Youth in Bahamas Win Chance to Learn from National Geographic Photographer During National Geographic Photo Camp

NASSAU, The Bahamas — A group of talented Bahamian youth have won the opportunity to learn about photography from the best in the business during National Geographic Photo Camp in Cape Eleuthera, the Bahamas. From Tuesday, Nov. 27, to Saturday, Dec. 1, 20 students will learn the basics of photography from National Geographic photographer Raul Touzon and National Geographic photo editor Todd James. Photo Camp is presented by the National Geographic Society, the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC) and the United States Embassy, Nassau.

During the workshop, Touzon, James and Photo Camp staff will mentor the students on the basics of photography, photographic vision, equipment and technique. They will lead them through the process of creating a story through photography and writing.

The youth who will participate were picked as finalists in the first “Youth Expression Against Drugs” Essay, Rap and Poetry Competition, held by the U.S. Embassy and the BNDC. The contest encouraged students in the Bahamas to consider the harmful impact of illegal drugs, how to resist negative peer pressure and act as leaders against drugs in their community, and to express that through essays, poems and raps. The program is part of a continuing partnership between the U.S. Embassy and the BNDC to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and foster the development of young leaders in the Bahamas.

Following the theme of the BNDC’s campaign, “Drugs and Crime Are a Waste of Time,” Photo Camp will discover, document and reflect on the natural beauty of the Bahamas and the importance of preserving the islands and their people.

The Photo Camp will take place at the Island School in Cape Eleuthera, a destination for high school students from around the world who spend a semester or summer with a community of teachers and learners seeking to transcend traditional education models. The campus and surrounding ocean serve as the school’s laboratories. Some school staff members are volunteering to assist with Photo Camp.

“We hope that Photo Camp will provide an opportunity for these young people to discover their home and environment in a new way while also fostering positive attitudes and leadership skills,” said Terry Garcia, National Geographic’s executive vice president for Mission Programs. “We’ve seen Photo Camp activities give new voice to youth, and supporting Photo Camp allows National Geographic to further its mission to inspire people to care about the planet.”

Participants, their families and community members are invited to a final presentation of the students’ work at the conclusion of the workshop at 7 p.m. at the Eleuthera Arts and Cultural Centre.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. has provided cameras for the Photo Camp.

National Geographic Photo Camp has provided programs for more than 1,000 young people in more than 60 locations since 2003. Photo Camp venues earlier this year were Baltimore, Md.; Pakistan; Qatar; and Haiti. Visit nationalgeographic.com/photocamp for more information.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; expeditions; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.