TWO weeks ago, Cahayasuara Communications Centre organised a four-day, media-related youth camp in Cameron Highlands for 30 members of the Catholic Students Society (CSS) of SMK La Salle Petaling Jaya.
Held from June 3 to 6 during the school holidays, the Annual Leadership Camp was conducted at the Infant Jesus Convent in Cameron Highlands, Perak.
It was not the usual kind of fun teenagers normally engage in during their term break.
The main aim of the Cahayasuara Media Youth Camp was to build new leaders through the media, said CSS president Mark Luhan, who added that they chose Cameron Highlands for its clean atmosphere and fresh air.
On the first day, after arriving at the convent at 3pm, the participants watched the movie Ice Age and then analysed the features and forms of entertainment used by the animators.
The next day started with a session on how and why the media uses music video clips.
They were then divided into three groups and given time to rehearse and produce their own music video clips, before presenting them in live performances.
After that, the group went into Brinchang town and took note of signs, symbols and services for their analyses.
They were treated to another movie, The Matrix Reloaded, which they analysed as well.
The final day involved a session on media work in which the participants debated on the topic "'The Media Influences Our Choices".
After the opposition side won, everyone sat together to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments with the camp facilitators.
The facilitators then organised a session at which the campers explained how they benefited from the camp.
Two third-formers, Ronald Reyes and Luke Ashwin, both agreed that the camp was not just about having fun but being exposed to new and exciting experiences.
Published on July 13, 2003 in The Sunday Mail
