MACON, Ga. —
More than 30 high school students from media programs across the nation are taking part in the 2019 Digital Media Summer Camp with Mercer’s Center of Collaborative Journalism this week.
The camp, which began last Saturday, teaches students the latest and greatest tools for digital storytelling.
Throughout this week, students are learning more about the journalism industry by getting out in the community, interviewing sources, writing stories, and creating their own content, whether it be written, photo, video, or audio pieces.
These campers are also ramping up their skills in shooting and editing video and creating graphics through Adobe Creative Cloud.
Debbie Blankenship, director of the Center for Collaborative Journalism, says journalism and information gathering plays an important role now more than ever.
“The younger kids can be exposed to this is how it works...this is how you gather information...and this is how you’re accurate. That’s great. Whether you go into journalism or not. That’s information and skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives," Blankenship said.
Emma Quintal, a senior at Howard High School, has been going to this camp for three years. She says each year she learns more about the journalism industry.
"In the beginning, I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Now, I've been able to build a foundation on my editing skills, and everything along those lines," Quintal said.