MISSISSIPPI STATE — Youth who enjoy drama, theater, music, art or literature and want to learn how computing can enhance creativity should attend the 4-H Technology and Expressive Arts Camp July 21-24 at Mississippi State University.
The camp, open to 4-H youth ages 14-19, is designed to offer as many opportunities as possible for youth to discover and enhance their imaginations and creativity. Those who are not 4-H members can participate by joining a 4-H club in their town or county.
“Many students in high school have amazing talents for writing, designing and creating,” said Linda Mitchell, 4-H youth development specialist with the MSU Extension Service. “This camp will offer those youth an outlet for their creativity that they might not have otherwise.”
Noted instructors
Former Marvel Comics editor Roland Mann, three-time national ballroom dance champion Steve Conaway and “Dragons in the Midst” author Bryan Davis are included in a stellar roster of camp instructors.
Mann will lead a tract on graphic storytelling, covering animation, story boards and other design elements of graphic novels. He will show students how to use graphic-based software to create visuals for their stories.
The fantasy and fiction tract will be led by Davis, author of the best-selling “Dragons in the Midst” series for teenagers. He will discuss storytelling basics and demonstrate how word processing software can make the writing process easier and more creative. He also will hold writing critiques for budding book authors.
Conaway will lead the “Dancing with the Stars” tract, discussing how to use technology to put together music and visual art elements for a stylized dance performance and atmosphere, as well as giving dance instruction.
Award-winning computer technology consultant Adam Breeden will conduct a tract on art and design online. He will instruct youth how to produce cutting-edge graphic designs with creative use of computer software.
Extension computer applications instructor Mariah Smith will conduct a special seminar called “Refuge Rescue Robotics.” Youth will build and program robots to solve environmental problems and engage in different activities to carry out rescue operations.
Choose your tract
Each camper will be placed in the creative tract of their choice for the entire camp. Registrants should rank their top selections so camp organizers can accommodate everyone. Most campers will be placed according to their first choice.
The cost per person is $250, which covers on-campus lodging at Griffis Hall, meals, snacks and workshop supplies.
During the evening, youth will have opportunities to enjoy computer play stations that involve competition and gamesmanship.
“We”re excited about the opportunities we are offering this summer,” Mitchell said. “We look forward to a great time.”
Register online at http://conference.ext.msstate.edu/4H TechCamp by July 1. Contact Mitchell at 662-539-1733 or [email protected] for more information.
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