Replying to Getting started on filming and photography

Hey guys, I'm currently a junior in high school living in Salt Lake. I'm looking for tips on how to start filming as some of my friends throw down and I'd be stoked to get some of it on film. My school doesn't have any film classes (don't know if any do) and coming into next year it's too late to take photography to get a sense of lighting and stuff. I've been searching for some courses I could take in the area and have only come up with spy hop productions but I'm turning 17 next year and all of their courses seem to be 16 and under. Would buying a camera and just trying stuff out be the way to go or how can i go about this? Looking for any suggestions as to where to start and all input is appreciated! Thanks