Tech Camp blogged about in the US!

We got blogged about!

Yes. PCI's Tech Camp made into a post by Steve Salyards last Friday over at the GA Junkie blog in the US. (GA = General Assembly

He'd picked up on a post by Alan about Tech Camp a couple of months ago, and then posted about the camp itself at the weekend.

Uploading and burning

Just a quick post to say that I recovered all the video files and animations off the camp laptops on Sunday, and will be burning then onto a CD/DVD to send to you later this week. So all your hard work and creativity won't be lost.

And most of the clips are now uploaded to YouTube.

Hadn't realised that some of you made a Big Brother 10 spoof late on Friday night! Amazing what you find when clearing out :) Though not sure it'll make it onto the CD/DVD.

Lost Property

Hey!

Hope you've all recovered from the camp... I think I'm still catching up, in fact I was dreaming I we were all back at the bowling again!!!!!

Well there were a couple of things left behind at Derryvolgie on Sunday. Anyone own them or know who owns them?




Leave a comment here or find me elsewhere to sort out how to get it/them back.

Ruth E

Thanks but not goodbye

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.”

I would Just like to take this form of comunication to thank all the leaders, helpers, drivers, cleaners, cooks and chiefs, (([[SUMMER WARDENS]])), Parents and Tour Guides, {All the people from the home} and of course the (([[SUMMER WARDENS]])) . As i look back apon the week very late at night i notice its really early compared to every other night this week! But i really enjoyed my week and my perspective on life and religion and my outlook changed. I just look forward rather than back as to look back i would cry. So i look forward upon next summers camp and the activities we will enjoy there!

Thanks and God Bless

Christopher M Watson

09/08/2008
11:48 PM

This is not Farewell

“Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than remember me and cry.”

“Don't be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”

“You and I will meet again, When we're least expecting it, One day in some far off place, I will recognize your face, I won't say goodbye my friend, For you and I will meet again”

Take what you will from that use it and love it

Talk Soon
PCI TECH CAMP 2008

The End ... And A New Begining

Last day of camp today, what a pity. No one slept last night, we had a movie night and no, it didn't last all night. But we stayed up anyway and had lots of fun. We went to Shine FM yesterday morning and controlled the radio station for two and a half hours! It was cool!
Today we put together an easy set of Powerpoints for the doddery O.A.P.'s some of our parents brought along to watch us. this is the last post you will get from me at camp but who knows, you may hear from me again if I get any news. That's if you can be bothered to read this LOL. for now though, it's bye from me.

A Busy Day

Today we went on three trips. These were; the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle, the S.A.R.C. (Sonic Arts Research Centre) at Queens University Belfast (Q.U.B.), and we also paid a visit to the creators of Sesame tree (the Northern Ireland version of the hit U.S. children's programme "Sesame Street").

At Whitewell we discovered a warren of production facilities and editing suites hidden in the attic as we were given a tour of the extensive audio and video departments within the church.

At S.A.R.C. we were given a full guided tour of the Center including the concert hall and the studios to name but a few.

[And Rob got a bionic, bluetooth-enabled hand - complete with accelerometers ... like a Wii with fingers.]

The third visit to Inferno / Sixteen South was rather more thought provoking during which we talked about all sorts of things from "the cost of muppets" to "the creative arts industry and its job availability" to "faith and the use of creativity." All in all a very busy day. Phew! I'm glad that's over.

Bowling Fiasco

Today we went to Dundonald Ice Bowl and the alley we got was broken so half of the camp was unable to have a proper game. Thankfully the very helpful staff were able to give us a full refund. We used the money to get a McFlurry each at the nearby McDonalds!

Animation

Today we created several short videos about random themes such as BURNING MACS (sorry laptops; cough cough!) and a man buying pearls. Yes... this camp is slightly random, but then it is lead by Ruth so what do you expect lol. Any way, the animation was fun except that the macs predictably failed us by freezing and not working properly. Oh ... I also found some very interesting videos on YouTube but unfortunately I couldn't possibly reveal their content as "that," as they say, "would be telling." Meh Heh Heh.

Animation!!!

Animation is Marvelous fun. Unfortunately it gets slightly boring if you do it for a couple of hours straight. O well at least it makes you appreciate the end result more.

BBC-British Broadcasting Centre get a shock from Tech Camp 08

On Tuesday the 5th August, the great Tech Camp of 2008 paid an exciting visit to Northern Ireland's BBC. We arrived around midday and immediately was taken to the scene of the crime (News Studio) by Neil. However, we were in for a surprise, no, not Fiona Bruce, but Liz. She showed us around the studio of... wait for it... News, Hearts and Minds, Politics Show, and more!

Then we went up to the gallery, where we were a man showed us many, many televisions and loads of sound tracks. This is where all the sound and cameras are controlled, and they even have a intruder alert!

After that, we went up to the [continuity] room where controls what advertisements are and where the person tells us what is on next. We even got a preview of a new trail.

Finally we got to go to the graphics room. This is where every logo and advert is designed. It was cool! Alan even knew a guy there! Wow! How wicked is that!

BBC was a great visit and we all had fun!

I for one would just like to say one thing about this trip, and I'm sure everyone agrees:

THANKS TECH CAMP LEADERS!

Video Capture and a slight Editing with Alan

Video Capture and Editing with Alan

First Morning at tech camp we all arrive got our rooms got to know each other’s names which I have already forgotten! We then had our first “camp class” which was with Alan in Belfast. Alan firstly took us to the front foyer of Derrivolgie halls and we each took turns at recording another person asking questions and someone else answering them. Alan then taught us some things about capturing video and recording audio and all that kind stuff. We then had to use the worst most unacceptable form of computing in the world yes I am very unfortunately talking about Apple Macintosh laptops it was actually scary they nearly worked the full time but that’s not possible with Macs so of course one crashed imovie and the project was nearly lost. Imovie was something different it has many similarities to windows movie maker more than likely stolen but anyway. So we all edited and cut’ed clips that we had recorded and then we experimented with credits, titles, transitions and the like. The movies I’m sure are very good and someday may be finished we do live in hope. Maybe someday you shall see the videos and understand my strange un explanative post!!!

Photo Scavenger Hunt

After a comprehensive introduction to video editing and voxpop production, we went for a short drive into Belfast city centre. We were split into two teams, our task: to take photos of each of 26 items on our list. This was to be completed in 2 hours, before we were to return the cameras to the leaders at the waterfront hall for judging.

We explored the city, including making visits to the Victoria Square shopping centre, the Europa bus terminal and the Spires shopping mall.

We rushed back having collected our photographs, stopping at the big fish and a heard of sheep on the way to get our last shots. Our photos were then compiled into a powerpoint presentation and projected onto the wall. We viewed the photos side by side and gave marks for the best photos. Both teams drew, however, so we might as well have not have bothered doing it. 

See our photos to guess what was on the list. 

great work

I am really enjoying camp. knowledge improving rapidly. Must go now, have IMPORTANT business toi attend to now. bye.