode was a 10/10. Classic Abbott—funny, smart, and grounded in the lovable chaos we’ve come to expect. The comedic timing hit every beat, from Ava’s sarcasm to Barb’s unwavering faith in nature. And that little Gregory–Janine spark? Bonus points for that.

What did you think?

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