UWSP Filmmakers’ Camp
Week 1 – Monday, June 29, 2026 – Friday, July 3, 2026
Ages: 8 – 12
Week 2 – Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17, 2026
Ages 13 – 17
Details
Calling all young storytellers and movie fans! The UWSP Media Studies department invites curious and creative minds for a four and a half-day-long camp on the art of filmmaking. With the guidance of experienced Media Studies professors and local filmmakers, campers will explore every step of the filmmaking process—from brainstorming ideas and writing scripts to shooting scenes and editing their own short films. Participants will learn basic media analysis, camera techniques, and sound design, and even have the chance to experiment with special effects and the magic of editing. Through engaging activities, teamwork, and creativity, campers will gain confidence as both filmmakers and storytellers. The week will culminate in a film festival, where families can watch the campers’ creations on the big screen. No prior experience needed—just bring your imagination and get ready to make movie magic!
Detailed camp information for registrants is sent to your email from: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Registration
Week Two Registration is open.
Additional parent information regarding check-in times, what to bring, and more, will be sent to the email that you listed in CampDoc. Emails will come from: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Registration Fee: $350 – includes daily lunch, camp instruction, and use of UWSP filmmaking equipment.
Week 1
Monday, June 29, 2026 – Friday, July 3, 2026
Ages: 8 – 12
Week 2
Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17, 2026
Ages: 13 – 17
Camp insurance may be purchased through CampDoc
For additional parent information on check-in times, what to bring, and more, check the email box that you listed in CampDoc!
Emails will come from: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Instructors
Cary Elza
Cary Elza is Associate Professor of Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she teaches courses on screenwriting, film and media analysis, history, and genre. She received her Ph.D. from Northwestern, where her research focused on early cinematic adaptations of Alice in Wonderland in the context of technological and social change. Her publications include articles and chapters on children’s and teen media, science fiction and fantasy series, new media and fandom, and early animation.
Kevin Obsatz
Kevin Obsatz is an Assistant Professor of Media Studies at UWSP. He has been a filmmaker for over 20 years, and has made fictional films, documentaries and experimental films that have screened at film festivals around the world. He has an MFA from the University of Minnesota, and a BA from USC Film School in Los Angeles.
Aubin Sprecher
Aubin Sprecher graduated from UWSP with a BA in Media Studies in 2020. Currently, he is Video Production Assistant & Program Leader at Boys & Girls Club of Portage County. For several years, he has also been the director of Filmmakers’ Club, an after-school program that teaches kids video production skills. He also runs a successful comedy YouTube channel, TikTok, and Instagram under the name Friendly Squirrel, and is working on his first book of comic strips.
Sample Schedule
Day 1: Introduction to filmmaking, brainstorming, and storytelling
Day 2: Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and filming begins.
Day 3: More filming & introduction to editing
Day 4: Final edits and film posters
Day 5: Half Day - showcase preparation and camp film festival
***Film Showing will be the Friday of the camp week, (July 3rd and July 17th) at 11:30 am in CAC Rm 333.***
Daily Schedule Example Monday – Thursday
- 9:00: Arrivals, free play
- 9:15: Morning meeting time
- 10:00: Movement activity
- 10:30: Film analysis activity
- 12-1:00: Lunch and free play/movement activity
- 1:00: Imagination activity
- 2:00: Movement activity; snack
- 3:00: Production activity
- 3:30-4: Free play and wind-down/movement activity
- 4:00: Pickup
Schedule Example Friday
- 9:00: Arrivals, free play
- 9:15: Morning meeting time
- Finalize films and create film posters
- 11:30: Family viewing of films
For additional parent information on check-in times, what to bring, and more, check the email box that you listed in CampDoc. Emails will come from: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Camp Specifics
- Please register with an email that you check often for camp updates.
- Lunch is included in the camp registration fee.
- You may bring your own snacks.
- This is a day camp; no over night stays in dorms.
What to Bring
- Refillable waterbottle
- Small Bag
- Afternoon snack
- Filmmaking props for your group if needed
- Campers are responsible for any items brought to camp
Youth Camp Information
Scholarship Information
If you are expecting a scholarship through your school or your community or would like more information about camp scholarships, please email: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu and use “Scholarship Applicant” in the subject line
Click below for Scholarship forms:
Cancellation Policy / Accommodations Statement
Youth Camps/Clinics (excluding Suzuki and Athletics):
If cancellation occurs 42 days or more before the camp start date, registration costs (minus credit card fees) will be refunded.
If cancellation occurs 14–41 days before the camp start date, 50% of registration costs (minus credit card fees) will be refunded.
If cancellation occurs less than 14 days before the camp start date, registration costs are non-refundable.
- Please contact jbrzezin@uwsp.edu if extenuating circumstances arise.
Astronomy Camp reserves the right to send home, without refund, any camper who fails to behave in an appropriate manner or breaks any local/state/federal laws or camp regulations.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least three weeks in advance. Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camp Sponsors
Matthias P. Rudnick Memorial Fund from the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin
If you would like to collaborate with us and sponsor this camp, pelase email us at uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Continuing Education Contact Information
For assistance with registration, please email Customer Service at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu
For camp information, please email the program manager at uwspce-youth@uwsp.
