2 weeks ago I decided to hop on a plane and flew up to Portland, OR to join OMSI and NW Documentary in instructing 10 teenagers on what it takes to be a documentarian. Over that span of 2 weeks we taught 10 goobers how to handle camera equipment, work with editing software, and what it's like to work with other creatives. It may have been only 2 weeks ago, but my fellow instructors and I feel like we've known each other for months now.
Not really having any clue what this program was like or anyone that worked in it, simply that an old coworker thought it would be something I would enjoy doing, Documentary Explorers Camp seemed like the perfect summer gig. I would get to do creative work, while being outside, and also teach children, basically the dream job description for Shannon. I think that some of the most worth while things I have done in my life have also been some of the most intimidating to take, and this one sat right up there.
Bright and early Monday morning my team and I met outside of OMSI as children checked in and filled school buses ready to hit the road to our camp in Newport, OR. It was there that morning that I met some of the funniest, honest, hard working people I have ever worked with. With an enormous amount patience, cooperation, and help for one another, over the next 2 weeks we all helped our campers produce 3 mini documentaries around the subjects of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the Oregon Beach Bill, and the Extinction of Mud Shrimp.
Oregon continually leaves me in amazement with how truly beautiful it is, and after having the chance to be part of Documentary Explorers Camp, I am reminded of how truly beautiful the people are as well.
