Everyone has a story to tell, and Nolan Elementary Assistant Principal Dr. Vicki Anderson is teaching kids how to use technology to share their stories with others through two camps at the Mountain Arts Community Center June 26-30. Her Documentary Film Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon each day, followed by Animation Green Screen Camp from 12:30-3:30 p.m. each day. Campers may participate in both camps or just one.
Anderson made her first short film while working on her doctorate as a way to unwind from the stress. She's developed her filmmaking skills throughout her 23 years in education and as a hobby in her spare time, making instructional videos for school staff on topics such as student carpool drop-off, and a film for students highlighting Nolan's character trait of the year, kindness.
She's also worked with urban youth on telling their stories through documentaries, which taught her that each kid has his or her own unique way of storytelling.
"Some were funny and exciting, and some were heart-wrenching," she said of the participants' stories.
At the MACC, campers ages 9-12 will learn to use the camera on their phones or other devices to artistically film and photograph in ways that are visually engaging to viewers, said Anderson. Each camper will come up with his or her own topic, and will learn all the skills needed to develop a storyboard and film a 90-second to two-minute documentary. They'll also learn how to edit their work using WeVideo - which Anderson said is similar to iMovie, but easier to use - as well as how to do voice-overs and add music. Through peer editing, campers will learn how to give positive and constructive feedback and how to apply feedback from others to their own work.
"We'll also do a video scavenger hunt and some fun team-building activities, so it's not all hard work," said Anderson.
In the afternoon session, campers will learn how to do stop-action animation and special effects using a green screen and a tablet. They'll learn to do voice-overs so their animated characters can talk, and will also get an introduction to 360-degree filming and Google Cardboard.
On Friday, both sessions' campers will finish the week by presenting their creations to parents at the MACC.
The cost for either camp is $165 or $150 for MACC members, plus a $30 material fee. Campers will need to bring their own device with the capability to film and purchase apps.
The MACC is at 809 Kentucky Ave. To register, visit signalmacc.org. For more information call Anderson at 240-1170.