Outside The Lens Youth Media Arts Programs

Outside The Lens Youth Media Arts Programs offers Summer Camps, Teen Media Arts Studio, Teen & Transitional Age Youth Programs, and Leadership Through the Lens. Summer Camps include media arts summer camps with equipment and snacks provided, and Teen Media Arts Studio includes photography, video, podcasting, design, and other areas of media arts. Community Media Arts Workshops are hands-on and are open to families, teens, and adults.

Programs

• Summer Camps — K–8 · Media arts summer camps in San Diego; equipment and snacks are provided; limited space is available.
• Teen & Transitional Age Youth Programs — 18-25 · Specialized programming for teens and Transitional Age Youth.
• Teen Media Arts Studio — Teens · Designed for San Diego teens; explores photography, video, podcasting, design, and other areas of media arts.
• Leadership Through the Lens — Students · A pre-college credit program in partnership with UCSD Extension.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old

About the provider

Outside The Lens has been operating since 2001. Its programs meet California’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) learning standards, National Core Arts Standards, and core curriculum requirements. The organization partners with the community, local organizations, and schools, and it collaborates with schools and school districts to bring media arts programs directly to participants.

• Educator Trainings — Arts-integration teacher training for individual educators, grade level teams, schools, or districts.
• Community Media Arts Workshops — Weekend and evening · Hands-on workshops open to families, teens, and adults.

Limited space is available, register today to reserve your spot. 10% sibling and military discount available. Need-based scholarships are mentioned. Refunds are allowed within 5 days of registration with a 10% processing fee. OTL may cancel classes due to low enrollment, with full reimbursement issued. OTL is not responsible for refunds or makeup sessions for camps missed because of illness, emergencies, or events beyond its control.

What families say

“I want to continue to become a better photographer, but I also want to be a mentor to kids like me, who could really benefit from OTL programs. I know it will always be a place where you will be encouraged to express your creativity.” — Asukulu

“Photography brings out emotions and starts conversations that are the pathways to positive change.” — Eleanor Taylor, Media Makers Intern

Last updated September 14, 2026.