west palm beach, usa
100CAMERAS X WEST PALM BEACH PARKS & RECREATION
100cameras X WPB Parks & Recreation is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to equip passionate creatives with the tools to empower youth in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
100cameras X WPB Parks & Recreation took place in West Palm Beach, USA, in partnership with West Palm Beach Parks & Recreation, an organization dedicated to providing inclusive, educational, and recreational services to the community. The department manages a variety of programs at local community centers, including youth sports leagues like soccer and basketball, out-of-school activities, and recreational arts and crafts workshops. These programs serve residents of all ages and backgrounds, aiming to foster positive social interactions, community engagement, and personal development.
During a time when West Palm Beach is rapidly changing, this partnership provided the 100cameras program as a space for local youth to process their stories, express their emotions, and share the community narratives they want to tell and see centered and uplifted. The program brings together youth from three local community centers, meeting weekly during the summer to explore the powerful combination of photography and storytelling. The students worked through the curriculum that encouraged them to reflect on their lives, emotions, and experiences, using photography as a form of communication.
“Watching the process unfold in each of the students, especially the core group, was incredibly fulfilling. Seeing them feel safe enough to share their thoughts, whether through images or words, was a highlight of the program.”
“This program has been a truly rewarding experience. The students have been engaging, talkative, and respectful, making for a dynamic classroom atmosphere… when the students did engage with the cameras, they were fully present and invested in the process,” reflects Christine Wexler, the program teacher. “The beauty of this class has been in the conversations and the way each student has expanded their ability to communicate their thoughts, whether through words or images. The students’ participation in the ‘Range of Feelings’ lesson was especially moving. The group shared thoughtful and profound responses to the images presented by 100cameras photographers from around the world.”
“The beauty of this class has been in the conversations and the way each student has expanded their ability to communicate their thoughts, whether through words or images.”
One standout moment in the program was the “Mind Map” lesson, which allowed participants to reflect on their past, present, and future. Christine describes how Nicolle, a student, immediately opened up to share her map of her journey, including her experience of leaving Venezuela and starting over in the U.S. “The intimacy of the group allowed for deep connections and for everyone to share, including myself,” Christine explains.
Through this program, students honed their photography skills and gained confidence in their ability to express themselves, whether verbally or visually. It provided a safe, supportive environment where their voices were heard, fostering a sense of community and self-expression.
SPECIAL CLASSROOM VISIT FROM THE MAYOR
““The Major was very impressed by the wonderful pictures taken by the children in our community. An awards ceremony was held in Howard Park to acknowledge their hard work. We are so inspired by our young photographers!”
MEET THE STUDENTS
“Watching them open up and share their stories, especially without words, was a testament to the impact of the program.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADER
Christine Wexler is a local photographer, documentary filmmaker, and social impact producer with a background in the fine arts. She has a passion for art and love of the outdoors, and it is through the arts that she strives to create awareness and long lasting social impact of change.
STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY
Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X WPB Parks & Recreation team and the student photographers.