Prince George youth can get on the live media wavelength.
CFUR 88.7 FM has opened a channel to the broadcasting industry, offering kids aged 14-18 their annual youth academy.
"Following up on three successful years, CFUR is very excited to once again offer this ever improving camp," said station manager Ian Gregg. "This camp is a great opportunity for young people to get a head start at a career in media, or just have fun making radio. CFURadio Youth Academy is a 10-day radio camp. Participating youth will be encouraged to learn the art of radio-based entertainment, podcasts, and reporting. They will also learn technical skills relating to production and editing. By the end of the two weeks, each camper will create their very own hour-long program to be broadcasted on the radio."
The camp also gives participants a working knowledge of the university's layout. CFUR is the campus station for UNBC and is situated at room 6-354 in the Student Centre.
There are three timing options to choose from for those interested in signing up. The first of these windows starts July 2 and the last one ends on Aug. 23.
"Youth, everywhere, have a voice," said Gregg. "We show them how to turn their volume up. In this ever changing media landscape it is important for those who are interested in pursuing a future in this discipline to accumulate as many skills as possible and mentorship is key. Everybody has a passion. It might be bugs, track and field, drawing, hockey, string-theory, mountaineering, or it might be radio. You'll never know unless you're allowed to try."
The added benefit of learning media skills is how transferable those are to any other interest or career you might pursue later. Media provides built-in marketing and messaging techniques.
"Payment for the camp works on a sliding scale, ranging from $40 to $400 depending on the campers' financial situation," said Gregg.
If you are interested in learning more about this summer's academy, please visit www.cfur.ca/radio-camp/ for the registration form, day plans, cool videos, past photos, and more.
Those interested are invited to reach out to Gregg ([email protected]) or community outreach coordinator Kate Partridge ([email protected]) for additional information.