DERRY — Local students will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of television production this summer, thanks to a free summer camp offered by the Community Alliance for Teen Safety (CATS) in partnership with Derry Community Television.

The camp, which takes place the week of July 30 through Aug. 3 at the Derry CTV studio in the Derry Municipal Center at 14 Manning Street, is free and eligible to students entering grades seven through 11 from Derry, Chester and Hampstead.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required, according to CATS Director Sue Centner.

“Judging by the enthusiasm for our first camp held in 2010, it is recommended that anyone interested register early by going to the CATS website at www.catsnh.org or call the office at 434-5251 for a registration form,” Centner said. “A waiting list will be created and parents will need to complete a parental permission form for their child to attend.”

Students will learn all aspects of television production, including audio, lighting, hosting, cameras, producing, directing, graphic design and editing.

“The camp will conclude with an actual full-scale TV production where all the youth will assume the major roles of a real production crew,” Centner said. “The camp will end with a special presentation and reception for parents on Friday evening, Aug. 3. Lunch is provided at no cost on full instruction days.”

Professional staff for the camp will include Chris Martin, cable systems coordinator for Derry Community Television; Debbie Roy, assistant cable coordinator for Derry Community Television; Kimberley Haas, reporter and video producer for Channel 17; Sean Zajac, longtime producer and director for numerous programs at Derry TV and in other communities; and Bob Comenole, retired communications professor at University of N.Y., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Miami University.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn production skills in a state-of-the-art local television studio with highly qualified instructors and an exciting activity for summer vacation,” Centner said.

CATS was founded in 1996 after the tragic loss of Derry teens in traffic crashes within a short period of time. CATS remains committed to encouraging youth to make positive choices in their lives and to promoting a safer community for all, according to Centner.

aswift@newstote.com