Hunter River’s elementary school is smiling because of the cameras it will now be able to buy for its photography club, thanks to a government grant.

            

            Central Queens Elementary School is one of several recipients of the Live Well P.E.I. Wellness Grant, designed to support Island projects that promote physical and mental health.

            

            The school received $1,800 for its photography club for students in Grades 5 and 6.

            

            Most of the money will be used to buy cameras for students to use.

            

            Alyson Hume is a resource teacher at Central Queens who manages the club.

            

            Hume wants all students to feel encouraged to participate in the club regardless of whether they have a camera or not.

            

            “I want to make it accessible for everybody so that it doesn't matter whether you have the equipment or not. You're welcome to come.”

            

            A large screen will also be mounted in the school to display student work.

            

            The club started about six years ago and was put on hiatus due to COVID-19.

            

            The resource teacher has been a professional photographer since 2010 and has her own business.

            

            She wanted to enable students to explore their creativity at school.

            

            “I really enjoy it, and so I wanted to give kids an opportunity to enjoy it and be involved in that too.”

            

            About 30 students are expected to take part in this year’s club.

 

            It will consist of eight weekly sessions starting in February.

            

            Students will learn a photography technique at each session and practice that skill within the school’s property.

            

            All participants will build a portfolio of their work as they progress.

            

            The club finishes with a celebration event showcasing all students’ work for their families and school staff.

            

            “It's giving them an opportunity to look at things from a new perspective and to showcase their creative talents, and there's not always an opportunity for students to do that,” Hume said.

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            Elmer Steele enjoyed taking part in last year’s club.

            

            The Grade 6 student had fun playing around with his mother’s camera at home and jumped at the chance to take part in photography at school.

            

            He likes to take close-up shots of his subjects.

            

            “I try to think about my photos and not just kind of snapping pictures of whatever.”

             

            Steele has found the experience rewarding.

 

            He is looking forward to the club’s return and making connections with other students who enjoy also photography.

 

            He is also excited to use new camera equipment.

 

            “I think it'd be nice to give other kids opportunities to use something more professional.”

            

            Hume has reached out to families through her school’s Home and School Facebook page to buy gently used cameras.

            

            “I'll just have to see where I can get the best deal.”

            

            Hume is excited to see the impact the photography club will have on students this year.

            

            She has seen the club inspire introverted students in previous years to showcase themselves through their images.

            

            Some staff members at the school have also felt encouraged to participate.

            

            Hume said the club helps others build confidence, unleash their creativity and encourages collaboration.

            

            “I just think photography has a lot of benefits for students.”