Last summer, I had the chance to visit Lincoln Land Community College’s first Media Makers Camp. As I arrived at our Medical District location in downtown Springfield, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew that participation was good, with all the seats having filled. I knew that the professor who was leading the camp was full of energy and passionate about what he did. I knew the content being taught would be valuable to the students. What I did not anticipate was just how deeply and incredibly meaningful the camp would be for the participants.
I found a room with students of various ages, from current high school students to some who had graduated. I got to hear some of their stories. I learned that some had signed up because they were interested in the integrated media design program at LLCC, while others were there because one of their parents had signed them up for a summer activity. I discovered that some were students who had been interested in art or design. Others had never really thought about these things as formal areas to study but knew they liked video games or being creative. I came to learn that some of the students were neurodivergent or often did not feel comfortable in traditional classroom settings, but they enjoyed being at our camp. The one thing that everyone had in common was that they were fully engaged in what they were doing, and they loved it.
The Media Makers Camp is a four-day camp that meets for three hours either in the morning or the afternoon at LLCC-Medical District at 130 W. Mason St. It is a hands-on camp where students get started on the very first day making things on the computer. There are two days dedicated to animation, and two days dedicated to making video games. The camp gives students a taste of what it is like to study integrated media design and the kinds of things they might be able to do by completing a degree in this area.
LLCC is able to offer the camp free to participants because of the college’s participation in a grant-funded project through the State of Illinois called the Access to Training Opportunities in Manufacturing and Technology Grant.
This summer, LLCC is happy to announce an expansion of the Media Makers Camp. In addition to offering four opportunities this summer, there will be a new, second area that participants can explore, which will be social media and video. Participants are welcome to sign up for both topics. More information and registration for these camps are available at www.llcc.edu/media-makers.
As I spoke with the professor who led last year’s camp and heard more stories about the participants, I found out that some of the participants had shared that they never thought they would be able to go to college but that the camp helped them see that possibility. Four of last year’s participants became successful students at LLCC in the integrated media design program this year, and others are considering it after they graduate from high school. I heard from parents who were grateful that their son or daughter had the chance to do something that piqued their interest over the summer, and some of them have commented about how the experience has helped their child develop skills that have made them more comfortable at school or in their job.
Helping to support this camp has been one of the highlights of my year because I have been able to see young people find their passion and see a path toward doing something they love.
If you have an artistic or creative side, if you love technology or if you are just looking for something fun to do this summer, please consider joining us for a week at our Media Makers Camp. It will be a fun week, and it may even change your life.