Every summer, hundreds of Calvin students scatter across the U.S. and around the world, researching, interning and exploring. This summer, some of these students are keeping us informed about their adventures. Next up: sophomore Reid Petro of Kalamazoo, Mich., a media production major at Calvin College. This summer, Reid's got his camera focused on camp.
Where are you?
I am working as a videographer at SpringHill Camps in Evart, Michigan.
Why are you there?
I produce video and other media content for the camp. I also live with campers and help out their counselors whenever I can!
What’s your typical day like?
A typical day here at SpringHill starts with a Bible study with my cabin campers. I then shoot b-roll of all of the campers in two of the four camp centers, new frontier and TST, doing various activities for the majority of the day. I then head to the on site studio, dump all of the footage, and filter the clips finding which shots are usable in the final videos or not. I then spend the rest of the night with the campers in my cabin doing games and a Bible study
What (technically) are you doing?
Creating videos and various media content for the camp.
How has Calvin prepared you for this?
Calvin's film and media production program has helped me prepare for the videography aspect of the job. The program has given me the know-how and skills to do my job at the level that the camp expects. Besides the media aspect of my job, the Christian education that Calvin College provides has helped me to reach out to campers and other fellow staff.
What has surprised you so far?
What has surprised me the most working here at SpringHill is how much God is working inside the hearts and souls of the campers and staff that go here! God is working in this place so much, saving lives, healing hearts, refreshing souls. It is such a holy place!
How do you see this shaping your future?
The campers and staff that I have had the blessing of interacting with have helped me grow in my faith and my firmness in Jesus Christ! It has truly been a life changing experience here at camp, and it's only halfway done! Being able to see God working in such amazing ways is such a blessing. Also, having such pressuring deadlines and the amount of content that we produce has helped me grow my skills as a videographer and producer.
