FACETS SUMMER FILM CAMPS

FACETS Summer Film Camps offer unforgettable cinematic adventures for young creatives. In our historic building, campers will dive into the worlds of directing, storytelling, animation, acting, writing and production.

Led by professional filmmakers and skilled instructors, students will:

• Develop foundational and advanced production skills
• Collaborate with peers and industry professionals
• Explore the art and purpose behind filmmaking
• Build confidence as storytellers and creators

Learn the Essentials

Since 1984, FACETS has provided families with engaging, affordable film camps rooted in the power of storytelling. Campers explore the many ways films communicate meaning, including:

• Character development
• Cinematography
• Sound & music
• Editing
• Visual composition
• Story structure

Whether creating something silly and imaginative, drawing from personal experience, or crafting a story that speaks to the world today, campers gain practical tools to express what matters to them. With over 30 years of expertise in media education, we ensure all campers receive high-quality, interactive instruction in a safe and supportive environment.

Outcomes and Benefits

• A Creative Community: Campers meet peers who share their interests and join a supportive artistic environment.
• Technical & Artistic Skills: Students build a strong foundation in filmmaking by empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to create their own original stories.
• Critical Thinking & Media Literacy: Campers develop essential 21st-century skills that help them analyze, question, and understand the media they consume.
• Lifelong Inspiration: FACETS camps spark curiosity and passion, encouraging students to continue creating, experimenting, and expanding their view of the world long after summer ends.

Scholarships

Now Open – Applications for Bross Fund Scholarships to FACETS Summer Film Camp 2026

The Bross Camp Scholarship offers camp tuition discounts between 25% and 100% to under-resourced youth. Recipients will be able to select the age-appropriate camp session of their choice assuming space is available. Families and Caregivers will need to provide transportation to and from FACETS Film Forum at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. Chicago 60614 and will need to provide packed lunches. For more information on FACETS Summer Camp sessions .

• March 2 – Applications Open
• March 25 – Deadline for Submission
• April 31 – Scholarship Award Notifications

APPLY FOR AGES 5-12

APPLY FOR AGES 13+

🎬 PARENT/GUARDIAN RATINGS GUIDELINES

Our Philosophy

Our film camps empower young filmmakers to create meaningful, imaginative stories while ensuring the content they create and view is safe, age-appropriate, and emotionally considerate. To support this, each camp follows a ratings-based content policy similar to the film industry.

Age 5–7: “My First Film Camp” — G Rating

Content Will Include:

• Joyful, playful stories
• Simple conflicts that resolve kindly
• Fantasy or imaginative adventures
• Zero depiction of real injury or fear

Content Will Not Include:

• Realistic weapons
• Violence or injury
• Death, trauma, or mental health themes
• Scary imagery
• Any language beyond G rating

Goal: Films feel like a Pixar short — creative, safe, and fun for all.

Ages 8–12: “Junior Filmmakers” — PG Rating

Content May Include:

• Adventure, mystery, or fantasy peril
• Mild suspense
• Symbolic or implied conflict
• Emotional storytelling appropriate for preteens
• No-contact staged action with supervision

Content Will Not Include:

• Blood or visible injury
• Realistic weapons
• Gore and/or dismemberment
• Themes involving death, abuse, or mental illness
• Strong language

Goal: Films are energetic and imaginative, without crossing into graphic content.

Ages 14–17: “Teen Filmmakers” — PG-13 Rating

Content May Include, With Instructor Guidance:

• Complex emotional themes
• Non-graphic portrayals of conflict or violence
• Symbolic exploration of difficult topics
• Suspense, drama, light thriller elements
• Responsible discussion of mental health (non-graphic)

Content Will Not Include:

• Graphic imagery
• Sexual content
• Hate speech or discriminatory language
• Realistic or glorified violence
• Depictions of self-harm or suicide

Goal: Provide space for teens to create mature, meaningful stories while ensuring safety, responsibility, and care.

🎬 PARENT/GUARDIAN CAMP POLICIES

Attendance

• Campers should arrive on time each day to ensure smooth adjustments.
• If anything requires your child to be absent or have an early dismissal during camp, please notify camp as soon as possible.

Drop off & Pick Up

• A parent or authorized guardian must sign campers in and out each day.
• We can only release children to adults listed on your pickup form, so keep it updated!
• Photo ID may be required for verification.

Safety & Security

• Visitors must check-in at the front desk.
• Doors will stay locked during program hours for safety.
• Parents are not permitted to wander the facility without faculty escort.

Health & Wellness

• Children must stay home if they show signs of illness (fever, vomiting, contagious symptoms).
• Notify the camp immediately if your child receives a medical diagnosis that impacts their participation.
• If a child requires medication during the day, please notify camp directors.

Lunch & Snacks

• Send your child with lunch and a water bottle each day. Hydration is a must!
• No energy drinks or soda.
• If your child has any food allergens, please communicate them with camp directors.

Clothing & Personal Items

• Send campers with weather-appropriate, activity friendly clothing.
• Label belongings as needed.
• We encourage leaving toys, electronics, and valuables at home unless it’s requested.
• If an item is lost, let the camp know and we will try to find it for you!

Behavior Expectations

• Campers are expected to treat peers and faculty with respect.
• We work hard to create a positive and inclusive space, so bullying, harassment, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated.
• We will keep you updated if any behavior concerns arise, and we’ll work together to support your child.

Staying Connected

• We will share updates and reminders through email, so make sure to keep your contact information updated.
• To keep activities running smoothly, we ask that parents/guardians check in with staff before entering program areas.

Wrightwood Park Permission

• If the weather permits, we enjoy taking the kids out to Wrightwood Park once in a while.
• Campers will not be permitted to visit the park without a consent form on file.
• Campers must follow safety guidelines, and we’ll always keep you informed about where they’re going.

Emergencies & Contacting You

• If your child becomes ill, injured, or communicates serious distress, we’ll reach out right away.
• If we can’t reach you, we’ll contact the numbers on file

Payments & Policies

• For refunds, follow our cancellation policy. Fees may apply.

Photos & Memories

• We love capturing fun camp moments!
• If you prefer your child not being photographed, just let us know.

🎬  STUDENT RATINGS GUIDELINES

What Kind of Movies Can We Make?

Ages 5–7 — G Rating

• Keep it fun, friendly, and silly
• No real weapons or scary stuff
• Problems get solved safely and kindly
• Think: Pixar-style adventures

Ages 8–12 — PG Rating

• You can add mystery, adventure, or light danger
• No blood or gross stuff
• No real-looking weapons
• Stunts must be safe, fake, and approved
• Think: Harry Potter, Spider-Verse energy 

Ages 14–17 — PG-13 Rating

• You can explore deeper themes
• No graphic injury
• No hate speech
• No sexual content
• Emotionally intense topics require a content warning and teacher approval
• Think: meaningful movies, not shock-value movies

🎬  STUDENT CAMP POLICY (Our Golden Rules)

• Tell meaningful stories, not harmful stories.
• Please keep your hands to yourself. Always make sure you have someone’s consent before any physical contact.
• Respect each other, teachers, staff, and yourself!
• Keep each other safe on camera and off.
• If something feels too intense, you can step out.
• Please be patient. If anything bothers you, please tell us so we can help!

🎬 CAMP PROTOCOL & POLICY

In order to establish a safe and efficient camp program, there will be a set list of critical rules before, during, and at the end of camp hours. Dismissal time varies according to each camp.

Before Camp Hours (8:30AM – 8:59AM):

1. Make sure to clock in when you arrive!
   
2. Each student entering the building must be signed in with an authorized parent/guardian with one of the camp directors.
   
3. Each student must wait in the lobby until requested otherwise.
   
4. Late arrivals will be handled by camp directors. Teachers will be notified.
   
5. Equipment will not be accessible to participants prior to the start of camp unless given permission from teachers.
   
6. Designate your workspace and set up stations as needed before camp starts.

During Camp Hours (9AM – 2:29PM):

1. The front entrance must be locked all day until 30 minutes before dismissal (3PM).
   
2. No adult instructor/staff member may be alone, one-on-one, with a student at any time. You need to make sure there are either at least two adults or two students in the space at all times. If an unusual situation arises please contact Colleen and/or Brandon immediately.
   
3. Students aren’t allowed upstairs or in the basement without a teacher’s supervision or permission.
   
4. Instructors and staff must maintain a favorable attitude towards parents, students, and fellow faculty. Respect others and maintain your professionalism.
   
5. During lunch time, students must share space in the lobby and stay in sight of teachers or camp directors.
6. Students are not permitted behind the snack counter, ticket booth, or inside offices. They are not allowed to have soda either.
7. Students are allowed to chill in the lobby during snack time. Make sure there is staff present to supervise.
8. Make sure students are cleaning up after themselves to the best of their ability. Speak up and gently remind them!
9. During visits to Wrightwood Park, keep an eye on the students and maintain area limits. Two adults minimum are required to be present.

End Camp Hours (2:30PM – 3PM):

1. 1. Begin to clean up your work stations. If there is a FACETS event in the evening, put equipment away in the equipment closet or staff room upstairs.
   2. Encourage students to wrap up their work and help clean!
   3. Remind students to gather their belongings.
   4. Camp directors will check in with parents and guardians at pickup and make sure each child is signed out safely.
   5. Debrief with camp directors for a few minutes.
   6. Clock out!

CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund available up to 8 weeks before the program start date less a $50 fee.

No Cancellations unless there is a wait list and someone from the waitlist can fill the spot, in which case a refund is provided less a $50 fee.

Campers may switch sessions, if space is available, for a $25 admin fee.

FACETS reserves the right to cancel a session and will provide a full refund if that happens.