Tilt Summer Film Camp Teaches Media Literacy

Posted on May 23, 2012 by

Tilt Summer Film Camp is a great place for kids to learn the ins and outs of the filming industry. Not every child will be director, and this camp realizes that with its intensive sessions on everything from filming to final editing. Recently SignUpForCamp.com spoke to Robyn Bykofsky about Tilt’s summer programs, and what families can expect to get out of it!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you started the camp

A:  I have been actively involved with TILT at Ninth Street Independent Film Center (participating in its first teacher-training workshop in December of 1999, instructing several of dozens of media literacy/video production workshops, developing curriculum, consulting with the design of TILT’s new website, and now taking on the role of the Youth Media Manager).  Throughout the year TILT partners with community-based organizations.  TILT has been teaching young people media literacy through hands-on video production for over 15 years. TILT’s Summer Film Camp is a newer program, celebrating its 5th year last summer

Q: Are there any special lessons or experiences you are trying to provide during the camp?

A: TILT, the Youth Program of the Ninth Street Independent Film Center, teaches young people the fundamentals of movie making and media literacy through hands-on training in video production. TILT programs empower young people to tell their own stories, to work collaboratively, and to become lifelong learners.  Our summer program allows teens to gain exceptional experience in an intimate setting, with professional filmmakers and educators. Teens have gone on to win awards, with work screened at film festivals, and enter top university film programs such as NYU, UCLA, and USC.

Q: What surprises/delights the kids (or parents) most about your camp?

A: TILT Summer Film Camp is more than video production training – teens learn to become critical consumers and producers of media. TILT programming delivers specialized lesson plans, expert instruction, experienced staff, and inspired collaborative projects that support a holistic view of 21st century teaching and learning.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: Some quotes from parents whose kids have been to the camp:

  • [My son]felt a deep sense of accomplishment and was proud of his work that he did. Learning the basics of the editing program, working collaboratively on shoots and overcoming fears such as being in front of a camera were powerful life lessons.
  • The staff was great, very supportive, intuitive and able to help kids with the normal stumbling blocks of doing a first production.  Hey, I graduated from the Motion Picture and Television School at UCLA and I was really impressed to see that students completed such great work in three weeks.  A great camp!
  • After a few short weeks they fired her up to such an extent she started making Films and never stopped.  Becoming a Director or a Cinematographer is her dream.
  • Tilt’s summer film camp was an excellent opportunity for my fourteen-year-old son to explore his interest in filmmaking. He learned the process of video production and was able to showcase his work in a professional setting with a screening and participated in a Q & A panel. I was struck by the quality of work and use of technique in the students’ short films and the commitment of the instructors. In addition there was a great sense of camaraderie amongst the students who collaborated on projects together and supported each other in their own individual films from acting to helping with the film shoot.
  • It helped to boost his self-esteem and find a way to project his voice and deepen his understanding of filmmaking.  With the experience he gained at Tilt he now continues to pursue his interest in digital media. Thanks to Tilt for providing a platform for youth to create and be heard.
  • My daughter, Linden Bengtson,[attends] the Tisch undergraduate film school at NYU this fall.  I want to thank you for all the incredible support and guidance you provided her during and after her TILT summers.
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Summer Camps: Teen Edition

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

As any mom knows, once the teen years hit, it can be really difficult to find something your kid finds enjoyable. And, if you’re a teen reading this, come on you know it’s true! Either yourself or your friends have well-earned your reputation as sullen and disinterested on more than one occasion – and sitting around a campfire singing songs and making friendship bracelets? Sure. You would totally go for that.

While traditional summer camps may not be what you have in mind for yourself or your child this year, the good news is there are plenty of high school camp options out there that teens DO enjoy, and return to for all four years.  No matter what your interests or goals after high school, these camps can help you accelerate your skill set, or even just plain have fun and relax before people will expect you to get a job!

 TILT Summer Film Camp is geared toward aspiring movie makers, aged 13-18. With only three weeks, you will learn a heck of a lot about video production, which is why the staff refers to it as a “boot camp.” Get ready to collaborate in small groups, take on real-life industry roles and attend a special screening of your final product.

Golden State Lacrosse Academy is ideal for teens that enjoy the sport but don’t want to commit an entire summer to it. With their weekend camp, you enjoy an intensive training and review, picking up some great tips and tricks along the way to improve your game.  If soccer is your game, and you ARE looking to get away from it all, check out Two Rivers Soccer Camp. This overnight camp lasts for about a week and picks up campers in San Francisco.

Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club is another way to get involved with sports over the summer with minimal commitment.  While the camps themselves are geared toward younger campers, teens aged 13-17 can enjoy the camp experience volunteering as a counselor-in-training.

ArtWorks Summer Workshops and Art Camps are ideal for those aged 9 to 16, and give you a chance to be re-inspired within an art discipline you love, or provide you with the opportunity to try something new. Class options include cartooning, drawing exploration, mixed media sculpting and more.

Academic Chess may be considered “dorky” at your school, which gives you the perfect reason to get away from the usual opinions and spend a summer loving the board game with likeminded teens. Outside of just playing chess, campers can take yoga, gymnastics or theatre, and participate in Friday tournaments that come with pizza and trophies. Ages 6-18 welcome.  For those that love computers, iD Tech can round out your summer after you’ve played some great chess games. From gaming to visual arts, there is a week devoted to what you love about technology.

Roughing It Day Camps will give all city kids a chance to experience the great outdoors. The nature adventures include canoeing, kayaking, sports, crafts, and various teambuilding activities in the wilderness. Students are picked up at various bay area spots including San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Lamorinda and San Ramon, and are transported to Lafayette Reservoir for camp.

Paresh Martial Arts Day Camp will provide teens with fitness and agility with their many Tang Soo Do sessions. This traditional Korean karate will change your life and your outlook. One week sessions available through the spring and summer months.

Japanese Theatre Arts Summer Conservatory is a sanctuary for those who love the performing arts but crave something different. Learning about Japanese history through the theatre should do the trick, as teens are invited to adopt a character and learn everything from Japanese song and dance to staging techniques. “Kids” as old as 22 may attend.

Tutor Corps is the answer to enrichment programs that parents desire for their teens over the summer, but don’t have a lot of time or money to spend. Yes, teens reading this know that academics aren’t exactly the ideal summer vacation, but when you get into a good college – you can thank your mom AND your summer camp teachers.  Convent & Stuart Hall Co-Ed Summer Program is another great resource, designed for kids entering grades 7-12. It’s a diverse array of students from all over the bay that normally would not cross paths, giving campers time to not only enrich their minds, but their social life as well.

Education Unlimited focuses on both the practical and artistic sides of the camper, with activities including creative writing, computers, science, acting and video production. It takes place each summer on college campuses, including local Stanford and Berkeley. Finally, the Eureka Tutoring Center Summer School can help those through 11th grade get a leg up on their next report card. From basic math skills to difficult geometry theorems, students learn in the morning and have fun with field trips and creative games & sports in the afternoon.

If you are close to a young overachiever who excels in school, but also cares equally as much about their social life, then SuperCamp may make up a great part of your summer. Here students learn life skills to help them manage their time, improve their friendships (and relationship with you, parents!), and also gives them plenty of academic strategies to make your bright star shine even brighter.

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Dezigning the Perfect Camp

Posted on April 30, 2012 by

If you have a child who is always fashion forward and loves to dream up new styles each day for school, then DezignKidz may be perfect for them! Geared toward kids aged 7-14, campers will learn how to design and create a garment in fashion designing classes, or dream up and use repurposed items for an accessory design. This is only a couple of the great offerings available to future fashion designers living in the South Bay.

Kathy Bonte recently spoke to us about this innovative and unique camp concept.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you started the camp

A: The idea for DezignKidz came about from my partner, Durga Kalavagunta, who has a young daughter interested in all things creative, artistic and related to fashion. At the time there was nothing for her age group (7-8 yrs) in that area, so Durga came up with the idea of a summer camp for fledgling fashionistas. She and I both have extensive backgrounds in design across a variety of media—Durga studied and worked for many years in the global fashion and textile design industries and I spent many years in NYC as an art director, creative director and graphic designer. I have always loved fashion, accessories and the decorative arts but I have no daughters of my own to share this with so when Durga approached me, I jumped at this chance to “get my girl on.”  My son, for whatever reason, was never particularly interested in learning how to make a cute ruffled skirt.

Q: Do you have any you have anything new and/or exciting features that have been added to your camp this year?

A: We are very excited about our new middle school program-the kids are a little older and can work more independently at that age-it will be exciting to watch them spread their creative wings. We are also very excited about our new Interior Dezign program-we think it may attract a slightly different audience who may or may not be as into the whole “fashion” thing but still interested in design and decorative and applied arts.

So far the idea has been well-received and if this pilot program is a success, we may have an Interior Dezign 2 next year!

Our first summer, we had 4 weeks of classes, which we co-taught. We used our kids as (unpaid) junior counselors and borrowed sewing machines from friends. At the end of the camp we rented out the multipurpose room and had a fashion show-it was a huge success. We have grown each year, expanding into after school programs, birthday parties and even a 3 week curriculum we designed and implemented for a local charter school’s middle school program. Last year we had a staff of over a dozen, bringing in teachers and counselors from the fashion industry from San Francisco and even New York.  One of our counselors this year is Gabrielle Rothschild, a 15 year old fashion designer who had her own trunk show last year and has been featured in the San Jose Mercury News. She will be a huge inspiration to the kids. We are continuing to expand, with three levels of fashion design including a new one for middle schoolers and a brand new Interior Dezign offering. Many of our families have stayed with us since our first year and we are growing with them, adding more programs and keeping things fresh and different while still maintaining the core values of our program.

Q: What surprises/delights the kids or parents most about your camp?

A: I think what kids (and parents) love about our camp is how we cover the whole design process, from concept to completion. That is our point of differentiation. You can find sewing classes that teach you technical skills, or fashion design classes that teach you how to sketch out an idea, but our program offers you the whole spectrum. Kids design something and then we show them how to bring that design to life. They leave at the end of the week with a wearable garment, unique accessories or cool customized stuff for their room, all of their own design. It’s very empowering for the kids. And very exciting for us—seeing what they can come up with and helping them shape their vision into a tangible product. While Silicon Valley may not be the fashion capital of the world, it is all about creativity-and the lessons they learn here can be applied to any number of mediums and fields later in life.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: Durga and I love what we are doing-it utilizes every one of our skill sets and constantly challenges us in ways we never thought possible. At the end of our 4 weeks of camp we are completely EXHAUSTED but when we watch those kids walk down the runway beaming with pride in what we helped them create, it makes it all worthwhile.

 

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Camp Galileo Teaches Innovation to Campers

Posted on April 27, 2012 by

Galileo Learning is the only bay area day camp that allows kids the opportunity to not only create, but innovate. With healthy daily lunches and fun themes each week, this summer camp is ideal for pre-K through 5th grade. Best of all, they are offering a discount code for those who register before June 1st.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you started the camp

A: Galileo Learning brings quality summer day camps to kids across the Bay Area. We work with campers from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, and offer four different programs:

  • Camp Galileo (Pre-K – rising 5th graders): Campers engage in hands-on art, science and outdoor activities every day, plus have tons of fun with camp traditions like team color day, water ball and capture the rubber chicken.
  • Galileo Summer Quest (rising 5th- 8th graders): Campers try their hands at the things they love, diving into one exciting major during each weeklong session, with options like Go-Kart Makers, Fashion Design, Video Game Design and Chefology.
  • The Tech Summer Camps (rising 4th-8th graders): Hands-on science and technology classes for aspiring scientists and engineers at the Tech Museum in San Jose.
  • Chabot Space & Science Camp (rising 3rd-7th graders): Fun engineering, technology, earth and space science classes at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland.

We started in 2002 with one camp in Palo Alto with 200 campers, and now operate camps at 33 locations across the Bay Area, serving over 30,000 weeks of camp!

Q: Are there any special lessons or experiences you are trying to provide during the camp?

A: Galileo Learning’s mission is to develop innovators who envision and create a better world. All of our summer camps embrace that mission through the Galileo Innovation Approach, which encourages campers to develop an innovator’s mindset, teaches them a process for innovating and helps them gain the knowledge they need to develop their ideas. Our camps are designed to bring out the Galileo Innovator in every camper—inspiring and empowering kids to make their creative mark on the world.

Q: What surprises/delights the kids (or parents) most about your camp?

A: Campers love Galileo summer camps because they’re really fun. But parents tell us what keeps them coming back is the impact our programs have on their campers’ confidence and creativity long after the summer ends. We do it with exceptional staff, thoughtful curriculum, an innovative approach to learning and plenty of fun!

Q: Do you have any new and/or exciting features that have been added to your camp this year?

A:   Four brand-new curriculum themes at Camp Galileo:

  • Galileo Olympics: Greek Art & The Science of The Games
  • Celebrate the Golden Gate: SF Art & Bridge Engineering
  • Leonardo’s Apprentice: Renaissance Art & Inventions
  • Galileo Rocks! The Art & Science of Music
  • A new 1-week format and an expanded suite of 14 majors at Galileo Summer Quest, including Video Game Design, Chefology, Digital Filmmaking, Go-Kart Makers, Painter’s Studio, Fashion Design and Lego Robotics
  • Extended care until 6:00pm at Camp Galileo, Galileo Summer Quest and Chabot Space & Science Camp
  • Delicious daily lunch options at all of our camps
  • Big discounts for enrolling in 2+ sessions: Save $20 off your camper’s 2nd week of camp, $40 off the 3rd week and $60 off the 4th and beyond, plus save 50% off ALL extended care when you enroll for 2 or more weeks

Q: Do you offer any promotional discounts to those who register early?

A: We would like to provide a discount of $20 off per camper! Enter code: SIGNUPFORCAM2012 when you register, and save $20. We are offering this until June 1st.

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Young Artists Develop at San Francisco Children’s Art Center

Posted on April 25, 2012 by

The San Francisco Children’s Art Center is a non-profit studio that provides summer and year round courses to the bay area’s youngest aspiring artists. In addition to their regularly scheduled classes, they offer “Big Kid” weekly workshops for those aged 5.5 to 10 years old. Take advantage of a 10% discount for either a sibling or early bird registration. Molly Campbell of the art center recently told SignUpForCamps.com more about this great contribution to the next generation of bay area artists.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you started the camp

A: The San Francisco Children’s Art Center in a non-profit art studio, founded in 1978 in response to dwindling art programs in schools. We have been offering art classes, camps, birthday parties and family workshops in our Fort Mason Center studio for over thirty years. Our mission is to nurture the developmental and artistic growth of children through creative expression and self-guided learning. By encouraging experimentation and discovery in a supportive environment, the Art Center is a place filled with possibilities, where children can collaborate, explore, and grow. In addition to our in-studio programs, we are a non-profit organization that offers outreach to family shelters, community centers, and public preschools, free of charge.

 Q: Are there any special lessons or experiences you are trying to provide during the camp?

A:  The Art Center offers a variety of tools and materials to work with that aren’t always readily available to young children, such as   digital cameras for Photography Mixed Media and kiln-fired clay and glazes for Clay Time. We also take advantage of our unique             location at Fort Mason Center by taking short walking trips to the community garden, visiting the public art and science installations that populate our campus, and observing the historical landmarks and maritime wildlife of the San Francisco Bay.

Q: What surprises/delights the kids (or parents) most about your camp?

A: Because we follow a self-guided approach to art instruction, classes follow children’s interests. While providing instruction in the use of techniques and materials, children are encouraged to explore, tinker, and move at their own pace, rather than being directed to create a pre-conceived end product. This offers greater challenges, and greater opportunities for the sheer delight of the “aha” moment, as students learn to articulate and take pride in their own unique voice. Parents are delighted with what their children create, and often exclaim over the quality of work their children bring home. Parents also love our “drop-in” policy and our pro-rated tuition policy, both of which allow families to easily attend the Art Center while juggling other camps or vacations.

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Traditional Summer Camp with a Twist

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

Marin Day Camp offers a traditional summer camp program, which among the many specialized camps available, makes it a totally unique experience all over again. For families looking to send their kids to the comforting and fun environment of old-school summer camp with some new twists, Marin Day Camp is a great option. Recently Mike from Marin Day Camp gave SignUpForCamps.com an insider look at their camp routine and special info.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you started the camp

A: We don’t stress anyone individual starting the camp we rather prefer to stress the type of camp we are. Marin Day Camp is a traditional program based on the east coast model of camps where bonding and activities are the focal point of the program. Campers experience many different activities to get a well-rounded experience. Our sessions are longer so that lesson progression can allow the campers to complete levels of abilities in activities such as swimming, tennis and sailing. Our longer sessions also allow campers to bond more with their fellow campers and their counselors to form lifelong friendships and memories

Q: Are there any special lessons or experiences you are trying to provide during the camp?

A: We offer lessons in swimming, tennis and sailing so that campers may form lifelong healthy hobbies. Where swimming is concerned this is also an added benefit to the parent because they are getting 2 services for their tuition no longer do they have to take their child to Saturday swim lessons as we provide these. We also have a one night campout for the campers to enhance the traditional camp experience with star gazing, campfire and s’mores.

Q: What surprises/delights the kids (or parents) most about your camp?

A: Campers enjoy being someplace where they are comfortable, accepted and recognized and our session length provides the feeling that it’s their camp and they are among friends. Counselors are required to know each campers first name by the end of the first day and only use their first name and not “buddy” or “pal” so that the camper feels a part of their group and camp. Parents love seeing their child excited to go to camp each day because they want to not have to. Parents also like our service oriented program especially our door to door transportation.

Q: Do you have any new and/or exciting features that have been added to your camp this year?

A: All of our camp activities are exciting from Archery to the rock climbing wall to the pottery wheel. and since we offer all activities in an instructive manner, campers are always excited to learn new activities or progress and excel in some old favorites.

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Plan a Great Summer of Soccer!

Posted on April 18, 2012 by

Soccer camps are wildly popular all throughout the United States, and there are plenty of ways for kids to jump in and hone their skills both near home and overnight at a destination camp. Summer is a great time to focus on a new sport, or to sharpen up their game before team tryouts for the year.

Bay Area

Footfire Soccer Camp – This camp local to Berkeley proudly puts fun on the list as its number one priority without compromising the quality of instruction. With expert coaches who emphasize the importance of being a team player, all campers learn to build social skills while also advancing their love of the game. Promotional discounts are available for 3 or more campers in a family, and a multiple session discount is also available.

Spartans Sports Camp – These multi-sport camp sessions include great soccer training by Mountain View High School coaches and student athletes. Sessions are available for grades 3-5 as well as grades 6-9. They also offer strength & conditioning camps for middle and high school students.

Trans-Atlantic Soccer Camps – While soccer is beloved by people throughout the United States, it really enjoys a much bigger spotlight in Europe. So it only makes sense that kids in Saratoga can enjoy learning soccer from a Scottish clan that knows their stuff. This organization offers multiple locations, so contact them to see if you may be able to attend a camp local to you. Children aged 4-13 are welcome to register for the camps that are available a week at a time throughout the summer months.

Bald Eagle Sports Camps – Combine positive coaching with organic lunch options, and you get Bald Eagle Sports Camps. Each coach has an extensive background in coaching young people, and the multi-sport summer session allows kids to both hone their soccer skills and enjoy experiencing new sports as well.

Two Rivers Soccer Camp – For both bay area natives and kids from across the nation, Two Rivers Soccer Camp brings them together for the love of the game with their wide selection of overnight sessions for ages 7-17. Sibling and group discounts are available.

Paye’s Place Sports Clinics & Camps – Based in San Carlos, kids aged 6-14 can sign up for a session of soccer camp, or many other sports throughout the year. Focus is placed on good, honest sportsmanship and they offer both a half or full-day camp option. Best of all, their camps are offered year round, so you can continue to improve your game long after summer is over.

Athena  Camps – This camp is designed for girls aged 6-11 and empowers them through sports and creative arts. Positive mentors work with each child, who receives daily affirmations and the opportunity to make new friends. Locations in both San Jose and Sunnyvale.


These are just a few of the high-quality camps being offered in the San Francisco bay area this summer and beyond.


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