(by Heather Inyart, Executive Director, Media Power Youth)

Summer is the time for fun, creativity, and community! We soak up this precious time of year with lighter schedules, being outdoors, and a slower pace of life. However, for children, the loss of their routines and daily connections with friends can bring loneliness and feelings of anxiety. Camp can bridge this gap by providing a safe and wonderous environment to explore new interests.

At Media Power Youth we are creating a new camp experience, especially for youth in middle school. We envision a week where campers immerse themselves in the outdoors and indulge in media making activities at the same time. We know kids spend a lot of their summer on digital devices, and we want to harness this obsession to engage children in a different way. We also hear from the many teens we work with that they are worried about the environment and want to learn how to be better advocates for the outdoor spaces they love.

We found the perfect partner in NH Audubon and launched Conversation Quest. Together we are merging the excitement of filmmaking with nature exploration! Campers will discover how to tell stories that inspire others by producing a short film. They get hands-on with cameras, learn the secrets of editing, and play with sound to make their stories come alive. They also have plenty of time to hike through the forest, explore grasslands and ponds, and have fun in the outdoors with new friends. This unique blend of outdoor adventure and filmmaking builds young voices to become advocates for the environment. The experience culminates in a grand screening at Red River Theatres, where campers’ stories and passion for conservation take center stage.

We can’t wait for campers to join us this summer and let their imaginations run wild, all while making a difference for our planet! Campers can choose from two sessions: July 8-12 or July 15-19. Both take place at the NH Audubon Massabesic Center. Register and join the fun this summer!