BND Media Camp 2024 begins with bang

Students absorb journalism basics and more

By Bonnie Newman Davis

BND Media Camp intern Mikayla Compere gives students some news writing tips on Day 2 of the summer camp at Second Baptist Church in Richmond’s West End.

First week highlights:

Andrea Long, a Second Baptist church member who was one of Richmond’s first Black TV reporters before becoming an attorney, provided media camp students a searing lecture about the upcoming presidential election and other vital issues. This after she worked long hours in Second Baptist Church’s (Idlewood) food pantry.

Second Baptist Church members have been exceedingly kind in accommodating our students and answering their questions about food insecurity. Another church member sent funds to support a child whose family is experiencing hardships.

A jovial, Will Smith-like father who admits that his son spends too much time playing video games, treated my campers to two huge pizzas and soft drinks today.

Students also heard from Monica Esparza, a Hemp farmer and ecologist, who explained the benefits and politics of hemp’s roots and political terrain.

**Monica Esparza’s farm and garden include basil, rosemary and hemp seeds.**

Two amazing college students/interns from Christopher Newport University and North Carolina A&T State University are masters in relating to our middle school campers. Thank you Mikayla Compere and Kamryn Jackson!!

It’s been a long, hot and humid week, with spotty Internet and no fancy tech apparatus or presentations. Yet, the first week of the BND Summer Media Camp has been filled with incredible and impactful learning done the old-fashioned way with paper, pens and brain power!