The trailer for the new camp movie “Matt Fisher and the Golden Fleece” is still a closely guarded secret but we were able to obtain this bootleg copy of the “Making of…” video. Hope you enjoy it (and don’t tell anyone where you saw it.)

One of this summer’s biggest hits was the 16-Hour Film festival. Competing teams wrote, shot and edited a film during the week – all in 16 hours! Campers got to vote on their favorite at the Friday Festival, and now we want your help deciding which film is the best.

To vote for your favorite, head over to the contest page. Fill in your contact information and select the film of your choice from the drop-down menu. Hit “submit query” to enter your vote and your name in a drawing to win a $100 camp discount. It’s that simple! The $100 winner will be announced November 25, 2009.

The Firebrand Awards date back to 1991 and are important part of the camp program. The Firebrands represent the “spirit” element of classical education’s mind, body and spirit. Over the years, the custom of awarding highly-decorated paddles to senior staff members at each year’s final Firebrand ceremony, has become a big deal. Bob had these two Firebrand paddles designed for Matt and Kisha.

Nadia, one of our talented designers, crafted a custom firebrand paddle for Matt the AllArts Camp Science Guru in Chief, Tree-hugger and Phish fan.

John, another one of our talented artists, created this for Kisha, All Arts Camp Queen (and loving mom of twin sons Adae and Aidan)

By Matt Fisher

I was surprised recently when I was tagged on Facebook as “Someone who changed your life”. As a former teacher, this is one of the greatest rewards you can receive.

I wondered if there was a person in my past that changed my life–who gave me the inspiration I needed to study science. I don’t think there was one person in particular, but several terrific schoolteachers who were my “scientific” inspiration.

Mr. Fittipaldi was my 6th grade science teacher and one day he announced to the class that we were going to build and launch rockets! Working with two of my friends, we diligently shaved down the cone of our balsa wood Mosquito rocket, meticulously glued on the fins, and completed the project by painting with a light coat of orange paint with black pinstripes down the side. It was beautiful and it would fly high into the atmosphere (or so we thought)!

Unfortunately, I came down with the flu and had to miss Launch Day. When I returned to school the following week, Mr. Fittipaldi greeted me at the door with a great surprise. Knowing how disappointed I was that I had missed the launch, he arranged a second launch after school for our Mosquito rocket! Knowing that he cared enough about me to make sure I had the same experience as my classmates, meant a lot to me.

Another inspirational teacher was my marine biology teacher, Mr. Conway. Mr. Conway used field studies as his favorite method of teaching. On field trips to the beach and tide pools, we used actual scientific collection gear to capture and study different species of marine animals and plants. Mr. Conway knew that his students would learn more about marine biology in 4 hours in the field than they would in a whole semester in the classroom.

My first teaching job out of graduate school was as a middle school science teacher in Plymouth, MA, where I would find my next teacher and mentor, Warren Phillips. Working with Warren was my first exposure to teaching science not only through textbooks and science experiments, but also through music, acting, movement, and visual arts. As an artist myself, this method made perfect sense to me. Since artists use their work to express the thoughts, dreams, and feelings that they can’t put into words, why wouldn’t this work as a way for children to express their knowledge?

In developing classes for our summer camp, I take what I learned from all my teachers and use it to tap into each of our camper’s creativity by fusing art and science into our camp classes. Showing what they have learned in our academic classes through visual and performing arts, writing, and by carrying out scientific experiments, gives them the opportunity to express themselves in the way they do best and feel most comfortable.

My goal working at the AASTC is to give each camper an opportunity to learn in a non-judgmental, welcoming environment. I strive to hire instructors who are willing to sacrifice their personal time for their students, who identify with children and are constantly striving to make their lessons better. I look for people, who share their ideas and work collaboratively; who are not afraid to act a little goofy and have fun with the campers. These are the same traits, I valued in my teachers—the ones who changed my life. What I try to do, is present positive changes in the lives of children. Maybe someday, these students will also look back and realize how these teachers were an inspiration, simply because they gave just a little bit extra of themselves.

Stuck on a problem? Matt Fisher will sing you through it.

One of the most exciting courses at the All-Arts, Sciences +Technology Camp this past summer was the 16 Hour Film Challenge. After camp, we showed the films to the whole Division of Continual Learning staff here in Greensboro. People were surprised that campers could make such professional-looking films in just 16 hours but there was some disagreement over which film was the best of the bunch. Bob, Matt and Kisha knew better than to tell their favorite (although Bob was particularly fond of the ones he was in) so we decided to let the campers (and parents and brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles) decide which film would be named the BEST 16 Hour Film of 2009. In just a short while you’ll be receiving instructions on how to view and vote for the best film- – you really need to look at all of them before you decide unless you’re also fond of Bob which will limit your choices accordingly. To refresh your memory what the 16 Hour Film Challenge was all about, Matt Fisher’s video explains it all…

By Scott Brewster

Maybe not all kids love science class in school, but we know from our experience at UNCG All-Arts, Sciences + Technology Camp all kids love doing fun science experiments. You know the ones I mean– making volcanoes explode with baking soda, making light bulbs illuminate with a wool scarf, tie-dying T-shirts! Well, I’ve discovered a cool web site that combines the fun of science experiments with another thing that kids love-food! The Science of Cooking is a site where kids of all ages can explore recipes, activities, and webcasts that can help them understand the science behind food and cooking. Want to learn how to make your own Lifesavers or know what makes bread rise? Look no further.

One cool experiment on the site involves making naked eggs (yep! you heard right). The experiment uses vinegar to dissolve the shell—without breaking the membrane that holds the egg together. This leaves a cool translucent shell that you can see through! It’s a little gross but it shows how acid (vinegar) will dissolve calcium carbonate (the eggshell) while not dissolving the membrane

The site also includes cool activities for making various types of candies, breads, seasonings, and meats… and learning a little about the science behind the recipes!

So, if you’re looking for something fun and science-y to do with items found in your own kitchen, navigate over to The Science of Cooking site. There are pages and pages of things to keep you entertained for hours!

Also check out one of the fun experiments we use at camp!