TeenCamp Ireland The First
January 20th, 2009
It becomes so much more apparent that teenagers have such an online presence and far more technical skills than the generation before them when they begin organising their own events based on technology. That’s exactly what TeenCamp was all about. Organised by Enda Crowley and Alan Costello and held in Filmbase in Temple Bar, Dublin, the event was a success on all accounts, with around 30 people, a significant number of which were in their teens.
Unfortunately it was a very last minute decision for me to go, but get there I did, at 4.30pm. Disappointingly, I missed the pizzas. I met with Darragh and Ben, then was introduced to Ireland’s second youngest blogger (after Rebecca), with mum; Girls Thoughts, with her newly constructed blog.
Before the second half of the day kicked off I met spotted Alexia and Klara before meeting, at long last, the infamous Tommy, as he flicked through the photos on Ben‘s phone, Ben watching nervously before deciding there were definitely photos there that aren’t for his eyes.
Unfortunately, I did miss most of the talks, including Tommy’s about his über-tech family, although video footage quickly made its way onto YouTube:
I had been led to believe that I wouldn’t have to get onto the stage – but, of course… “Iced Coffee” shouted Damien to Alan, stage left (or is it right), who was bringing up the twitter pages of everyone as they got on stage. I saw him typing.
I grabbed the mic and in my usual nervous manner said, “Hi, I’m Phil, photographer, blogger and twitter…er.”
Yeah that was pretty much it. I probably would have introduced myself at an alcoholics anonymous meeting in the very same tone. To a vague sound of clapping from the back, I retreated to my seat. Something to work on. By next year I will totally have it down – I will know exactly what I’m all about, even if it’s still very unclear to everyone else. Photography, opinion, community, but put a few more words in there somewhere.
But it wasn’t about me, but those darned teenagers. I don’t feel it’s been that many years since I was a teenager myself, though even when I was, and spent all my time online, I didn’t know half of what some of these kids can do – and still don’t.
The greatest talk of the day – the greatest powerpoint presentation I’ve ever witnessed – was titled How Technology Hooks You Up, by the Internet’s Ben Kenealy; comic genius of our time:
The first TeenCamp in Ireland (the world?) was a great success (Irish Times coverage) for these young people, some who are currently competing with the adults through their knowledge and love of technology. Congrats to those who made it happen, and here’s to many more. Oh and thanks for the xbox!!
