We know that by making things and collaborating, kids acquire the strength,confidence and knowledge that they can do and accomplish anything they want to. Whether building something spectacular, swimming, hiking, playing ball, telling stories, or learning something new, we do it with a commitment to collaboration, craft,curiosity, openness and sense of place.



Every summer, campers produce and enjoy the spectacular Beam Project,a large-scale endeavor designed by a notable artist, architect or big thinker.Campers also learn and make things in the Beam Domains: unique, in-depth, hands-on explorations in the arts, sciences, athletic or cultural fields taught by the Beam Staff and Visiting Masters.





One century after the first science fiction movie, George Melies’ A Trip to the Moon, was projected in theaters,Beam Camp makes history with a fully solar-powered remake—A Trip to the Sun, a classic re-imagined for our changing planet.



In collaboration with video artist Daniela Kostova and film writer/ director Mike De Seve, we’ll tell the story of a journey to the sun, powered by the sun; a Science Fiction film with emphasis on the Science with special effects, sets, lighting, costuming,acting, and blue-screen work.



What does solar power have to do with movie making? Everything.Before the invention a few decades ago of powerful movie lights, there was only one way to make movies: bright sunlight. All interiors and exterior sets had to be built outdoors and lit entirely by the sun. The earliest American studios, set in the Northeast,all worked this way. And when demand for movies exploded early in the century, the pioneers of the “biz” trekked west where there was enough solar power to meet the demand. The result? Hollywood, California.



Now America is rethinking its energy use like never before. What better time to re-examine the key technology that launched the movies, and see if we on the East Coast can’t give those West Coast upstarts a run for their money—and do it green to boot?



A Trip to the Sun will use solar power for almost every single part of making and showing the movie. We’ll constuct a blue screen shooting stage lit

entirely by the sun—built on a rotating platform that lets it turn to follow the sun’s journey across the sky.