Presenter Tom Waes faced sharp public criticism over the VRT television program Kamp Fly, responding in the current affairs broadcast De Afspraak that the backlash had deeply affected him. Former actress Ann Ceurvels had used Instagram to condemn the show’s premise, calling it a nightmare for parents and arguing that military discipline offers the wrong solution for children struggling within the educational system.
The controversy emerged following the broadcast of the program’s first episode, which features former Special Forces operator Robert ‘Fly’ Vliegen taking eight struggling young adults to a bootcamp on Corsica. Ceurvels, whose son has autism and ADHD, argued that the series promotes the harmful notion that military discipline restores resilience, while unfairly casting blame on parents for school dropouts. Waes pushed back against those claims during his television appearance, stating that the production never intended to subject participants to harsh military training or point fingers at families.
Tom Waes Defends Casting Process on Television
Addressing the criticism on De Afspraak, Waes clarified how the participants arrived on the show. Production teams distributed posters across schools and centers for student guidance (CLBs) to issue an open call. According to Waes, none of the participants were enrolled by their parents, and every young person approached the production independently.
Er is geen haar op ons hoofd dat eraan gedacht heeft om met de vinger naar de ouders te wijzen,
Waes stated on the program, as reported by Nieuwsblad. He emphasized that the show avoids glorifying a rigid military mindset and treats each participant as an individual dealing with unique personal struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kamp Fly
Who selected the participants for Kamp Fly?
The participants were selected after the production team distributed posters through schools and student guidance centers, allowing the young adults to apply on their own initiative rather than through parental enrollment.
What specific criticism did Ann Ceurvels direct at the VRT program?
Ceurvels argued on Instagram that the show promotes the false idea that military discipline can solve difficulties in the school system, and she criticized the narrative for implying that parents are to blame for school dropouts.
How does Kamp Fly differ from Kamp Waes?
The program focuses on guiding a small group of eight struggling young adults through a civilian-oriented bootcamp rather than serving as a recruitment tool for the military.
Where can viewers watch Kamp Fly?
The series airs weekly on Sunday evenings on VRT 1 and is available for streaming on VRT Max.