Ripley County Viewed in the Lens of Campers From A Summer of STREAM
Campers and Volunteers pose for a group photo at Capability Farms
RIPLEY COUNTY, INDIANA, June 9, 2025 – Genesis: Pathways to Success began its A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) programming last week with Photography in Nature Camp. Fourteen students from schools across Southeastern Indiana enjoyed two days surrounded in nature at the Versailles State Park and Capability Farms in Versailles, learning and practicing the inside scope of the photography trade.
Through local photographers and volunteers, students participated in a class-structured session, learning the ins and outs of cameras. They received insights on camera settings, how to capture specific images, and the difference between free-lance and in-house photography. In addition to the class-structured sessions, students learned to be flexible with photography in different weather conditions. Campers then took these unique photographs and used Photoshop techniques to perfect the image.
On the first day of camp, students learned the basics of photography through Carson Hughes Photography and how he grew to love photography. Campers then went to the Versailles State Park, where they learned to be flexible with rain when taking pictures and used the rain to their advantage. The second day of camp students were bussed to Capability Farms, where they took photos of nature and hiked through trails to get the perfect pictures. They ended their days at Southeastern Career Center, where they learned and practiced using Photoshop and a few tools like contrast and cropping. Evan Pike, incoming 5th grader at St. Mary’s Catholic School, stated, “My favorite part of camp was taking pictures because it’s not something I do often and it made me notice the small details about our world.”
Additionally, students learned the importance of passion and positivity. The definition of passion was graciously shown through Mandy Hughes, Carson Hughes mother. She stated, “I am so very thankful to be a part of the Photography in Nature Camp for the last two years. It is so near and dear to my heart as Carson was supposed to help teach at it in 2024. I’m grateful to be able to share his journey through photography with the campers in hopes to inspire them to find their passion and pursue it.” Encouraging students to find their passion creates positive change in a community, and the world.
Genesis: Pathways to Success would like to thank Versailles State Park and Capability Farms for allowing us to host camp at their facilities. We would also like to thank our amazing volunteers Bill Riley, Jim Waldo, Katie Sparks, Taylor Peterson, and Mandy Hughes for dedicating their time to help foster a creative outlet for these students. We would like to thank the Southeastern Career Center for allowing us to use their space for teaching our campers Photoshop. Lastly, we would like to thank Carson Hughes Photography for carrying on the legacy of Carson and for helping support the sustainability of Photography in Nature Camp.
If you would like to learn additional information about this summer camp, please visit www.genesisp2s.org. If you have questions regarding A Summer of STREAM, please contact the Genesis: Pathways to Success Office by emailing info@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, or visiting 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006.
