TECH CLUB MEMBERSHIP

A community-centered membership giving Winnebago youth access to film, media, and tech equipment—while teaching responsibility, storytelling, and creative leadership.


Join Tech Club

Explorer Membership (Entry Level)

Best for beginners

  • Access to:

    • Basic equipment (tripods, ring lights, entry-level cameras, audio kits)

  • Must complete:

    • Intro workshop (equipment basics + care)

  • Booking:

    • Up to 2 checkouts/month (24–48 hrs each)

  • Cost:

    • Free; but must complete 1.5 hours of community service.

Creator Membership (Intermediate)

For active youth creators

  • Access to:

    • Mid-tier gear (DSLRs, lighting kits, microphones, editing stations)

  • Includes:

    • Skill workshops (filmmaking, editing, storytelling)

  • Booking:

    • Up to 4 checkouts/month (2–3 day use)

  • Requirements:

    • Completed Explorer level OR demonstrated experience

  • Cost:

    • Free; but must complete 1.5 hours of community service or participate in our next outreach event.

Producer Membership (Advanced)

For serious projects & youth leaders

  • Access to:

    • Full equipment library (cinema cameras, 360 cams, advanced audio, studio space)

  • Perks:

    • Priority booking

    • Ability to lead projects or mentor others

  • Booking:

    • Extended use (up to 5–7 days depending on project)

  • Requirements:

    • Application + project proposal

  • Cost:

    • Free; but must complete 3 hours of community service or participate in our next outreach event.

Our Equipment List

  • Camera’s: (2) Canon EoS R50, DJI Pocket Osmo 3, Insta 360 camera

  • Camera Lens’: 18-45 MM lens, 50 MM lens, 55-210 MM lens

  • Stabilizers: Small Rig, Smallrig Shoulder Rig Kit, tripod

  • Audio: Zoom H6 Essential Hand Recorder & Zoom f8n Pro

  • Microphones: Boom Mic, Rode Shotgun Mic Pro, Rode Wireless Pro

  • Animation: Wacom Movink Drawing Pad & Pen

  • Post-Production: (3) HP Pavillion with Intel i5-1235U, 32 GB RAM, Windows Pro

  • Photography: 10×10 ft backdrop stand, with large black or white backdrop cloths

  • Lighting: 3 point studio lighting kit

    • Online or coordinator-approved reservations

    • First come, first served (priority for higher tiers)

    • Project description required for advanced gear

  • Youth must:

    • Sign responsibility agreement

    • Attend equipment orientation

    • Return gear on time + in good condition

  • Instead of strict fees:

    • Pay with:

      • Community service hours OR

      • Participation in workshops/outreach events

Tech Club Requirements

  • Camera Basics

    Interested in taking a dive into the basics of filmmaking?

    Learn how to properly use cameras, audio, and lighting equipment by taking this camera basics workshop

    Schedule Time

  • Creative Storytelling

    Want to take your camera skills to the next level? Filmmaking is more than “just recording”, if you want to captivate your audience.

    Explore how to plan, shoot, and share meaningful stories

    Schedule Time

  • Safety & Consent

    It’s always important to ask for permission to film or photograph cultural events.

    Understand how to film responsibly, ask permission, and respect others

    Schedule Time

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The program is open to Winnebago community youth, typically ages 14–18 (or adjust based on your program). No prior experience is needed—just an interest in learning and creating.

  • Not at all. Beginners are welcome. Everyone starts by completing our required training in camera basics, creative storytelling, and safety & consent.

  • Training is hands-on, interactive, and designed for real-world use. You’ll learn:

    • How to use cameras and audio equipment

    • How to tell meaningful stories

    • How to film respectfully and safely

    Think of it as your “creator certification” before accessing gear.

  • This depends on your membership level:

    • Explorer: 1–2 days

    • Creator: 2–3 days

    • Producer: Up to 5–7 days (for approved projects)

  • This is a core part of the program. Youth learn:

    • How to ask permission before filming others

    • How to respect people’s stories and boundaries

    • How to represent the community in a positive way

    This helps build trust and professionalism.

  • Yes! You’re encouraged to create your own films, videos, and content.
    Advanced members can also submit project proposals for larger productions.

  • Yes—members can participate in:

    • Workshops

    • Community storytelling projects

    • Event coverage

    • Youth-led productions

    • Visiting us in person

    • Attending a sign-up day

    • Filling out our online form

  • We offer flexible options to make sure everyone can participate. Membership can be covered through:

    • Community service hours

    • Participation in workshops

    • Participation in outreach events

    No one is turned away due to cost.

  • Depending on your membership level, you’ll have access to:

    • Cameras (entry-level to professional)

    • Lighting kits

    • Audio equipment

    • Editing stations

    As you gain experience, you unlock more advanced gear.

  • Once you’ve completed training:

    1. Reserve equipment in advance

    2. Get approval (if needed for advanced gear)

    3. Pick up and return equipment on time

    We’ll guide you through the process so it’s easy.

  • This depends on your membership level:

    • Explorer: 1–2 days

    • Creator: 2–3 days

    • Producer: Up to 5–7 days (for approved projects)

  • We focus on accountability, not punishment.

    • Late returns may affect future access

    • Damaged gear will involve a repair plan or support conversation

    We treat equipment as a shared community resource.

  • Yes, as long as it follows program guidelines and respects safety & consent practices.

  • Yes. A parent or guardian must sign a consent form and equipment agreement before participation.

    • Learn real media and tech skills

    • Gain hands-on experience with professional equipment

    • Build confidence and creativity

    • Share stories that matter to your community