KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp Comes to Temple University this Summer

The KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp will meet at the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University this summer June 22 to 27. Taught by leading educators, film critics and media specialists, children ages 9 to 16 learn to become entertainment reporters through this intensive program. This camp has taken place in previous years on the Disney lot in Burbank (CA), Discover Communications World Headquarters in Silver Spring (MD), Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network’s Headquarters in Brooklyn (NY) and other locations.

I found KIDS FIRST! by online research and never imagined it was going to be a total life-changing experience for my daughter. KIDS FIRST! is not just a way of living for us; it is a unique  experience to be part of the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team.  I’m grateful that KIDS FIRST! provides us with such an engaging experience where we can share our love for films with others. I love seeing my daughter strive to be better everyday. (Mariana M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic parent)

The KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp offers young people the opportunity to learn the skills they need to critique and review films, present their reviews on-camera and interview celebrities. “Children learn a variety of behind-the-scenes film industry skills as they watch and critique the latest films, write reviews, present their reviews on-camera and learn interview techniques. During camp they meet and learn from working film critics as well as actors, directors and producers of films designed for youth and families, both in person and via Skype interviews,” says Ranny Levy, KIDS FIRST! Founder and President.

We believe that learning and fun can be one. As campers watch and review films, they are learning skills that will last a lifetime including improved critical thinking skills, improved writing and vocabulary skills, interviewing skills, improved team building and listening skills, and of course building self-esteem and confidence.

“KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Boot Camp definitely helped me improve my vocabulary and writing. I used to not like writing and now I do,” said Angel David Gonzales who participated in one of the camps in Brooklyn, NY. Gonzalez’s teacher, Madeline Rodriguez noted that participating in the camp boosted his confidence as well.  “It was really nice to see him open up from his shell and really embrace this experience and opportunity,” she said.

Following the camp, campers have the opportunity to join the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team of reporters.

Reviews by KIDS FIRST! Film Critics are watched and read by more than seven million people every month through broadcast, print and online publications including YouTube, Kidzworld.com, Kidsville News, GRAND Magazine, Press4Kids, SoCal City Kids and many more.

KIDS FIRST! FILM CRITICS BOOT CAMP 2020 DETAILS:
Age: 9 to 16
Date: June 22 through 27, 2020.
Time: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; Saturday (Parents included): 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple University
Tuition: $399
Partial Scholarships are available.
Learn more, register and apply for a scholarship at: https://www.kidsfirst.org/become-a-juror/2020.BootCamp.html

Watch Sandy Kenyon’s coverage of our 2017 Camp on ABC Eyewitness News .

Watch KIDS FIRST! Film Critics on assignment: https://vimeo.com/321607711

Watch Tom Hank’s photo-bomb one of our reporters: https://vimeo.com/341665806

About KIDS FIRST! / Coalition for Quality Children’s Media

BACKGROUND: KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is a project of the nonprofit Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, founded in 1991, to help teach kids to make positive choices in selecting media for themselves and making them aware of what great media is available for them. KIDS FIRST! Film Festival is a showcase for new and classic children’s films from independent and student filmmakers worldwide in addition to select studio films. For more information, please visit: www.kidsfirst.org.

Our KIDS FIRST! Film Critics is a team of 65 youth reporters, ages 9 to 21, that review the latest films, Digital media, TV shows, and interview the creative talent behind them – actors, directors, animators, composers, cinematographers and more.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics’ reviews are seen by more than 5 million people every week on the KIDS FIRST! website, social media, YouTube Channel, weekly podcast; plus the are republished by our publishing partners including Kidzworld.com, Kidsville News, GRAND Magazine, SoCal City Kids, Press4Kids and more.