Bueno Kids: Hear From the Director

Growing up, my parents were well known among my circle of friends for always having a camera and taking pictures of my sisters and I. It didn’t matter how minor the occasion, everyone knew that my dad would be there with his video camera and my mom with her film camera. I’m so grateful that we have so many memories captured on film. It’s this love of photography that my parents ingrained in me and that I hope to instill in children that participate in the Shoot With Cameras – Not Guns® program.
2008 marks the 10-year anniversary of Shoot With Cameras – Not Guns. As the creator of this program, little did I know 10 years ago what a personally and professionally rewarding experience the program would be for me. Professionally, I have been fortunate enough to share the program’s success around the world. More importantly, personally I have been touched by the hundreds of children who have completed the program. These children have shared their lives with me through their photographs and personal stories and have given other adults in their lives a snapshot of what they are thinking and feeling about their lives. One student that stands out to me was from Wilmington, CA and unfortunately had experienced the loss of his brother, who was murdered as a result of gang violence. Still dealing with the impact of this loss, the school psychologist recommended that he participate in the program. At that point, he was still unable to verbally express his feelings about his loss, but the image he took of the location where his brother was murdered, needed no words. That child impacted me, because he was given an opportunity to express himself in a way that felt safe to him and his parents were grateful for the creative outlet he was given.
I am excited to announce that this year Bueno Kids, LLC will introduce the Shoot With Cameras – Not Guns program curriculum training for teachers and program staff. The curriculum is designed for use with children ages 9-11. Schools and organizations interested in purchasing the curriculum and training can contact Bueno Kids at info@buenokids.com. College students interested in being trained can also contact Bueno Kids to be notified if there is a school/organization looking for program staff to implement the program.

Alina Bueno Nadsady, Founder and Director | Bueno Kids

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