Kids with Cameras

Remember how much fun field trips used to be? Now imagine a field trip that opens a child’s eyes to the world of creativity, and perhaps changes the course of their entire life.

That’s what Kids with Cameras is all about. Enriching the lives of inner city children. Opening minds to new possibilities. Plastering megawatt smiles on tiny faces.

That’s why on a given day, mentors with the program weave around The USS Yorktown, for instance, guiding kids – coaxing a slightly different angle here, or explaining how to focus a shot there. The result is a group of ten giddy, proud, supremely happy 7-14 year olds. Most of whom have never before crossed the bridge venturing outside of downtown Charleston.

Recently cemented into a brand spanking new 501 C-3 (or non-profit status), Kids with Cameras’ works under a concept called photovoice, or the idea that disadvantaged individuals and communities can be empowered to bring about social change through photography.

Fairly rad, right?

While the official mission of Kids With Cameras is to create “self-confident and empowered children within the inner city through the art of photography,” key members Jennifer Tarsio, Lauren Johnson and Shon Isenhour speak to so much more. Namely, they all strive to combat the negative effects of creative budget cutting in local public schools.

“During one shoot I talked to at least three kids who said they don’t have art class any longer,” said Johnson. Tarsio agreed, saying, “It’s a big problem. It’s so important to be able to express yourself and this is something that these kids aren’t getting in school. Creativity can let out a lot in somebody and helps in dealing with things at home and school.”

For these kids, all of whom are recruited from local housing projects, a healthy “way to deal” is crucial. Kids with Cameras does this by acting as a surrogate art program of sorts, offering a safe place for kiddos to develop creativity and the ability to communicate, while learning healthy expression, elevated social skills, self confidence and a skill set. Plus, it’s super fun.

Mentors teach kids to operate digital cameras and take them on location, shooting photos in their communities, on beaches and in national parks. Kids are taught to edit their work and print favorite shots. Several times a year, their work is shown in local exhibits and entered into competitions. Johnson and Tarsio gush about how rewarding it is to see them open up, develop confidence and bond with family members.

Like any good non-profit, this one has needs. Going forward, Isenhou hopes to recruit more mentors to the movement so additional kids can be reached.

Mentors like you. No need to be intimidated, you don’t need to be a pro. As Isenhou says, Kids with Cameras is simply “a mentoring group that uses photography.” Anyone may join. You only need a love of children and a desire to help.

So get involved, and you’ll be so happy you did.

You know what they say about a picture. It’s worth…everything.

CharlestonKidsWithCameras.org

Story by: Karen Briggs
Photos: Provided by Kids with Cameras