Re: Recommendations on hardware, software, & equipment for video youth group?

I teach at a local Career Technology center (http://www.francistuttle.com). Primarily adults in short term classes. I have a Premiere CS3 class starting June 9...25 hours. I also teach Photoshop Elements...18 hours and a 3 hour "Understanding Digital Photos" class. I also occasionally teach a Premiere Elements class...18hours.
I use a Sony FX-1.
I have no Mac experience, but your approach will give the students a real taste of video production.