Local camp for kids in The Woodlands combines photography and graphic design

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Registration is now open for Camp Pixel Project, a four day instructional camp for kids combining photography and graphic design.

All campers will learn important photography principles, such as “aperture” and “ISO.” They will use their DSLR camera and/or iPhones to apply those principles through various hands-on activities, games, and photo scavenger hunts. In addition, campers will learn important graphic design concepts such as “vector” and “raster,” while utilizing and maneuvering the Adobe Creative Suite products Photoshop + Illustrator. Campers will work on various graphic design projects, such as personalized stationery, posters, and party favors.

“Camp Pixel really helped me realize my potential in photography and graphic design," said Jasmine, 14. "My experience at Camp Pixel is something I will refer to for a long time. This was honestly the highlight of my summer.”

Camp Pixel Project was created and launched by two small business owners and moms of young kids, Tracy Robinson and Jennifer West Pickard.

The idea came to be when Tracy’s middle daughter, Kaylee, told her she wanted to learn photography. Tracy promised her “one day soon” she would get a lesson. Being the busy working mom of five that she is, that “some day” never quite materialized. She needed to find a way and the time to teach her own kids photography.

While Jennifer was the Art Director at Louisiana State University she often partnered with the department of Continuing Education to teach the Adobe Suite to adults. That is when she realized she really enjoyed getting out from behind the computer and teaching design skills to others. After moving to The Woodlands, Jennifer began to allow her daughter’s friends to create fun projects on her computer during sleepovers. Seeing how excited the girls became watching their design projects come to life is what encouraged Jennifer to start testing concepts with children and her 2nd grade Brownie Troop.

A mutual friend introduced the two. Sensing a lack of local extracurricular activities for artsy kids, Tracy and Jennifer also had the mutual dream to create a camp for kids outside the sports genre -- and Camp Pixel Project was born.

They opened their camp last year with 70 spots and exceeded capacity.

“This is one of the coolest camps I’ve ever been to," said Will, 11. "Mrs. Tracy and Mrs. Jennifer are the best and I really think this is just a friendly learning community where everybody is your friend and you’re everybody’s friend." For camp schedules and registration, visit www.camppixelproject.com.