GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the Young Filmmakers Program?  How does the Summer Camp for Kids + Teens fit in?

The Northwest Film Center's Young Filmmakers Program offers programs and services to young people ages 8-18 and their families, and to K-12 educators, throughout the year on a statewide basis.  These include artist-in-the-schools programs, after-school and school break classes, the Flicker: Film Club for Teens, and Young People's Film & Video Festival.  The program believes that young people of all backgrounds and abilities deserve the opportunity to become media literate, and that media arts and technology have much to contribute to their understanding of the world, and the uniqueness of their voice within it.

The Summer Camp for Kids + Teens is an informal, interest-based program which provides young people entering 4th-12th grade 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!

Can you tell me something about your instructors?

Our faculty are 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.  Click here for bios.

What is your instructor-to-student ratio, and how large are the classes?

Classes and camps are limited to 12.  There is one Instructor and one Assistant Instructor per class, making the instructor-to-student ratio 1:6.

Where exactly are you located?

Summer Camp for Kids + Teens meets at the Northwest Film Center School of Film, which is located at 934 SW Salmon Avenue, between Jefferson and Main Streets, 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 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 Avenue, Portland, OR   97205.

What is your facility like? What kinds of measures are in place to ensure safety for my child?

The School of Film facility consists of four air conditioned classrooms, a digital video editing lab, equipment room, faculty offices, Registrar's office, restrooms and student lounge.  Inside the main door is a lobby where you will sign your child in and out with a staff person.  Students will not be allowed to leave the facility unless accompanied by their Instructor and/or Assistant Instructor. 

What kind of equipment does the School have?

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 students use inexpensive software which stores and plays back single frames of their two and three-dimensional artwork.

How do I know exactly what my child will be learning?

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.

What types of breaks from classroom activities are provided to younger students? 

Camps for 4-6th graders include a morning break, lunch break and afternoon break. If the weather is nice, we will often walk them to the South Park Blocks for fresh air.

What do you serve as snacks?  Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

We serve healthy snacks such as fresh or dried fruit, whole-wheat crackers and cheese (and yes, low sugar afternoon treats). Juice and water are also served.  Please let us know if you have a special dietary restriction at the time of registration, so we can do out best to accomodate you.

What about lunch?

Campers in these classes should bring a sack lunch which does not require refrigeration: Make It Move, Digital Storytelling and Video Activism.  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.

What time is drop-off and pick-up?

Our doors open at 8:45 am.  Campers gather in the lobby until 5 minutes before class starts, at which time they are ushered to their classroom.  At the end of class, campers will either be in the lobby or a staff person will show you to their classroom.  Pick up ends 15 minutes after class is over.

What parking options are available for drop-off and pick-up?

There is metered off-street parking along SW 11th in front of the School.  The parking lot next to the School is for longterm parking only.

What is your good behavior policy?

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. Please notify the Northwest Film Center at (503) 221-1156 x25 in advance if your child may have difficulty meeting these expectations so that appropriate responses or strategies may be discussed prior to the beginning of camp.

Do you offer before and after care?

No, due to space limitations.

Will you administer medication to my child?

No, due to staffing limitations.

What's the quickest way for me to get an answer to a specific question not covered here?

Most of the time it is quickest for us to respond via email.  You are welcome to call us during regular business hours and, if necessary, leave a message.  Please direct Scholarship and General Information inquires to Kristin Konsterlie kristin@nwfilm.org,  503-221-1156 x16, and Registration inquiries to Pamela Minty –classes@nwfilm.org. 503-221-1156 x25.

SELECTING A CLASS

In what class(es) will my child actually make a movie?

Our focus is hands-on.  Each class is oriented to planning, shooting and editing a movie to completion by the end of the week.  The finished work of the class will be compiled onto a DVD and mailed to you after the class is over.

Should my child bring their own video camera or laptop to class?

No, all equipment will be provided.  It is helpful to us instructionally when the equipment used in a particular class is all the same format and platform.

My child is advanced for his/her age.  Can he/she take an older kid class?

We advise students to enroll in classes that match their age/grade.  Our instructors are adept at finding ways for students with some 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.

We need to miss a class during the week.  Is that a problem?

Generally, it is not a problem, though we would  not want your child to be disappointed if that day of the week is the one in which much of the active videography will occur.  To find out, please check with Registrar Pam Minty – classes@nwfilm.org.

Do you offer anything for kids younger than 4th grade?

At this time we do not. 

Is summer the only time you offer these classes?

No, we offer weekend and school break classes during the school year as well.

What's the quickest way for me to get an answer to a specific question not covered here?

Most of the time it much easier for us to respond via e-mail.  Please direct Scholarship and General Information inquires to kristin Konsterlie – kristin@nwfilm.org, and Registration inquiries to Pam Minty – classes@nwfilm.org

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

Do you offer a tuition payment plan?

No, our classes are small, so we require payment at the time of registration.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Is it worth getting on the waiting list?

Yes.  Many times openings become available. 

What is the fastest way to register?

The fastest way to register is in person (see below).  We process faxes and mail in the order received.  Please be aware that our telephone lines can become very busy once registration begins in March.  If you are prompted to leave a message, please indicate that you are ready to register.  Your call will receive priority in being returned.

How do I register in person?

Visit the Registrar's Office, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5pm.  If you also want to have questions answered, please phone ahead:  (503) 221-1156 x25 to make sure someone will be able to help you.  The School of Film is located at 934 SW Salmon, between Jefferson and Main Streets, in downtown Portland.

How do I register by fax?

Fax the Summer Camp Kids + Teens registration form to:  (503) 294-0874.

How do I register by mail?

Mail your payment and Summer Camp Kids + Teen registration form to:
Northwest Film Center
Attn: Registration
1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR   97205

How do I register by phone?

Call (503) 221-1156 x25 Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.  If you are prompted to leave a message, please state that you are ready to register.  Your call will receive priority in being returned.  Please be aware that our telephone lines can become very busy once registration opens in March.  If you want to speak to a staff person before registering, call or email Kristin Konsterlie (503) 221-1156 x16 or kristin@nwfilm.org.

How do I register online?

We are hoping to have an online registration system operating by April 1, 2008.

If a class is full, what are my options?

You may receive a full refund, be placed on the waiting list, or be placed in a second choice.  You are welcome to indicate a second choice on the registration form.

If a class is cancelled, what are my options?

You may receive a full refund, be placed in a second choice, or apply your payment to another class in the future.

What is your refund/payment policy?

The refund policy 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

How quickly do classes fill up?

It varies.  Some classes will be full by late April.  Most will be full by June 1.

How can I find out if a class is already full?

Please email our Registrar, Pam Minty at classes@nwfilm.org.  If email is not possible, feel free to call Pam at 503.221.1156 x25.

How do I apply for financial assistance?  What are the qualifications?

We offer financial assistance in varying amounts for all camps, including the Media Arts Academy for Teens, and consider both interest and/or need in making our decisions.  Generally, scholarship decisions are made between mid-May and mid-June.  Scholarship descriptions and application forms are are available on our Register/Scholarship web page.  We strongly encourage you to contact Kristin Konsterlie - kristin@nwfilm.org  (503) 221-1156 before applying so that she can walk you through the process. 

What's the quickest way for me to get an answer to a specific question not covered here?

Most of the time it much easier and generally faster to respond via email.  Please direct Scholarship and General Information inquires to Kristin Konsterlie – Kristin@nwfilm.org, and Registration inquiries to Pam Minty – classes@nwfilm.org.

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