By the Future Storytellers’ Academy Student Storytellers
Future Storytellers’ Academy, powered by CultureVate and based in La Plata, Maryland, is a youth media and storytelling program for students in grades 5-12. Through hands-on instruction in podcasting, video production, journalism and public speaking, FSA students learn to own their voice and build the skills to shape their future — one story at a time.
Throughout the week, our group learned a lot about each other and about what storytelling really is. We had a lot of fun here at FSA. Here is a recap of our week in a nutshell.
On Monday, we learned to express ourselves through story. We began developing a story of self and shared our thoughts to get to know each other better. We came to understand what digital storytelling is, and we explored different formats of storytelling — video, writing and podcasting. Understanding these formats and breaking down what storytelling really is helped us comprehend what storytelling is really about.
On Tuesday, we learned what makes us unique and why our stories are all unique. Everyone has a different story, and everyone’s story is what makes them who they are. We learned to identify the experiences that shaped us. All memories, good or bad, shape us in some way, and identifying those key memories can help you understand how they shaped your life.
On Wednesday, we learned how stories are researched and structured. We learned that stories are built over time through experience, and how to identify what is newsworthy and what is not. We learned how to be considerate of what people want to see and what’s important, and how to balance the two.
On Thursday, we learned how to interview people and how to conduct a thoughtful yet structured interview. We learned how to ask strong, open-ended questions, and how to be sensitive and open-minded during interviews. We learned how to record and capture audio, and we learned to be confident on camera and to have a camera presence. We learned a lot here, and everything we were taught will stay with us.
Editor’s Note: During our podcast recording, the original audio file was corrupted. Therefore these determined and resilient storytellers’ held a retaping of the podcast. Here’s more about the podcast:
The ‘School Detectives’ podcast
During our time at camp, we worked as a team to create a podcast called “School Detectives,” which serves as a document of our week here. This podcast was made to answer questions about school and why certain systems are put in place. We answered questions about school lunch, school budgets, teacher favorites and bullying. Our goal is to bring these topics to light while keeping the conversation approachable and lighthearted. Through open discussion, we talked about our own experiences at school and the challenges students may face.
At Future Storytellers’ Academy, we learned the fundamentals of journalism, storytelling, videography and photography. We also learned essential skills like social interaction and problem solving — and we took everything we learned and put it in front of a camera to show others.
Kym said, “I enjoyed being on-camera, and it was such a fun experience talking about school mysteries. It was just like a regular conversation.”
John said, “Stories are reflections of your life. Telling them is self-expression.”
Zakira said, “I learned that storytelling isn’t just about writing books or telling stories — it’s way more. I learned that stories can be used in different ways, like simply telling your parents how your day was at school.”
Daniyah said, “Read like a detective, but write like a reporter — that’s the meaning behind our team name, School Detectives.”
Christian said, “This camp was a memory we will remember.”
By Zakira Smaw and Christian Jacques
Future Storytellers’ Academy (FSA), powered by CultureVate and based in La Plata, Maryland, is a youth media and storytelling program for students in grades 5–12. Through hands-on instruction in podcasting, video production, journalism, and public speaking, FSA students learn to own their voice and build the skills to shape their future — one story at a time.
Throughout the week, our group learned a lot about each other and about what storytelling really is. We had a lot of fun here at FSA. Here is a recap of our week in a nutshell.
On Monday, we learned to express ourselves through story. We began developing a story of self and shared our thoughts to get to know each other better. We came to understand what digital storytelling is, and we explored different formats of storytelling — video, writing, and podcasting. Understanding these formats and breaking down what storytelling really is helped us comprehend what storytelling is really about.
On Tuesday, we learned what makes us unique and why our stories are all unique. Everyone has a different story, and everyone’s story is what makes them who they are. We learned to identify the experiences that shaped us. All memories, good or bad, shape us in some way, and identifying those key memories can help you understand how they shaped your life.
On Wednesday, we learned how stories are researched and structured. We learned that stories are built over time through experience, and how to identify what is newsworthy and what is not. We learned how to be considerate of what people want to see and what’s important, and how to balance the two.
On Thursday, we learned how to interview people and how to conduct a thoughtful yet structured interview. We learned how to ask strong, open-ended questions, and how to be sensitive and open-minded during interviews. We learned how to record and capture audio, and we learned to be confident on camera and to have a camera presence. We learned a lot here, and everything we were taught will stay with us.
The “School Detectives” Podcast
During our time at camp, we worked as a team to create a podcast called School Detectives, which serves as a document of our week here. This podcast was made to answer questions about school and why certain systems are put in place. We answered questions about school lunch, school budgets, teacher favorites, and bullying. Our goal is to bring these topics to light while keeping the conversation approachable and lighthearted. Through open discussion, we talked about our own experiences at school and the challenges students may face.
At Future Storytellers’ Academy, we learned the fundamentals of journalism, storytelling, videography, and photography. We also learned essential skills like social interaction and problem solving — and we took everything we learned and put it in front of a camera to show others.
Kym said, “I enjoyed being on-camera, and it was such a fun experience talking about school mysteries. It was just like a regular conversation.”
John said, “Stories are reflections of your life. Telling them is self-expression.”
Zakira said, “I learned that storytelling isn’t just about writing books or telling stories — it’s way more. I learned that stories can be used in different ways, like simply telling your parents how your day was at school.”
Daniyah said, “Read like a detective, but write like a reporter — that’s the meaning behind our team name, School Detectives.”
Christian said, “This camp was a memory we will remember.”
View the full podcast here:
For more information on how to become a community contributor to the Charles County Journal and provide stories on local community resources, events, and more learn more.
