General Information
A Day in the Life of Film Camp
Selecting a Camp
Registration & Payment
Media Arts Academy for Teens
General Information
Q:
What is the Summer Camp for Kids + Teens?
A: The Summer Camp for Kids + Teens is an informal, interest-based program which provides young people entering grades 2-12 with the chance to experiment with and learn about media arts and technology from experienced teaching artists. No previous experience is required, just the desire to participate in an active, fun, and educational learning experience. We provide the equipment and mentorship (and snacks). Kids and teens provide the ideas and bring them to fruition!
Q:
Where exactly are you located?
A: Summer Camp for Kids + Teens is a program of the Northwest Film Center School of Film, which is located at 934 SW Salmon Ave, the corner of SW 10th & Salmon, across from The Bike Gallery, along the Portland Streetcar line near the tree-lined South Park Blocks in downtown Portland. The immediate neighborhood includes the Portland Art Museum, Portland State University, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Central Branch of the Multnomah County Library, and other Cultural District destinations. The MAX light rail line and TriMet bus mall are just 4 blocks away.
Please note that our mailing address is shared with the Portland Art Museum, and is different than the street address. Mailing address: 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205.
Q:
Can you tell me something about your instructors?
A: Our faculty are hand-picked, award-winning independent filmmakers who devote a portion of their professional lives to teaching, and who are devoted to helping young people experience the creative process and the rewards of learning to express themselves through the film arts. Many have years of experience working as artists-in-residence in K-12 schools or in community youth programs, in addition to their work as Summer Camp instructors. See individual camp listings for their bios.
Q:
What is your instructor-to-student ratio and how large are the classes?
A: Classes and camps are limited to between 11 and 14. There is one instructor and one assistant instructor per class, making the average instructor-to-student ratio 1:6.
Q:
What is your facility like? What kinds of measures are in place to ensure safety for my child?
A: The School of Film facility consists of three air-conditioned classrooms, a digital video editing lab, equipment room, faculty offices, registrar's office, restrooms and staff offices. You will sign your child in and out with the instructor (unless you have granted permission for your older child to arrive and depart on their own). Students are not allowed to leave the facility during a class unless accompanied by their instructor and/or assistant instructor. Our Summer Camp Coordinator is available to answer questions you may have during regular business hours.
Q:
What kind of equipment does the School have?
A: The School of Film equipment pool includes up-to-date digital video cameras, sound recording equipment, lights, microphones, and Macintosh-based digital editing work stations. Animation camps for 4th-6th graders use inexpensive software (Animationish) which stores and plays back single frames of their two and three-dimensional artwork. Animation camps for tweens and teens use Flash software. Sci Fi visual effects camps use Adobe software and Blender (available for free download).
Q:
What will my child be learning?
A: As an arts-based program, our mission is to teach visual storytelling and media production in a manner that supports creative expression. This is accomplished through small group exercises and low key, hands-on instruction in a project-oriented environment. Students are encouraged to try new experiences and contribute in a positive manner to the class as a whole, while discovering something about themselves and receiving support for their participation. By the end of the week, we want them to leave with a richer understanding of the collaborative nature of media production and the value of their own personal voice. Along the way, they will acquire an impressive vocabulary and be able to watch television programs and movies with new insight.
Q:
When will I get to see the movies made in my child's camp?
A: Every camp concludes with a student-hosted film premiere, generally 30 minutes before the end of camp on the last day in your child's classroom. Friends, parents, siblings, grandparents and your child's other champions are invited to take a seat, nibble on popcorn and watch the show as the lights go down and the movie(s) and behind-the-scenes footage unfolds. All of the work is then uploaded to a private, online video album created just for your child's camp. Campers receive a password to the album, and may download their work or otherwise share access with family and friends. We ask that parents help to ensure that sharing is conducted in a manner that is respectful of all members of the class.
A Day in the Life of Film Camp
Q:
What time is drop-off and pick-up?
A: Drop-off starts 15 minutes before the start time of your camp (e.g. doors open at 8:30 for a camp that starts at 8:45). Upon arrival, campers and their parents willb e directed to their classroom by the Summer Camp Coordinator. The instructor or assistant instructor will sign the child in just inside the door. At the end of class, parents will pick their child up in their classroom and sign them out with the instructor or assistant instructor.
Q:
What parking options are available for drop-off and pick-up?
A: There is metered off-street parking along SW 10th along the side of the School, and on SW 10th in front of the School entrance. The parking lot next to the School is for long-term parking only.
Q:
My child is old enough to arrive at camp on his/her own at the start of the day. Is that possible?
A: During the online registration process, if your child is entering grade 6 or above, we will ask whether you want to grant permission for them to be able to depart independently (self sign-out). Please make your request at this time. Note: this does NOT include leaving the facility to purchase food during class time.
Children entering grades 2-5 must be signed in and out each day by one of the adults indicated during registration.
Also, regardless of whether you grant permission for your child to arrive/leave independently, we request that ALL campers entering grades 2-8 be accompanied by a parent/guardian for a brief orientation session on the first day of camp.
Q:
Do you offer before and after care?
A: No, we cannot, due to space limitations.
Q:
What types of breaks from classroom activities are provided to younger students?
A: Camps for 2-6th graders include a morning break, lunch break, and afternoon break. The lunch break includes a walk to the South Park Blocks for fresh air and playground games like Capture the Flag and Freeze Tag.
Q:
What do you serve as snacks? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
A: We serve healthy snacks such as fresh or dried fruit and whole-wheat crackers and cheese (and yes, low sugar afternoon treats). Water is also served. Please let us know if you have a special dietary restriction at the time of registration so we can do our best to accommodate.
Q:
What about lunch?
A: Campers should bring a sack lunch that does not require refrigeration. Participants in the Media Arts Academy for Teens are provided catered lunches each day. Students may not leave the facility to purchase food during class time.
Q:
Will you administer medication to my child?
A: No, due to staffing limitations we cannot administer medication.
Q:
What about the use of personal media during camp?
A: Cell phones, iPads, iPods etc. must be turned OFF during camp. Use before or after camp is fine.
Q:
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Selecting a Camp
Q:
In what class(es) will my child actually make a movie?
A: All camps are hands-on. Each camp is oriented to planning, shooting, and editing a movie (or movies) to completion by the end of the week. The finished work of the class is uploaded to a private, online video album, which can be accessed by a password provided to class members at the end of the week. Work can be downloaded from the album and sent to friends and family
Q:
Can my child bring their own video camera or laptop to class?
A: No, all equipment is provided. Instruction is much more effective if we teach the same format and platform to the entire class.
Q:
My child is advanced for his/her age. Can he/she take an older kid class?
A: We advise students to enroll in classes that match their age/grade. Our instructors are adept at finding ways for students with experience to increase their skill level within the class. Feel free to let us know about your child's skill level when you register so we can discuss it with you and notify the instructor.
Q:
What is your behavior policy?
A: We expect all children to behave in a way that is conducive to a fun and healthy learning environment. In the event that a child is being overly disruptive, we reserve the right to remove the child from the classroom. If the behavior persists, parents will be notified. If the behavior does not improve, the child may be asked not to return to class. In these situations, tuition will not be refunded.
Q:
What do I do if my child might have trouble meeting behavior expectations?
A: Please notify the Northwest Film Center at 503-221-1156 x25 in advance if your child has learning disabilities, mental health issues, physical health issues or other challenges, so that appropriate responses or strategies may be discussed prior to the beginning of camp.
Q:
Do you offer anything for kids younger than 2nd grade?
A: At this time we do not.
Q:
Is summer the only time you offer these classes?
A: No, sometimes we offer weekend and school break classes during the school year as well.
Q:
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Registration & Payment
Q:
Do you offer a tuition payment plan?
A: No. Our classes are small so we require payment at the time of registration.
Q:
What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Q:
Is it worth getting on the waiting list?
A: Yes. Many times openings become available. We highly recommend getting on the wait list.
Q:
What is the fastest way to register?
A: Register online following the prompts.
Q:
Do I need to set up an online account?
A: If your child has NOT participated in a Northwest Film Center camp or class before, YES, you need to set up an account. Simply follow the prompts.
If your child HAS participated in a Northwest Film Center camp or class previously, NO, you do not. Returning students already have an account on file. Please contact School of Film staff to get your pre-assigned user name and password. Email Pam Minty,
classes@nwfilm.org, or phone 503-221-1156 during regular business hours.
Q:
Can I register any other way?
A: We no longer accept phone, fax or US mail registrations.
Q:
If a class is full, what are my options?
A: You may receive a full refund, be placed on the waiting list, or placed in a second choice class. You are welcome to indicate a second choice on the registration form.
Q:
If a class is cancelled, what are my options?
A: You may receive a full refund, be placed in a second choice, or apply your payment to another class in the future.
Q:
What is your refund/payment policy?
A: The refund schedule is as follows:
- 30 or more days before the first class: 90% Refund
- 15-29 days before the first class: 50% Refund
- 0-14 days before the first class: No Refund Available
Q:
How quickly do classes fill up?
A: It varies. Some classes will be full by late April. Most will be full by June 1.
Q:
How can I find out if a class is already full?
Q:
Do you offer tuition assistance? What are the qualifications?
A: Families with a high interest child or teen and significant financial need may complete a Tuition Assistance application. Significant need means that it would be impossible for a family to participate in Summer Camp if tuition and fees are not substantially reduced. There is no deadline; assistance is awarded on a rolling basis until this year's funds are granted.
Download the Tuition Assistance Application Form.
Note: Teens specifically interested in the Media Arts Academy for Teens may request support through the Frank Hood Scholarship program. Please scroll down to the
MEDIA ARTS ACADEMY FOR TEENS section below for more information. Frank Hood Scholarships are not available for other camps.
Q:
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Media Arts Academy for Teens
Q:
How is the Media Arts Academy for Teens different than other camps?
A: The Media Arts Academy for Teens is our premiere offering for young people with a serious interest in applying to film school or who want to experience the challenges of creating an entire dramatic film from scratch. Now in its 14th year, the Academy meets for a total of 64 hours, compared to our other teen camps that meet from between 20 and 30 hours. The Academy heavily emphasizes original writing (our younger campers are provided with scripts to work from) and the teamwork it takes for a film crew to successfully script, cast, plan, shoot and edit. We try to mimic the professional crew experience as closely as possible, providing "craft services" (catered lunches) to keep the intensity going. Crew roles are determined by the instructor. Have an open mind about what you might enjoy and/or excel in. No previous experience is required. This is an opportunity to learn about yourself, focus your aspirations, learn the professional protocols, and experiment with a group of like-minded others. We especially welcome the participation of young women (girl power!). Don't hesitate to call us with questions. Contact Pam Minty,
classes@nwfilm.org, 503 221 1156x25.
Q:
Are scholarships available for the Media Arts Academy for Teens?
A: Yes, the Frank Hood Scholarship program makes possible a limited number of full and partial awards toward Academy tuition/fees. Priority is given to those whose career goals include working in film. The application deadline is June 15.
Download the Frank Hood Scholarship Application. Please note that Frank Hood Scholarships are not available for other camps.
Q:
My parents want to see the film I'm going to work on. Can that happen?
A: There will be a student-hosted film premiere for parents and friends on the last day of the Academy, generally around 4 pm. The premiere is held in the Film Center's state-of-the-art 365-seat Whitsell Auditorium, located inside the Portland Art Museum, just up the street. It's a free event and your guests are welcome.
Q:
How can I get a copy of the class film for my portfolio?
A: The class film and behind-the-scenes footage will be uploaded to a private, online video album set up just for the Academy. You will receive a password to the album, and may download the work or otherwise share access with family and friends. We ask that you share in a manner that is respectful of all members of the class.
Q:
Can I get academic credit for participating?
A: Yes, the Academy may be taken for 4 undergraduate credits in cooperation with Portland State University. There is an additional charge of $240 paid at the time of registration (additional PSU fees may apply depending on your enrollment status). A letter grade will be issued on a PSU transcript. Admission to PSU is not required. College credit must be selected by the first day of the Academy and cannot be awarded retroactively.
Q:
What if I need a letter of participation for my high school?
A: We can supply this upon request. Simply tell us whom the letter should be addressed to. Some high schools will award high school elective credit based on the letter, but we encourage you to discuss this with school officials ahead of time.
Q:
Do you have student housing for out-of-town students?
A: Reasonably priced dormitory housing with kitchen and internet access (and optional meal plan), operated by the Portland State Housing Office, is available in the Ondine Residence Hall, a short walk from the Film Center. Arrangements must be made directly with PSU at 503-725-4336. Discuss with your parents whether this is an appropriate option, as PSU does not provide on-site supervision and is not affiliated with the Film Center.
Q:
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