The holidays are coming and if you are stumped for the perfect gift for your teen consider a summer trip! Instead of the newest electronic gadget give your child an experience that they will remember for the rest of their life.

Scuba diving off the coast of Belize, sailing through the Caribbean, a photo safari in Kenya, or whatever your child can imagine there is probably a program available.

Whether you know already what your child's dream trip is or if you just like the idea of giving them the gift of travel, we can make it easy for you. Call Judy. She can give you suggestions and materials to wrap up as a gift or you can make your own gift certificate. Some programs can be expensive so you may consider inviting the extended family to participate in this gift giving venture.

Once your gift is received call Judy Macnow's Camp and Tour Consultants to help you find just the right program for your intrepid traveler. We only recommend the very best camps and tour programs and specialize in matching kids with the program that is the perfect for them.

So this year consider giving something different --the experience of travel and adventure.

The accessibility of editing programs and the affordability of video cameras has increased the popularity of visual arts. It is not just film making that has been influenced by this new trend, every great cameraperson needs a performer and more kids are discovering the fun in front and behind the camera.

At film camps students write, shoot, direct and edit their own films. No prior experience or equipment is required. Most of these programs focus on the fundamental elements of visual storytelling. Students will learn to take an idea through the entire process from initial story concept, through writing, directing, on- hands camera work, editing, to final critique.

Many of these programs offer an acting component to partner with their film program. Without talent a film is just lighting and special effects. Students participate in a broad array of core classes that introduce them to finding the actor within, training them to do the kind of technical, emotional, and physical work necessary for film acting.

Animation and graphic arts are also offered in many of these programs. Campers have the opportunity to write, animate, direct and edit their own computer animated short films, develop computer games, or create artistic graphic design

If you are interested in exploring this latest trend or looking for an outlet for your growing visual art passion, Judy has a large selection of camps to recommend. Some camps are centered on the visual arts, while others offer it as a component in a traditional camp experience. To figure out which program would be best for you, call Judy at 610-446- 2267 or email judy@campandtour.com.

One of our newest camps offers a new twist on the hot visual art trend. Located on a 200-year-old family farm nestled in the rural countryside of Ireland this unique facility offers courses for teens interested in the visual arts.

Although the classes are focused on contemporary visual arts techniques, the program utilizes the countryside and the authenticity of the farm environment to make the artists aware of a broader rural context, while bringing artwork to traditionally isolated areas. With its dense stone walls, abundant natural light, and high ceiling supported by striking wooden beams, the barn is architecturally unique. At twice the width of typical Irish stone barns, here the modern and ancient intertwine, with a 2400 square- foot open plan studio containing a wood shop, darkroom, computer lab and lounge. The studios were designed for flexibility of use, with moveable walls allowing for workspaces to be created for specific projects and working methods. Students learn new techniques and investigate different approaches in a variety of media, including drawing, painting, photography and video. The program offers a variety of courses designed to emphasize personal expression, stimulating individual thinking and innovation. The unique location and dedication to personal expression makes this experience unlike any other visual arts program.

If you would like to find out more about this exciting and unique program, contact Judy at judy@campandtour.com.