Fine Arts Camp Meets With ‘The Chosen’
In partnership with the creators of “The Chosen,” the third annual Camp Hoblitzelle Fine Arts Camp (CHFA) took place at The Salvation Army’s camp in Midlothian, Texas from July 21-31, welcoming more than 100 budding actors and filmmakers from across the country and beyond.
“At Camp Hoblitzelle, our vision and mission are to create experiences that transform lives,” says Casey Bilbrey, director of operations for Camp Hoblitzelle. “I believe CHFA is something that absolutely does.”
Young people ages 13-25 enjoyed ten days fully immersed in both film and theater tracks, providing unique and behind-the-scenes access to filmmaking, sound design, editing, acting, musical theater, and more, all under the guidance of industry professionals and crew from “The Chosen.” Throughout this transformational experience, students trained in a positive, professional, and Christ-centered atmosphere.
“It was really cool getting to work with real equipment for the first time and learn alongside actual professionals,” said Abigail, a theater major from North Carolina. “I could ask questions to working actors who are pretty well-known.”
“I’m a shy person and was nervous about coming to CHFA this week,” said Emory, a theater major from Winchester, Virginia. “I made some great new friends, and the opportunity to work alongside ‘The Chosen’ was amazing.”
Camp Hoblitzelle staff created CHFA in response to The Salvation Army’s partnership with “The Chosen” and Out of Order Studios as a chance to provide a unique opportunity to tap into the talent coming to this location. Many members of the cast and crew donated their time to teach young people their craft and how to live out their faith through theater and film.
“CHFA is a place where passion meets opportunity,” Bilbrey says. “Passion can be found in many places, but sometimes opportunity and mentorship are difficult to find for students. We are very blessed that we can give students opportunities on actual film sets and sound stages. It is unique, and we can provide a safe environment connected to a loving God and be intentional about surrounding students with industry professionals who are worthy mentors.”
2024 marked the first time CHFA included college-age students. Bilbrey indicates future partnerships are being discussed with universities, only fueling the growth of fruitful relationships. Eighteen Salvationist delegates attended CHFA in 2024, and Salvation Army officers provided spiritual leadership throughout the week.
“This is something I would have absolutely loved as a teenager or young adult,” said Katelyn Ljungholm, program coordinator for Camp Hoblitzelle. “It’s a safe space, but you’re also creating a network and finding opportunities that you can’t get anywhere else. We had some college students tell us that they learned more in ten days than they had in film schools.”
James, a film major from Houston, summed up his CHFA experience by saying, “Being on a live set and working with actual actors and crew was really inspiring. I’m excited to grow my faith and passion for film together, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity.”
A highlight of the week was a backstage tour and a chance to witness a key scene of “The Chosen” being filmed. Dallas Jenkins, creator and director of the project, encouraged the students on the set visit.
“This is the first step, watching and observing,” Jenkins said. “If you put your all into it, you really are curious and really are seeking to understand, seeking to learn and not thinking that you’re smarter than everyone else, you really do have a chance. I’m so glad you guys are here.”
The week culminated in a live production combining several film segments with musical theater numbers, giving everyone a chance to perform for each other and for visiting family and friends.
“We refer to our students as world changers, and we believe once you connect them with mentors to share these skills, that is where the transformation and change can begin in a student’s life,” said Bilbrey. “That is the idea behind CHFA, and we’re excited about where it is going in the future.”
CHFA will return in 2025, so make your plans now!
