KPA 1 Week Boot Camp

2008 Kentucky Press Association
Journalism Boot Camp

A letter from David Greer

The KPA Journalism Boot Camp for entry-level editorial staffers or staffers-to-be is back. A one-week boot camp will be held July 7-11, 2008, in Frankfort. The cost will be $100 per person. It will emphasize writing and reporting skills and will be geared toward people without formal journalism training who may already work in your newsroom or would like to in the future.

KPA began its three-week Journalism Boot Camps in 2001 and those were met with great success. But a three-week commitment was difficult for smaller papers and free-lancers -- the ones most likely to benefit from the boot camp. So we reinvented the boot camp concept and changed it to a one-week event. Classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 7-11 at the Blazer Library of Kentucky State University in Frankfort. Again, the cost is just $100. The boot camp registration fee does not include meals or lodging. Click here to download a registration form.

Boot campers will be free to commute or they can stay in a motel, if needed. There are several in Frankfort from which to choose - some modestly priced.

Just as in previous years, the boot camp will feature veteran journalists as guest lecturers and we will make every attempt for the boot campers to attend at least one public meeting. There will also be writing assignments as well as a real focus on proper newspaper style. Libel law, open meetings and open records laws will also be covered. Yours truly will be the boot camp instructor. Before joining the KPA staff in early 2002, I worked several years as an editor at weekly, tri-weekly and daily papers in Kentucky and Indiana.

There will be a get-acquainted dinner for boot campers on Sunday, July 6 and a farewell luncheon at noon on July 11. Boot campers will be our guests for both meals. Otherwise, boot campers will be on their own for meals. Numerous fast food and sit-down restaurants are located nearby, in addition to grocery and drug stores, retail stores, a movie theater and other conveniences if boot campers stay in Frankfort for the week.

The class will be limited to 15 participants. Boot camp participants will spend time with writing assignments every afternoon.

If you have questions, call me at (800) 264-5721 or e-mail via dgreer@kypress.com. Again, click here to download a registration form. You can fax it to (502) 226-3867 or mail it to KPA Journalism Boot Camp, 101 Consumer Lane, Frankfort KY 40601.

David Greer
KPA Member Services Director