Camera club visits historic Kump Center
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The Buckhannon-Upshur Camera Club is welcomed to the Kump Center during its recent visit. The club members took photos on the property and learned about the history of the home.
ELKINS -- The Buckhannon-Upshur Camera Club recently visited the historic Kump Center for a tour and a photograph session at the historic house.
Every four to six weeks a member of the Camera Club takes a turn at setting up an excursion for the group. Member Sandra Miller set up the Kump Center visit.
"Heather (Biola) was a great host and gave us a really informative tour of the Kump House," said Miller, who has been a member of the club for 15 years. "Almost everybody in the club knew nothing about the history of Gov. (Herman Guy) Kump and how interesting it was to be living in that depression era.
"A lot of original stuff is still there including some of the photos on the wall. There were a lot of interesting things there for us to both photograph, and learn about."
The group has taken trips all over the Mountain State for its excursions, and has even ventured outside of the state several times.
"We've gone as far as the Great Smoky Mountains as a group," Miller said. "But most of our trips are in the state of West Virginia. We like going to some place where we can learn something while taking some pictures."
The group, which currently has close to 30 members, also gives back to the community by sponsoring photo contests during the Maple Syrup and Strawberry Festivals. They also take free senior school photos for those who can not afford to purchase them and have visited 4-H camps to help with students' photography projects.
"We do what we can to help others using our photography," said Miller. "It's nice to be able to lend a hand when we can."
Miller said the group regularly hosts professional and amateur photographers to share their knowledge and anything new that is happening with photography.
"We have people come in just about every month and give us a little presentation," she said. "We do that so that we can learn more about photography."
The club accepts new members of any age and any skill level.
"We have had kids as young as middle school in the group and when it comes to equipment, we actually have a couple members who use their cell phones," Miller said. "We have some real skilled people in the group, and we have some beginners. Those who are more skilled are always happy to help the beginners. It works out pretty well."
Anyone interested in joining the club can call Miller at 304-406-8619 or send a message through the group's Facebook page.
The Kump Education Center is a nonprofit organization formed to carry out the wishes of Mary Gamble Kump--to promote educational purposes including improving student achievement and supporting teacher excellence.
The Kump Education Center collaborates with three local private colleges--Davis & Elkins College, West Virginia Wesleyan College and Alderson Broaddus University--and two local public school systems in Randolph and Upshur counties.