Family Plan

Family Plan

Year: 1997

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Fred Gerber

FamilyComedy

A bumbling guy takes a group of orphans to summer camp.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Family Plan (1997)

Trace every key event in Family Plan (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sol Rubins' impending death and plan for Camp Sedona

Sol Rubins, a dying millionaire, owns Camp Sedona and has already planned to pass the camp to his niece Julie after he dies. His death sets the stage for who will control the property and how it will be used. The plan creates tension around Julie's involvement and the camp's future.

Before July weekend Camp Sedona, Arizona
2

Jeffrey's scheme to turn Camp Sedona into Chez Sedona

Julie's fiancé Jeffrey aims to sell the camp to investors and secretly transforms the site into an adult-themed prototype resort called Chez Sedona. He invites investors for a weekend getaway to pressure a purchase, without informing Julie. The plan foreshadows a clash between business interests and the camp's traditional mission.

Leading up to the July weekend Camp Sedona
3

Harry Haber plans the Mid Valley kids' summer getaway

Harry Haber, unaware of Jeffrey's plan, schedules the Mid Valley Home children to return to the site for their annual summer getaway at the former Camp Sedona. The trip had been canceled due to Sol's illness, but a prior visit rekindles the plan. The coincidence of events sets the two worlds on a collision course.

Around the July weekend Former Camp Sedona
4

Alec and Eli plan to run away to Phoenix

Alec and Eli Mackenzie, two brothers who recently lost their father, intend to run away from the camp to Phoenix to find their biological mother. They believe the neighborhood near Camp Sedona holds the key to their past. Their plan is contingent on avoiding obstacles and getting to the bus.

Before the trip Camp Sedona
5

Alec gets grounded; Eli helps him sneak on the bus

Alec is busted for mischief by Cliff and grounded, blocking his chance to join the trip. Eli then helps him sneak onto the bus by hiding him in a large duffel bag full of clothes. This daring ruse keeps their escape plan alive.

Departure day Camp Sedona
6

The two camps collide as kids and adults mix

As the worlds of Camp Sedona and Chez Sedona collide, the kids cause mischief for the adult campers while Harry remains focused on making sure the kids enjoy themselves. Julie reconnects with her childhood friend Matt, the camp director, who also starts looking out for Eli. Tensions simmer as authority figures juggle two very different groups.

During the weekend Camp Sedona
7

Alec climbs a dangerous cliff; Matt rescues him

Alec scales a hazardous cliff to recover Eli's toy plane and nearly loses his grip. Matt intercepts the danger and pulls him to safety. Meanwhile, Harry is forced to reveal Alec's whereabouts to Cliff back at the home.

Evening Cliff edge near Camp Sedona
8

The screening night exposes Jeffrey; Julie rejects him

During a planned movie night, Jeffrey presents a 'sensitive side' to win Julie's favor, but Harry intercepts with a prank film showing Jeffrey's behind-the-scenes plans. The footage forces Julie to confront Jeffrey, leading her to punch him and declare the camp not for sale. The moment marks a turning point in how the adults are perceived.

Night Camp Sedona
9

The escape attempt resumes in a catering van

Cliff arrives to pick up Alec, and the brothers hide in a catering service van heading to Phoenix. Julie and Matt pursue but arrive too late to stop them. They recover a map the brothers had left behind, hinting at their next move.

Night Catering service van; en route to Phoenix
10

Searching for the mom's address ends in disappointment

Julie and Matt travel to Phoenix to find the brothers' biological mother, but the new residents at the address reveal no knowledge of the prior ownership. The search proves harder than expected and they return to camp discouraged. The brothers' longing for a stable family remains unresolved for the moment.

Following the chase Phoenix, Arizona
11

Matt and Julie decide to adopt Eli and Alec

Back at camp, Matt tells Cliff he intends to adopt Eli and Alec, showing his commitment to the boys. Julie shares the same sentiment, and Matt proposes to Julie; she accepts, confirming a new family arrangement for the kids. The couple's decision centers the film on found families rather than inheritance.

Near departure Camp Sedona
12

Resolution and a new chapter for the families

As departure approaches, Harry reassures Cliff that the real reward is ensuring the children have a home. The group drives off together, passing a broken Jeffrey who is left dealing with his failed plans. The ending focuses on newly formed families and the kids' future.

Ending Camp Sedona; on the road

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:47

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Family Plan

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