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Updates on the documentary by Allen Ellis

Not Back to School Camp is a week-long camp for teenage unschoolers, which occurs annually in Oregon and Vermont. At this camp, both teens and staff gather to learn from, grow with, and inspire each another by sharing their talents, interests, and skills in true unschooler fashion.

I was a camper for six years in this community until I "graduated" at age eighteen. In 2009—two years later—I returned to document as many of the events as I could to bring the world an inside look at this incredible camp.


So why do this?

That's a great question. Why would I undertake such a huge project on my own, which takes months of hard work to complete, for free? The answers are two-fold:

Develop my strengths as a videographer:

I've been pursuing videography in some capacity since age eleven, studying the craft through a combination of self-study, internship, and traditional classroom learning. Though I have learned a lot through these experiences, I knew I was ready for the challenges that real-life work offers. By managing all of my own logistics, working together with so many people, and ultimately delivering a video on a scale I've never undertaken before, the educational benefits alone from this project are more than worth the time investment on my part.

Giving back to the community:

Not Back To School Camp changed my life in many wonderful ways. I discovered new interests and ideas that I am still pursuing, it has jump-started my independence to a large degree, and through the freedom and safety of a supportive community I redefined myself in exciting and positive ways. It is my privilege to use my talents to present this extraordinary community to others who might also find meaning there.

When will the film be finished?

The video will first be made freely available on Not Back to School Camp's official website sometime in February 2010. Check back here for updates!

Ready to learn more?

Head over to the blog where I will share status updates, talent show clips for campers, and more details about this project.