MISSISSIPPI STATE – Youth who enjoy drama, theater, music, art or literature and want to learn how computing can enhance creativity should attend the 4-H Technology and Expressive Arts Camp July 21-24 at Mississippi State University.

The camp, which is open to 4-H youth ages 14-19, is designed to offer as many opportunities as possible for youth to discover and enhance their imaginations and creativity. Youth who are not 4-H members can participate by joining a 4-H club in their town or county.

The cost per person is $250, which covers on-campus lodging at Griffis Hall, meals, snacks and workshop supplies.

“Many students in high school have amazing talents for writing, designing and creating,” said Linda Mitchell, 4-H youth development specialist with the MSU Extension Service. “This camp will offer those youth an outlet for their creativity that they might not have otherwise.”

Each camper will be placed in the creative tract of their choice for the entire camp. Registrants should rank their top selections so camp organizers can accommodate everyone. Most campers will be placed according to their first choice.

The fantasy and fiction tract will be led by Bryan Davis, author of the bestselling “Dragons in the Midst” series for teenagers. Davis will discuss storytelling basics and demonstrate how word processing software can make the writing process easier and more creative. He also will hold writing critiques for budding book authors.

Roland Mann, a successful author at Marvel Comics, will lead a tract on graphic storytelling. Mann will cover storytelling, animation, story boards, cartooning and other design elements of graphic novels. He will show students how to use graphic-based software to create visuals for their stories.

Award-winning computer technology consultant Adam Breeden will conduct a tract on art and design online. He will instruct youth how to produce cutting-edge graphic designs with creative use of computer software.

Three-time national ballroom champion Steve Conaway will lead the “Dancing with the Stars” tract. He will discuss how to use technology to put together music and visual art elements for a stylized dance performance and atmosphere. He will teach youth to twirl, twist and move to music as professional dancers do.

Extension computer applications instructor Mariah Smith will conduct a special seminar called “Refuge Rescue Robotics.” Youth will build and program robots to solve environmental problems and engage in different activities to carry out rescue operations.

During the evening, youth will have opportunities to enjoy computer play stations that involve competition and gamesmanship.

“We’re excited about the opportunities we are offering this summer,” Mitchell said. “We look forward to a great time.”

Register online at http://conference.ext.msstate.edu/4H_TechCamp by July 1. Contact Mitchell at (662) 539-1733 or lindam@ext.msstate.edu for more information.

Writer: Patti Drapala