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Proud to be a Cape Carousel teacher

March 22, 2018

I’ve always enjoyed sharing my love of photography with others. For years, I taught classes in the Seaford Adult Education program, which included learning darkroom techniques.
When there came a chance to teach young students in the Cape Carousel after-school program, I jumped at the chance. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
I’m always amazed how quickly the students – fourth through eighth graders – pick things up.
With basic instruction we are out and about taking pictures.
I learned early on that talking too much didn’t cut it. I started out with handouts, teaching about the history of photography and really delving into the details. That didn’t last long.
After one or two sessions, I adopted the format I use today. When the weather is decent, we are outside.
We were fortunate to get a donation of cameras from the Coastal Camera Club to keep us up to date with decent cameras for students to use.
I try to get students to learn how to use their camera, look at things in a different way, use the light to their advantage and follow a few simple basics. The rest is up to them.
In its 20th year, more then 8,500 students have participated in more than 750 courses. Most students are grades 4-6.
Cape Carousel is a wonderful program that offers student enrichment classes each week during three six- or seven-week sessions. Up to 40 classes are offered each year covering everything from crafting to performing; cooking to art; and history to science.
At the end of each session, students showcase their work. The community is invited to attend at the end of Session 1 and parents are invited at the end of the other two sessions. I think parents are also amazed what they see during our photo shows.
I hope the program continues for a long, long time because it not only gives students a chance to broaden their horizons, it also provides an opportunity for students to get a great boost in self-esteem.
I’m impressed with other teachers and especially with coordinators Dana Long and Lyn Buck who really care about the students’ success. One of those teachers, Suzanne Thurman of the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, has been with the program almost since the beginning.
Even on a bad day, I look forward to my Wednesday classes.
Cape Carousel is looking for donations. Go to https://www.capehenlopenschools.com/Page/3031 for more information.

  • Ron MacArthur has lived and worked in Sussex County all his life. As a journalist for nearly 50 years, he has covered everything from county and town meetings to presidential visits. He also has a unique perspective having served as an elected official and lived on both sides of the county.

    Contact Ron at ronm@capegazette.com

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