If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you give a group of kids cameras, a deadline, and a lot of creative freedom: this is your answer. Patrick Fitzgerald, Director of Highlands Youth Recreation, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at HCM’s and Beargrass Media’s Video Camp, where campers spend the week writing, filming, editing, and premiering their own movies.
“Quiet on the set!” Margaret calls.
Her group keeps shuffling and talking.
“I said quiet on the set.”
She steadies the iPad camera, framing a mid-shot where two actors are having a conversation. She presses record, waits a beat, then says, “Action.” They run the scene several times until they finally get the take they want. Next comes a close-up for the next line of dialogue, then another angle, then another shot. For nearly an hour, Margaret and her team work scene by scene until they’ve captured an entire skit.
Then the editing begins. Two students dive right in, trimming clips and piecing scenes together. Others take a break by experimenting with stop-motion animation or trying simple special effects just for fun.
This is the fourth morning of the five-day Video Camp sponsored by Highlands Community Ministries and Beargrass Media.
To understand how they got here, you have to go back to day one.
Dozens of campers arrive, signing in, finding seats, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones. Instructor Jon-Mark Sandquist kicks things off with an introduction to visual storytelling, teaching campers everything from extreme wide shots to extreme close-ups, along with camera techniques filmmakers use to create mood, suspense, comedy, and emotion.
That afternoon, campers break into groups of six or seven with a counselor guiding each team through their first challenge. In about an hour, they write, act, film, edit, and produce a completed video. Then everyone gathers to watch each other’s creations. That is usually the moment camp really starts to click.
The next day focuses on animation. Campers learn stop-motion and time-lapse, techniques that can turn everyday objects into characters or make time move in surprising ways. These tools often show up later in the week, even if only for a few seconds in a larger project.
Day three explores genre: drama, comedy, science fiction, horror, buddy films, and more. Each group receives the exact same script, then transforms it into a completely different kind of movie depending on the genre they draw. One script might become a thriller while another turns into slapstick comedy.
Later, campers split into teams to write and film original movies of their own. Some traditions have become part of camp lore. Langston, a longtime camper who has attended seven or eight times, often returns for the next installment of the now legendary “Langston Movie,” with each year bringing a new episode.
Day four begins with sound effects. Using microphones, campers record Foley sounds, the handcrafted noises used in movies. Breaking celery becomes the sound of a gruesome bone snap. A twisted arm on camera paired with the crunching sound sends kids into delighted horror. Then come special effects: explosions, disappearing characters, and camera tricks that make impossible things happen with a simple cut.
Now we return to Margaret.
Her latest project finished, she is preparing for the camp’s biggest challenge: the 24 Hour Film.
Each group receives the same required elements: a prop, a line of dialogue, and a character that must appear in the movie. Then they draw two genres at random and choose one. From there, the clock starts. They have 24 hours to write, film, edit, and complete an original short movie.
The room erupts into debate. Ideas are pitched passionately. Teams scatter into hallways, classrooms, and corners to begin filming. One group is recording when another marches through their scene.
“We said quiet on the set!”
Another team has to wait because everyone wants the same filming location. By lunch on day five, students are still working hard, racing the deadline, making final edits, and exporting finished films.
Then comes the premiere.
Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends gather for the final showcase. Popcorn is served. Around 60 to 70 people settle in as film after film plays on the big projector. People laugh. Kids call out, “Mom, watch this one! I made this one!” The room fills with pride, applause, and a lot of joy.
This is what happens for dozens of kids each summer through HCM and Beargrass Media: one week in June, another in July, and often a shorter version over winter break.
Campers leave with more than memories. They leave with storytelling skills, technical confidence, creative problem-solving experience, and practice working as a team. Some may become journalists or filmmakers. Others may simply become stronger communicators, sharper thinkers, or more confident creators in whatever path they choose.
Either way, the skills are real. The possibilities are wide open.
For more information about Video Camps, please visit beargrassmedia.com
