Ripple Creators: Media Camp

Create. Connect. Build Something Real.

Are you interested in how video content is made? Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a documentary? Curious about how cameras and sound design work? Join us for a week long media intensive camp for students ages 13-17! Ripple Hub is partnering with Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s Center for Creative Exploration to launch Media Camp intensive where students will learn how media production connects to real-world STEM careers by creating a professional commercial for a Lancaster nonprofit. In this  hands-on experience students will collaborate, use professional tools, learn from professional artists and creatives, problem-solve, and bring a project to life from concept to final showcase.This camp is perfect for students interested in learning more about creative careers with a focus on photography, videography, sound and audio design, and media making!

Program Details

• Dates: July 20–24, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
• Location: Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D)
• Cost: Free (limited spots available, see below for details about nomination application requirements)
• Cohort Size: 12–15 students

The STEM-based Media Camp intensive is a week-long crash course of the ins and outs of media production. From research and storyboarding to videography, editing, and audio engineering, students will work in teams to create a professional commercial for a local community serving organization. This year, we are partnering with LancasterHistory to create a commercial that promotes the programming at the new Lydia Hamilton Smith and Thaddeus Stevens Museum. Students will learn from active professionals in the field including musicians, videographers, photographers, and animators. They will also be working with professional tools at PCA&D and will take field trips to local professional studios where they will learn more about the local workforce opportunities in related STEM Careers.

What to Expect: 

Over five days, students will learn from professional artists and creatives in the field through hands on projects including: 

• Learn how to use professional tools like cameras, editing software, storyboarding tools and more at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
• Conduct research and develop media for LancasterHistory as a real client
• Develop a concept and storyboard for a commercial
• Film on location at the Lydia Hamilton Smith & Thaddeus Stevens Museum
• Record audio and create original sound or music
• Edit a story-driven commercial designed to drive engagement
• Premiere their final project at a public showcase 

Who This Is For?

• Students ages 13–17
• Students interested in media, film, or technology
• No prior experience required

How This Is STEM?

Students will be immersed not only in Technology but will also utilize the basic principles of Scientific Inquiry as well as elements of Math and more! Students will explore STEM through real-world media production, including:

• Audio engineering teaches students how to record and manipulate sound, understand timing and sequencing of audio clips, how to use various equipment and  computer programs for audio design, and more!
• Lighting and camera systems teaches students how to understand light and manipulate it to capture images and footage. 
• Photography and videography are great hands on tools for reinforcing basic math concepts like fractions. 
• Digital editing teaches students how to think sequentially and create systems to organize, edit, and iterate on their concepts.
• Production workflows teach students how to collaborate, work in teams, delegate tasks, and break down a complex concept into manageable pieces. 
• The creative process teaches students how to sketch out ideas, try concepts, receive feedback, fail forward, and iterate on ideas based on feedback. 

What Students Leave With:

• A completed, story-driven commercial
• Hands-on experience with professional media tools and instructors
• Exposure to creative STEM career pathways
• Experience working as part of a production team

Powered By:

• Ripple Hub
• Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
• LancasterHistory
• Lancaster County STEM Alliance

Still have questions? Email Ripple Hub at info@ripplecreators.com.