OUTLAST ON THE GO
OUTLAST ON THE GO
What happens when young people step behind the camera and into their stories?
In this five-day camp in partnership with Sicangu Co., students made short documentaries on topics of their choosing. During this process, they learn to direct, film, and edit their own short films.
Outlast partnered with local mentors and educators to bring another vibrant week of filmmaking to students.
This five-day camp combined visual storytelling, community knowledge, and technical skill-building—all while uplifting student voice.
“I feel that my experience was great. I think the best parts for me were learning things I always wanted to learn, making new friends, being more social, and seeing a bunch of my old friends. Lastly, the most important part was the fact that my friends and I got to make something we can be proud of—because what do you mean we made that?! I loved the camp very much. Everyone was so nice and fun, and I’d sign up again any time.”
Final Films & Blooper Reel
Final Films & Blooper Reel
Check out the 60-second documentaries our students created — plus some behind-the-scenes laughs in the blooper reel!
“My experience with film camp was fun because I had a lot of time to hang out with friends, meet new people, and try new things. Everyone at the camp was so nice, and they had great communication on set. My favorite part was making a short film because I had never done that before, and it seemed fun. Editing was also really fun because we got to work as a group to make the best film we could. I had so much fun at this camp with everyone.”
We began the day by building community.
After meeting the team, students jumped into an icebreaker: one partner described a picture while the other tried to draw it—no peeking allowed!
The challenge helped the young filmmakers think about the importance of patient and compassionate communication.
Day 1 –Community Building
Day 1 –Community Building
Next, students were introduced to filmmaking concepts by exploring the basics of filmmaking using just their phones.
Through a hands-on activity, they experimented with different shot types—wide, close-up, pan, and tilt—practicing how visuals can influence mood and meaning.
Then, Outlast youth mentors Ty and Marli, former Outlast campers, led a session called Representation Matters, focused on representation, identity, and values.
Through honest and personal storytelling, they guided students to reflect on how their cultural, personal, and social identities influence the stories they tell—and why representation behind the camera matters.
In the afternoon, students began exploring the documentary process.
With guidance from Mr. A, they brainstormed ideas for their own 60-second group documentaries—drawing from real life, lived experience, and community connections.
The day ended with a session on visual storytelling foundations, introducing how framing, camera movement, and image composition can shape emotion.
Students wrapped up the day with a quiet free writing session, reflecting on what stories they want to tell—and why.
Day 2 – Cameras & Collaboration
Day 2 – Cameras & Collaboration
Day 2 began with a reminder of the values that connect us to ourselves and one another.
Lora opened the morning sharing teachings from Lakota perspectives on healing—emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental.
Then it was time to dive into camera technology.
In a camera workshop, students worked in groups to direct, shoot, and act in short scenes inspired by Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Zootopia.
The scenes weren’t just fun—they helped students apply new camera skills while collaborating on blocking, framing, and on-set roles.
In the afternoon, students moved into their first editing workshop.
Using the footage they had just captured, they began learning how to assemble a scene in DaVinci Resolve—exploring pacing, continuity, and visual storytelling choices.
By the end of Day 2, students had taken full creative control—directing, acting, editing, and collaborating.
They were building real filmmaking confidence, one scene at a time.
Day 3 – Set Etiquette & Production Begins
Day 3 – Set Etiquette & Production Begins
Students moved from pre-production to action—turning ideas into visuals, and storyboards into scenes.
The day kicked off with a session on Set Etiquette, led by Ty and Marli.
They shared insights on how to show up professionally on set—from respecting roles and time, to keeping energy and communication strong.
Afterward, students broke into groups for Final Pre-Production.
Each team worked together to clarify their project’s focus:
Topic
Interview subjects
Questions to ask
B-roll to capture
They then practiced their set etiquette with mock interviews and b-roll setups—getting hands-on with camera placement, framing, and interview pacing.
Of course, no Outlast camp is complete without some joy—so we made space for a dance break to reset and re-energize.
In the afternoon, students officially began production on their 60-second documentaries, filming interviews and gathering b-roll in their teams.
Day 3 closed with the sound of shutters, laughter, and stories in motion—proof that they're ready to step into their role as Directors, Cinematographers, Editors, and Actors.
Day 4 – Final Cuts
Day 4 – Final Cuts
With spirits high, students dove into the final stages of production.
Some wrapped up filming key moments for their 60-second documentaries, while others moved straight into editing.
Day 4 kicked off with a burst of fun—hangman, charades, and Pictionary got everyone laughing and energized.
These games weren’t just icebreakers—they reinvigorated student connections and set the tone for a creative, collaborative day.
In the editing sessions, students pushed their storytelling even further—building rough cuts, fine-tuning edits, adding music and titles.
It was all about shaping emotion, rhythm, and meaning through each cut.
By the end of Day 4, you could feel the focus and pride in the room. Students were polishing their films with intention and voice, excited to share their stories with the world.
Day 5 – Final Edits & Big Celebrations
Day 5 – Final Edits & Big Celebrations
Every cut, transition, and music cue reflected their storytelling growth from the week.
Our final day began with a quiet focus.
In the morning, students made their final editing tweaks, polishing their 60-second documentaries and preparing them for the big screen.
