Summer school isn’t always about math problems and essays. Adventures in Learning, the Winnetka school district’s summer camp, showed just how creative students can be with a digital photography exhibit titled "A New Perspective," on July 20.

Students eagerly pointed out to their parents which photos were their contribution to the display from the five-week course, which is among a variety of activities for the program's participating pre-kindergarteners through eighth graders.

Earlier: Photo gallery from Glencoe Public Library poetry reading.

“The best part of the course this that now kids are excited to walk around with their cameras,” photography teacher Judith Campbell said. “Because it’s digital, kids were encouraged to take around 80 shots a day.”

After children sifted through their photographs, they learned to edit them using Apple's iPhoto software.

“These kids really see things differently. They’re attracted to nature and things we don’t normally expect them to be so interesting,” Campbell said.

A particularly interesting shot featured a half empty plastic water bottle with condensation inside. The item was found in the middle of a field.

The exhibit was coupled with a meet-and-greet session for the Winnetka Public Schools District 36’s new superintendent, Thomas Hagerman.

“It has been exciting to work with the Adventures programs. There are such great classes and talented teachers here this summer,” Hagerman said about the exhibit.

“The photos are just amazing. There’s a level of sophistication in the photos," he added. "These kids are really drawn to color and great at editing.”

The Adventures in Learning program started at the Crow Island school more than 50 years ago, and has expanded to include more than 85 different classes for District 36 students. This year, it ran from June 20 to July 22 with a record enrollment of more than 500 students. The photo class is taught four periods a day and is one of the most popular programs, according to Marcia Sutter of District 36's communication and community relations office.

“It’s been a great way to introduce myself to the district. I meet the students here and their parents when they come to pick their kids up,” Hagerman said.

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