Term 3: Lights, Camera, Action: CBS Music Video Awards!

Today we will be talking about the Music Video Awards, one of the most unique and celebrated traditions for kids at Camp Balcones Springs!

Every summer, during Term 3 (our three-week session) only, we celebrate the CBS Music Video Awards, or MVAs. During the three weeks of summer camp, boys and girls work with their cabin mates and counselors to develop an idea for a music video they will script, direct, and film to be edited by our outstanding camp media team. Campers work with their cabinmates and counselors to choose a song, develop a concept and narrative structure, write a script, plan costumes and direction, and even fill out a storyboard sheet to be delivered to the talented camera staff who will be shooting with them. Each cabin has a dedicated shooting time scheduled in the second week of camp during which they film the footage needed for their video. Then, our media team works long hours to edit the footage together, following the instructions and creative vision provided by each cabin. Once all the videos are ready, our full-time staff has a private viewing session where we decide which films should receive accolades for their accomplishments – be that creativity, teamwork, humor, or simply editor’s choice.

After the selections have been made (but before they are revealed!), kids and counselors gather together for our own version of the Oscars – a true red carpet event! Boys and girls don their finest apparel – tuxes, suits, ball gowns, and the like – and are picked up by our special camp bus limo services to be dropped off at our very own CBS red carpet where they sign autographs and are interviewed by our on-the-ground reporters. Then, everyone gathers in the Rio Grande Dining Hall for the main event – the Music Video Awards ceremony! Campers are entertained by our lovely staff hosts as they watch everyone’s video by cabin group. We then announce awards for Best Boys and Girls videos, Funniest Videos, Editor’s Choice, and Best Overall Videos. Kids are often so proud of their accomplishments and will come back the following year determined to deliver yet another hit video – much like how esteemed directors are dedicated to making hit after hit!

This year’s glamorous night started off with VIP door-to-door transportation from campers’ cabins to the Red Carpet. Then, our VIP campers strutted the red carpet as they were bombarded by paparazzi and fans asking for autographs. After enjoying some specialty mocktails served by Ross Cabin, including concoctions like the Rossarita (a slushy tangy, mango virgin margarita) and appetizers served by Angelina Cabin, campers made their way to the Grid Iron for a lovely buffet dinner. The night’s meal was the fan-favorite chicken with lemon caper sauce, buttery green beans, linguini, and croissants. After dinner, campers filed over to the Rio Grande for the awards ceremony and a viewing of every cabin’s video. Never has camp felt so cinematic and magical – one may have even expected to see the Hollywood sign cresting over the glow of Lake Ted.