My First Film Camp

Film Camps | In-Person

My First Film Camp

Ages 5-7

Do you have a young filmmaker in the making? FACETS’ My First Film Camp introduces very young children to the basics of filmmaking while encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative play—all while having fun!

Camp instructors create an environment that sparks imagination and excitement about storytelling, keeping everything age-appropriate and comfortable. Children also learn how to use phones and cameras as tools for creativity, discovering how to capture their ideas and bring them to life on screen. By engaging thoughtfully with media, campers begin to see technology as a way to express themselves, solve problems, and share stories with the world.

Sample Activities

Storytelling & Imagination Play: Campers engage in group storytelling, where they create simple plots and characters, learning how to develop a basic narrative. Campers engage with colorful picture books and beautiful photographs to help them understand basic visual storytelling concepts.
Puppet Shows & Drama: With the help of puppets and costumes, campers act out stories they’ve created, gaining a sense of how films are made and how characters come to life. Simple skits and role-playing encourage them to explore different characters and emotions.
Animation & Stop-Motion: Campers work with easy-to-use objects, clay and paper cutouts to create simple stop-motion animations, for a hands-on experience creating movement and sequences. Instructors guide campers through the process, breaking it down into short, easy steps.
Basic Filmmaking with Tablets or Phones: Young campers learn to shoot short video clips using tablets or smartphones, with guidance from Instructors learning the basics of framing shots and capturing simple video.
Sound & Music Fun: In addition to visual language, the camp introduces sound in film through sound effects, music, and voiceover. Campers experiment with making sounds using instruments or everyday objects and adding their voices to the scenes they’ve created.
Interactive Movie Time: The children watch short, age-appropriate live action and animation, but with an interactive twist. For example, they stop and discuss the story, characters, and what happens next, teaching them to become active viewers.
Art Projects: Campers create posters, draw their favorite scenes, or even design costumes (perhaps for their puppets), bringing their cinematic creations to life visually.

Key Elements

Fun & Play-Based: Everything is designed to be light, playful, and based around the children’s natural creativity and interests.
Hands-On & Engaging: Activities are hands-on, so children are actively involved in making films and stories, rather than just watching.
Small Group Work: The kids work in small groups, allowing for personal attention and collaboration.
Socialization & Teamwork: While exploring filmmaking, the camp also fosters social skills through teamwork, sharing, and learning how to work together to create something.
Parent Involvement: At the end of the camp, parents are invited to a “film screening” where children present their short movies and performances.