creative writing summer camp chicago

Telling Your Truth with Dionna Griffin-Irons

When we allow ourselves to take risks, we can discover a writer's greatest creative weapon: our voice, and the power of our stories.

Creative Writing Essentials with Sarah Terez Rosenblum

Discover the elements at the heart of all good fiction and nonfiction in this eight-session introduction to creative writing. It's your first step on the path to writing the stories or essays you've always wanted to tell.

Book-Length Revision 2024 with Julia Fine

We’ll look at strategies for making revision less daunting, discuss structural logistics, and try different revision techniques with the goal of finding the right path for each project.

SINGLE SESSION

All the Feels: Writing for Emotional Impact with Kat Falls

In this workshop, we'll explore the vital role evoking emotion plays in storytelling and how to craft stories that resonate long after the reader closes the book.

Short Story in a Morning with Cyn Vargas

Welcome to the Morning Storytelling Bootcamp—by the end of our three-hour journey, you'll emerge with one or more story scenes or ideas that are ready to take on the world!

Thanks for the Memories: How to Write Flashbacks with Frances de Pontes Peebles

In this class, we will get curious about flashbacks. When should flashbacks be inserted and why? How much memory is necessary? How can we write flashbacks that propel a story rather than paralyze it?

MASTER CLASSES

PJ Seminar: A Master Class on How to Conquer Writer’s Block, Ego Need, Envy and the Other Evil Voices Inside You with Steve Almond

A class focused on the emotional struggles inherent to writing. This is a session for anyone who’s ever struggled to get going—and keep going—at the keyboard.

PJ Seminar: The Generator & the Editor: Adventures in Merging the Opposing Poles Within Every Writer with Porochista Khakpour

In this class, we will figure ways to adapt both the generator and the editor approach in writing for our lifestyle and projects, as you can carry this with you to a residency or simply make it work with any desired daily practice.

PJ Seminar: A Master Class on Building Reader Empathy through Close Point of View with Anne Ursu

Books for young readers rely on the emotional connection between reader and protagonist, and narration is crucial to forging that connection. We’ll look at ways to craft narration to create characters that linger.

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YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS

Online & In-Person for Summer 2024

More 2024 Details and Dates coming soon. Please subscribe to our Youth Newsletter to get first updates on camp information.

StoryStudio is proud to offer multiple week-long writing workshops for young scribes. With our talented instructors, young writers can expect to learn elements of writing, build friendships and community with fellow peers, and get feedback on their creative works. Check out our different sessions, a mix of online and in-person, and covering grades 5 through 12.

Early Bird pricing will end March 31, 2024

5th – 8th Graders Online

June 24 – 28, 2024 10am – 12pm CT

For 2024, we’re pleased to welcome back instructor Zac Ginsburg for this week-long creative writing camp.

Price: $ 315 Early Bird $295

9th – 12th Graders IN PERSON

July 8 – 12, 2024 9am – 12pm CT

For 2024, we’re pleased to introduce Kris Gevorgyan to the Studio for this in person high school level camp.

7th – 11th: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Online

July 22 – 26, 2024 10am – 12pm CT

Instructor Zac Ginsburg returns for this genre-specific camp for writers who want to build their own worlds.

6th – 8th: Fiction IN PERSON

July 22 – 26, 2024 9am – 12pm CT

Instructor Denise Santomauro returns for this genre-specific camp for in person camp for middle-schoolers.

7th – 11th: Writing & Performing IN PERSON

June 24 – 28, 2024 9am – 12pm CT

We’re pleased to introduce Mike Zapata to the Studio for this in person writing and performance-based camp.

7th – 11th: Art & Writing IN PERSON

July 15 – 19, 2024 9am – 12pm CT

Explore your creative side by using visual arts to create short writing pieces in various genres with instructor Christina Bucaro.

StoryStudio is pleased to offer full scholarships to students who are unable to meet the tuition requirements. If your child would like to apply for a scholarship, please ask them to fill out this form.

Want to Donate?

Are you interested in donating to our Summer Camp Scholarship Fund? Help students like Amy and other young writers participate in a week full of creative writing and community building. All donations go directly to funding scholarship spots in all of our summer camps.

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Creative Writing

Program(s): immersion.

This course is nearly at capacity for students applying in the Extended round. We strongly recommend you consider at least one alternative course option for your application.

"What is education?" asks the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard: "I suppose that education was the curriculum one had to run through in order to catch up with oneself."  When we speak of "finding your voice" or "writing your story" or "mining your material," we speak of things you already possess but that take work to realize. Creative Writing is that work. 

In pushing you to write more originally and persuasively than ever before, this course asks you to slow down, to pay attention to words, sentences, logic, gaps, and also to race ahead, to test new techniques and experiments and to be receptive to new sources of inspiration.  Exercises will range from making simple lists to devising plots, from describing a random piece of grass to inventing an original creature.  Categories like fiction, poetry, and memoir will overlap and intermingle.  In this rigorous, writing- and reading-intensive course, you will be asked to write daily, both in directed exercises and personally-driven compositions, to conference one-on-one with instructors, to read widely, to edit your peers, and to compose longer submissions for the same peer edits.  After three weeks, you will know your own writing better. Students write in and out of class-time hours and complete nightly reading assignments.  Active class participation is required.

See sample syllabus here.

Remote or Residential

Course considerations, course overview, current grade / education level, class details, course code, class day(s), class duration (cst), course length, hs orientation date, primary instructor, academic interest.

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Creative Writing Workshops & Camps

Writopia Lab is a national community of teen and young writers and thinkers.

Why We Do This

Because we love authentic writing, thoughtful conversations, stunning prose, and silly madness.

Our Mission

In addition to running workshops at our labs, we work with community-based organizations, the NY Public Library, Homes for the Homeless, and public and private schools across the country.

Testimonials

"Writopia was Abey's first inclusion experience. He was embraced by the community and encouraged to submit his writing for publications and awards. Abey was very happy at Writopia and it gave us the confidence to transition from a private special education school to a NYC public high school. His highest compliment is 'This is just like Writopia.'" Michelle Noris

"Writopia online has been a miracle during the pandemic. The workshops have always been the bright spot in Hugh's week and even more so during this past year. Thank you for continuing to provide a top notch creative outlet!" Jessica Manser

Thursday is Willem’s favorite day of the week! He and several others from their D & D game just chatted with each other on roll20 the other day— love the way this group has bonded. I’m amazed and grateful to know that making friends virtually during a pandemic is totally a thing. Jennifer Robinson

"My daughter loves her class. This is huge - for years, I've been digging for her passion, her fire, and I think we just rubbed two sticks together and got some." A Proud Dad

"I just glanced at Shaylem's essay and was really happy with what you all have helped facilitate for him. I really appreciate the feedback, all of your hard work, and the organization as a whole." Liz Lawler

"Thank you all. One thing I have learned from Covid is what people and activities are really the most meaningful for my child and Writopia is top of the list. Thank you all for creating such an amazing supportive community!!!" L.P.

"I never thought I would say this, but i am soooooo happy that your classes are on Zoom so Robbie can continue to take your classes when we move!!! Thank you so much...I cannot express enough how wonderful Writopia has been for my son..." Shari

"...thanks so much for granting Amira with her first sleepaway camp experience last summer at WriCampia. Amira had an amazing time and wants to attend again this summer... She still talks about her experience at WriCampia to date and keeps in touch with the friends she met. I myself really enjoyed viewing all of the photos, her short story video and fun memories captured! Thanks so much again!" Tanisha, Writopia Parent (Winter 2019)

I absolutely recommend this class. Discussions and readings changed my thinking about how to teach writing... The classes were fun especially the writing games and exercises. I felt like a kid again. NYC DOE educator's evaluation of Writopia Lab's Training Institute

Writopia was really beneficial for students who already see themselves as writers, as it gives them the creative outlet. But it is also great for reluctant writers; they flourish in this type of environment. Teacher, PS 276 in New York City

Intro to College Essay

Sports Writing

New Summer Program: Sports Writing! Explore every form of sports writing from reviews, to features, to op-eds and personal essays.

Teen Open Mics in NYC

Teen writers are welcome to share their poetry, songs, or short prose on stage within a supportive environment of Writopia educators and peers.

Saturday, March 30th, 2024

Writopia Debate Teams

Debaters work with a set team and explore a variety of topics and stances through the use of sparring and gameplay. Novice and Experienced workshops available. Plus, our new "Rhetoric Rookie" workshops are open to 7-9 year olds!

Enrollment for Spring and Summer is Open!

Register now for a trimester-long, weekly workshop this Spring, or a week-long, half-day workshop or full-day camp this Summer!

Middle School Advanced Writing Exploration (AWE)

This application-only program invites 7th and 8th-grade writers to be part of a community of dedicated, focused writers looking to explore, expand, and deepen their literary passions. 

“My time at 826CHI taught me to value thoughts and trust my voice. There is something so powerful about a community of young writers. I feel that that experience fueled my confidence in my writing but also in myself as a person worth sharing her story.” - Kara K., Grade 11

After-school writing lab, after-school writing lab.

After-School Writing Lab (ASWL) takes place on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (4pm - 6pm) at our Wicker Park Writing Lab, for students in 2nd through 8th grade. In this special After School Writing Lab 7 week spring session, students will explore interdisciplinary forms of poetry, storytelling, collage and audio recording. The program will culminate with a gallery exhibition, listening party and live reading at 826CHI’s Spring Showcase on May 30th.

Spring session applications OPEN! April 17th - May 30th Wednesdays & Thursdays 4pm - 6pm Sign up for ASWL at our Wicker Park Writing Lab here: In English / En Español ‍

Need more info? Contact the Programs team at [email protected]

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips.

Field trips are hosted on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings at our Wicker Park location. Field Trips are tuition-free and offered to Chicago Public School classes in grades one through twelve. Each Field Trip opportunity focuses on a variety of writing skills and writing experiences. Each of our eight different Field Trip experiences is designed to be project-based, collaborative, playful, empowering, imaginative, and to encourage students to share their ideas in their own unique voices. If you want your classrooms to join for a Field Trip, apply here . Email [email protected] for questions! Field trips run Sep 19 th through May 29 th

Applications for Field Trips are OPEN!

Mission poetry.

Students will be taken on a poetry adventure and be tasked with writing a series of poems to help Secret Agent Admiral Moody feel better after they became overwhelmed by all the work going on around the secret publishing house. Their mission will be to write these emotion-centered poems for Admiral Moody - topics like What is Your Happy? What Turns Your Frown Upside Down? What Do Feelings Sound Like? What Makes You Feel Calm When You're Overwhelmed? This Field Trip is great for building empathy and self-awareness into the classroom.

Small Group Storytelling & Bookmaking

Young authors work in small groups to pen completely original stories. At the outset, each group determines one “pillar” of the story--protagonist, sidekick, antagonist, and setting--then works to combine those elements into their own, unique tale. Each student will receive a copy of their group’s book, as a published author. This Field Trip is perfect for building deeper connections among students in the classroom.

Images & Imagination

One of 826CHI’s favorite tools for combating writer's block and inspiring creativity, this lesson uses collage art and the promptings of volunteer writing coaches to guide students through the journey of writing an original story. This Field Trip is ideal for overcoming writers block and for students tackling personal statements or scholarship essays. This Field Trip helps share effective, tangible, and memorable skills into the writing process and helps make writing feel more fun for students who may not be a fan of writing.

"I Remember..." Memoir Writing

Because we believe in the inherent value and power of each student’s experience, this lesson is designed to bring impactful memories to the page. Through a series of short exercises designed to tap into memory and identity, students explore their voices, perspectives, and experiences through writing. This Field Trip is ideal for those students struggling to find their original voices and is a great accompanying activity for students in the personal statement and scholarship essay process.

Chi-Town Stand Up

Similar to our Memoir Field Trip, students will be asked to reflect on their experiences in Chicago through a variety of generative writing activities. Students will be challenged to counter the negative narrative that is often told about Chicago by writing their truth about the city that they call home. This Field Trip is great for any student who is a fan of Chicago music and those who love Chicago and want to build deeper and more authentic connections with their city.

The Ultimate Origin Story

This exciting workshop transforms students into storytelling scientists. Combining their knowledge gained from lessons on both DNA and plot development, students will create their own superhero, followed by their own comic book story addressing the origins of their superhero. The field trip culminates in a DNA extraction experiment where students will learn how to extract the DNA from a strawberry and will be able to see the DNA inside of it. This Field Trip is perfect for both the ELA classroom as well as the science classroom! This Field Trip is ideal for those students who may not see themselves as writers (yet!) and great for teachers who want to push their students to explore their creative voices a bit further.

Spoken Word Poetry (NEW!)

Students will learn about the history of spoken word poetry and its deep roots in Chicago. They will also apply poetic elements to their own original poems individually and as a group and get the chance to share out loud. This Field Trip is great for students who are expressive and enjoy spoken word poetry. This is a great addition for classrooms preparing for, culminating, or in the middle of a poetry unit.

Script This!

Lights, Camera, Action! Your students will turn into actors, directors, and playwrights in this field trip! Students will learn the theatrical way of creating characters, plots, and settings in order to learn the moving parts of a play. These theatrical troupes will write a mini play and perform it for the class. This Field Trip is great for students who enjoy getting quirky and doing kinesthetic activities!

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer programs.

We are excited to announce the return of our Summer Programs! For 2024 we will be holding a total of three camps in our Wicker Park Writing Lab! From poetry to food criticism, we have something for every imaginative writer. During Summer Programs students will also spend plenty of time outside, exploring our neighborhood and city! SIGN UP OPEN NOW!

Eat Your Words Camp

Calling all food enthusiasts, writers, and those who relish the art of dining! If you have a passion for food and a talent for storytelling, this workshop is calling your name. Join a team of renowned chefs and fellow food lovers for an engaging series of workshops aimed at honing your writing skills while tantalizing your taste buds. Over the course of a week, you'll learn the craft of crafting compelling food reviews, sample the finest culinary offerings the city has to offer, and create written works that will be savored by foodies and chefs throughout Chicago. Come embark on this delicious journey where every word is as satisfying as every bite!

High School Writing Lab

Are you passionate about the power of words? Ready to immerse yourself in a transformative two-week writing experience alongside fellow high schoolers from every corner of the city, under the mentorship of seasoned writers? Take command of your literary journey at 826CHI’s High School Writers Lab this August. Explore diverse writing styles, cultivate your unique voice, and reflect on your aspirations as a writer. End your journey by sharing your work with a live audience, and see your creative endeavors immortalized in a professionally-designed publication by 826CHI. We’ll take excursions around the city and find inspiration at every turn. Seize this opportunity to elevate your craft and leave your mark on the literary landscape!

WRITING WORKSHOPS & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Writing workshops & community partnerships.

826CHI works in collaboration with after-school programs and community-based organizations to offer creative writing workshops to students in neighborhoods across Chicago. These workshops, which explore writing and another area of study, include:

• Book as Body (Grades 1-12). Students read and write poetry and short stories that discuss the body.
• Images & Imagination (Grades 5-12). We'll guide students through the adventure of writing original stories, using collage art as their only guide.
• Aliens, The Apocalypse, & Activism: The Role of the Imagination in Social Change  (Grades 6-12). This workshop will explore the fusion of social justice and science fiction.
• ChiTown, Rise Up! (Grades 8-12). In this workshop, we'll take a journey through Chicago through its art, stories, and culture, so that we can write our own truths about our city.
• Poets in Revolt!  (Grades 8-12). In this workshop, we'll examine poems from the labor movement to third wave feminism.
• The Uncommon Essay for The Common App (Grades 9-12). Students will learn the basics of personal narrative in order to craft an essay that they can use for college, scholarships, and job applications.
• ...and more! We are willing to develop new workshops for qualifying after-school programs & community organizations.

All of our workshops are Common Core Standards-aligned.  ‍ Do you work with students who would benefit from two or three session writing workshops in your space or ours? Have an idea for a workshop? email us at [email protected]

Applications for the 2023-2024 school-year are OPEN!

TEEN WRITERS STUDIO

Teen writers studio.

Teen Writers Studio (TWS) is a year-long creative writing workshop that connects high school students to fellow writers, including peers and older professionals in the field. It’s open to anyone in 7th-12th grade and welcomes youth from all over the city. TWS members meet frequently each month to write together, talk about writing, and produce a literary chapbook each year. If you’re into any of the above, this space is for you. Sessions start September 19th, 2023 and run until May 23rd, 2024, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-6:00PM at the 826CHI's Wicker Park Teen Space and Writing Lab. Each spring, TWS students produce a chapbook , which they share and celebrate at a release party with friends, family, and 826CHI’s community. Purchase 2022-2023's publication, All the Beauty It Brings , at the Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co .

Applications for the 2023-2024 Teen Writer's Studio cohort are now open!

IN-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

In-school partnerships.

Built to meet the needs of educators, our In-School Partnerships program brings the 826CHI education team into classrooms and community centers across the city to work with students. 826CHI staff, volunteers, and Teaching Artists support teachers' existing curricula and/or collaborate on new ideas. If you are a classroom teacher or community-based educator looking to partner with 826CHI, please share your project idea with us by applying today.  If you have any questions, email us at [email protected] .

In-School Partnership applications are reviewed bi-annually in January and August.

STUDENT PUBLISHING

Student publishing.

At 826CHI, our project-based approach to teaching writing affirms all student voices as valuable and brilliant. Through our programs, we turn our students into published authors. Each year, we publish more than 100 unique projects, from professionally edited, printed, and designed books to books and zines printed and bound in-house by our staff. Students’ work is featured in Chicago Public Library branches across the city, shelved in CPS school libraries, prominently displayed in our writing lab to inspire future student-authors, and sold in and independent bookstores throughout the city and our storefront, the Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.

Books from each program

Published dozens of times each year as the culmination of smaller, multi-week projects.

Young Authors Book Project

Each year 826CHI partners with CPS classrooms on an extended writing project which culminates in a specially designed and beautifully bound book.

The 826CHI Compendium

Published once every two years. Each volume of this anthology features republished favorites from students of all ages, from across our programs.

Field Trip Chapbooks

Published at the end of each two-hour creative writing session, students take home copies of the original story they wrote together as a class.

Check out all 826CHI student publications by visiting our Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. Tuesdays-Saturdays!

Some of our published works.

Purchase copies at The Secret Agent Supply or check out of your local Chicago library branch.

IN THE COMMUNITY

826chi is honored to partner with a number of non-profit organizations, businesses, and foundations throughout chicago., program partners, 826 digital.

Wherever you are, you can bring the 826 spirit and methodology to your community with 826 Digital. 826 Digital is an online platform that hosts a collection of engaging, adaptable, standards-based resources designed to captivate young writers and empower their educators. 826 Digital was created by teachers for teachers; it hosts an ever-expanding collection of lessons, projects, writing prompts, and student writing that brings an unconventional and engaging approach to teaching writing. 

Explore 826 Digital's educator-created and student-approved resources.

WHEN TBA WHERE The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) , 2714 W Augusta Blvd., Chicago, IL 60622 HOW TO REGISTER Programming details, registration, and scholarship opportunities to come!

For any questions regarding ChiArts’ summer camp, call 773-534-9710 or email [email protected]. Para comunicarse en español, puede llamar 773-534-9710 o usar el correo   summercamp@chiartsorg

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Young Writers

Lighthouse's Young Writers Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. There are no grades here, just the stories. We offer workshops at Lighthouse including afterschool and weekend workshops, the Young Authors Collective, and summer camps, as well as youth outreach in schools, at juvenile residential treatment centers, and in collaboration with other arts organizations.

For the latest on workshops and events,  sign up for our Young Writers Program e-newsletter . 

Lighthouse connects kids and teens to words, new friends, and a writing community. We offer workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and many other genres and topics. Our classes are taught by published authors and are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing.

Summer Writing Camps

Lighthouse's Young Writers Camps are led by published and award-winning writers, and each workshop is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing in young writers aged 8 to 18. Registration for half-day camp and applications for full-day camp will open on January 1, 2019.

School Outreach

The Young Writers Program offers creative writing workshops in public and private schools as well as juvenile residential treatment centers throughout the Denver metro area. Led by working, published writers with a passion for sharing their craft, our outreach workshops provide access to our innovative creative writing programming for young people who cannot come to Lighthouse.

The Young Authors Collective, or YAC, is a group of talented, word-obsessed high school writers dedicated to experimenting with new creative forms, collaborating with other arts organizations, and writing a ton. We meet once a week at Lighthouse to generate new pieces, give friendly feedback, and work towards publication.

Support Young Writers

Our Future Scribes Depend on Your Support. Nearly all of the workshops and projects that will engage 2,300 students this year are free to attend, and for the sessions that do have tuition, such as summer writing camp, financial aid is available for any student who needs it. We want all young people who want to write to be able to do so and for them to be nurtured by the best instructors and mentors available. This only happens with the support of generous donors like you.

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Applications are still open for Arts Camp and Arts Academy. Programs fill quickly—submit your app today!

Creative writing summer program for grades 6-8.

Why Take Creative Writing

Immerse yourself in the power of the written word at our creative writing camp for middle schoolers. With the encouragement of our stellar instructors and other talented young writers, you'll craft stories that soar off the page as you develop a portfolio of work that you can proudly showcase.

What You'll Learn

During the session, you'll learn how to give and receive constructive feedback with other passionate young writers. All of our instructors are professional writers who are eager to help you shape your portfolio in a way that feels true to your imagination.

As a student at Interlochen's writing camp for middle school students, you will:

• Participate in daily writing classes with guided reading and writing assignments in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and playwriting
• Discuss and critique your work in small class sizes 
• Work with a broader range of instructors in a master class environment (Creative Writing Forum)  
• Find creative inspiration enjoying our scenic campus and through our Environmental Explorations class 
• Publish your writing in our camp anthology
• Perform your best work at our student reading

• SESSION 1: June 23, 2024 to July 13, 2024
• SESSION 2: July 14, 2024 to August 4, 2024
• SESSION 1: Accepting applications
• SESSION 2: Accepting applications

Program Highlights

Showcase Reading

Students will participate in a showcase reading in The Writing House Great Room on the last day of the program.

Small Class Sizes

Our classes are kept small for students to better receive individualized feedback from your instructor and bond with other young writers.

The Writing House

Your artistic home will be the The Writing House. This comfortable space provides quiet work areas, ample seating for group projects, and a literary publications room with computer and printing stations. Take a 360-degree virtual tour .

Students will contribute work to a print anthology that you can take home at the end of the session. The anthology is a perfect memento to remind you of a productive and inspiring summer.

Meet the Faculty

Our instructors are committed educators and accomplished artists with extensive experience in their disciplines. As mentors, they are dedicated to helping you develop your own unique voice.

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

All Faculty

Reina Hardy

Instructor of Creative Writing

Megan Baxter

Karyna McGlynn, Ph.D.

Director of Creative Writing

Gbenga Adesina

Having those experiences outside with your friends makes the writing come that much easier.

Tara, Creative Writing

No Better Place

Our intermediate campers agree: this is a place where you can explore your interests, take risks, and make friends with those who share your passions. See what Camp life is all about.

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Creative writing summer camp.

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The Program in Creative Writing is part of the Department of English Language & Literature at the University of Chicago. Students at UChicago pursue creative writing within the larger context of academic study. While the purpose of the program is, above all, to give students a rigorous background in the fundamentals of creative work by providing them with the opportunity to study with established poets and prose writers, it differs from creative writing programs at other universities in seeing itself as an integral part of the university’s intellectual life, and most particularly in providing opportunities for interdisciplinary work. The program offers an undergraduate major in Creative Writing; a joint minor in English and Creative Writing that includes a creative portfolio; and a formal Creative Writing Option through the Master of Arts Program in the Humanities .

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In-Person & Online Camps For K-12 Students Creative Writing Camp

REGISTER TODAY

We live in a creative world where ideas, collaboration, and adaptability are a must–and writing is essential. So how do we prepare our children for their future? How do we ensure that they become thoughtful leaders for change, passionate learners, and curious thinkers we need to improve our world? Through Creative Writing Camp, young people discover the power within themselves – to create, innovate, and connect with others.  

The Only Place Where Children Learn from Talented Educators & Writers

In addition to being accomplished educators working in classrooms year-round, many have Masters and Ph.D.s in writing and education and are published authors. Our instructors are experts at this, and they’re ready to help your child shine.

How We Measure Up

For 20 years, Dr. Carl Scott of the University of St. Thomas has evaluated the success of the program and found students improved in writing skills, creativity and self-confidence.

How Creativity Leads to Success

According to Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us about Raising Successful Children (Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff), what children most need for 21st-century learning are the 6Cs: collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence.

Creative Writing Camp works because it’s where writing is an exploration. It’s where one day your child will create their own map to a planet they’ve just discovered, and the next day they’re writing the ending to a 3-act play with a group of friends. It’s where they’ll publish their first poem. It’s where they’ll begin to see what they can become. Whether they’re not sure how to get started or they already write a million pages a day, they’ll feel at home writing here. This is where the spark of invention begins.

GET STARTED

Register Today

Please read through the information below and view the embedded tutorial videos to make the process as smooth as possible.

The 3-step process for registering includes: Step 1 - Family Account setup Step 2 - Pre-registration application for your student(s) Step 3 - Registration.

If you completed Steps 1 and 2 during the Pre-registration period between Jan. 16-29, please proceed to Step 3. All others should start at Step 1.

Note: Completion of Steps 1 and 2 during the Pre-registration period does not guarantee your student(s) a place in camp.

A Family Account is required to register a student for our 2024 Creative Writing Camp. To register a student for camp, a parent/guardian must create a Family Account using their own name in order to successfully begin the pre-registration application process. Once you have set up your account, you will be able to add your student(s)/member(s) to the Family Account. You will be able to manage all members in your Family Account.

Note: If you created a Family Account when registering for a previous summer's CWC, please use your existing account.

Should you need step-by-step instructions, we have created a brief video tutorial to help guide you through the Family Account Set up. 

Video Tutorial - Create a Family Account

Video Tutorial - Manage Your Members

After setting up or logging into your Family Account, including adding student(s)/member(s) you plan to register for camp, you are now ready to complete the parent permissions application for each student. Cick “New Application” in the menu options of your Family Account, then “More Information” and “Apply Now.” You will now be able to “Start” CWC pre-registration for your student(s)/member(s). During the application process, there are six “To Do” pages to complete for each student. As you complete each page, you will see a green check mark next to each page to reflect your progress. To move to Step 3, Registration, you must complete all “To Do” items in order to submit the parent permissions application. Completing these “To Dos” will take approximately 10 minutes per student/member.

Before you begin Step 2: “Pre-registration”, you will need the following:

• Medical Insurance Information
• Emergency Contact Information
• Contact Information for an alternate authorized person to pick up your student(s), if applicable.

Note: If registering for virtual camps, a unique email address is required for each student you plan to register.

Video Tutorial - Submitting Student Applications

Once you have successfully completed all six “To-Dos” in the Pre-Registration Application (Step 2) and they reflect “Complete,” you will be able to register and complete the payment process for your student(s).

Please use the following instructions to complete the registration process. Should it be helpful, you can download the Registration Instructions .

Registration Instructions

1.   Scroll down on this webpage to the listing of the Camps available.

2.   Select a camp, and this will take you to the cart. If you want to select an additional camp, click the Back button on your browser, or click “Keep Shopping” in the Cart.

3.   When you are finished selecting camp/s, click “Checkout.”

4.   If you have already completed pre-registration, log in under “I have a Family Account already.” If you haven’t already completed pre-registration, please go back up to “How to Set Up a Family Account – Step 1” above.

5.   At the cart screen, click on “Add/Remove Members” for a camp selection, and in the pop-up window select the student for that camp. Then click on “Enroll Members.” Repeat this step for additional camps selected, if any.

6.   If you are registering 2 or more students, the siblings discount will be automatically applied at the end of the checkout process. If it’s not automatically applied, please check "Apply a Discount" in the Cart, then select "SLC CWC Siblings" from the dropdown menu to apply the discount.

7.   Click on “Checkout.”

8.   Now, you will select the t-shirt size for your child/ren. Click on the plus sign on the far right of their name and then click on the pull-down menu to see the sizes. Select the size. Repeat this step for each student and click on “Continue Checkout.”

9.   Next, click on “View Members” for each camp to confirm you selected the correct student for the camp. Click on “Continue checkout.”

10.  Enter your credit card information and click “Continue.”

11.  Next, check your email for confirmation of your registration. Note: reception of email may take a few minutes.

Note: Completion of Pre-registration between Jan. 16-26 does not guarantee your student(s) place in camp.

Virtual Camp Single Student - $495

On-Campus Single Student - $525

Sibling Discount (Two or more) – 5% discount per student

The sibling discount will be applied automatically to your cart during Step 3: Registration. You must register two or more at the same time to be eligible for this discount.

Just Write It! Our signature camp experience for incoming K – 12th grade students, in-person and online

Jump into the magic of creative writing! This course offers an array of fun, interactive writing activities and customized exercises designed to help students develop their unique voices, broaden their imaginations, and boost their confidence as writers. With the help of professional writers and teachers, students will explore a range of poetry, prose, and creative nonfiction as they use their writing to investigate their worlds and examine issues that are important to them. During the week, students will peer review each other’s work, and receive feedback from their instructors. Students will share their creations at a celebration on the last day of camp and take home a portfolio of their collected work.

Magical Worlds (6th/7th) Do you enjoy folklore, stories with magical settings, characters with superhuman abilities? As far back as ancient times, people have lived by the phrase, “Life is what you make it so make the best of it.” In this playful course you will do just that—build your own world! Guided by your writing coaches you will learn the basics of worldbuilding and create, explore and develop your own original world. You will delve into narrative genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and superhero fiction as you explore writings with a fantastical edge. You will leave with the tools needed to help you create new worlds in a variety of genres.

Nature: A Writing Inspiration (6th/7th) “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts…. Rachel Carson

A wooded pass covered in freshly fallen leaves, or perhaps a thunderstorm rolling in through the evening sky. Nature has a way of capturing the eye, and inspiring those who gaze upon its natural beauty. Through this course students will have a chance to experience writing that centers nature as its inspiration. By using outside writing time as well as prompts and mentor text that show how other artists around the world have crafted writing for and inspired by the great outdoors, your young writer will be able to capture the beauty from their eyes while enjoying nature.

Focus on Fiction: Characters and Conflict (8th/9th) Dive deep into the heart of storytelling! This course is an exploration of the elements that breathe life into compelling narratives. Uncover the secrets of creating multi-dimensional characters with depth and authenticity, while also delving into the art of crafting engaging conflicts that drive your plot forward. Through a combination of insightful discussions, writing exercises, and constructive feedback, you will hone your skills in character development and conflict resolution—the tools you need to captivate readers and weave unforgettable tales!

Uncanny and Unreal: Adventures in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writing (8th/9th) Embark on a captivating journey into the extraordinary realms of science fiction and fantasy. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fantasy writer, discover the secrets of crafting immersive worlds, creating compelling characters, and mastering intricate plots in speculative fiction with other fantasy fanatics. From the art of genre blending to developing your unique voice, this course offers a dynamic blend of writing exercises, workshops, and collaborative discussions, providing the tools and inspiration to bring your wildest imaginings to life on the page. Join us and unleash your creativity in the fantastical landscapes of the uncanny and unreal.

The Art of the Essay (10th/12th) The history of the essay finds its origins in the core Renaissance ideal of “rebirth.” This course will allow you to give “new life” to the art of essay writing by asking you to examine your personal story and connect it to a broader world of concepts and ideas. We’ll analyze this important and passionate literary form that will take your writing beyond familiar boundaries. We’ll experiment with fun, contemporary non-fiction forms like flash non-fiction, recipe writing, humor, and even lampoon to expand and sharpen your essay writing skills. Through the writing workshop model of peer review, you will work with your fellow writers to hone techniques and approaches, and you will leave with a portfolio of several completed essays.

Begin the registration process by finding your grade level and campus below. Please note camps often fill up quickly. You must complete checkout to secure your spot. If your desired camp is not visible, then it is currently at capacity.

Filter by grade:

Registration for Creative Writing Camp 2024 opens Monday, Jan 29! Sign up below to be the first to know when registration opens.

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Dates, Locations and Grade-levels for Creative Writing Camp 2024

Choose among five in-person camp locations, or an online option for campers anywhere!

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about Creative Writing Camp programming – Please leave a voice messagefor School Literacy and Culture at 713-348-5333 or Writer’s in the Schools at 713-523-3877. Your message will be answered as soon as possible. For technical help with registration, please contact 713-348-4803.

Seats may become available due to cancellations or the opening of new classes. Please check the website often to see if any seats have opened at a particular campus. Creative Writing Camp does not have a waitlist.

If you are enrolling your child in the 2024 Rice + WITS Creative Writing Camp, you have read and understand the following cancellation and refund policy:

A 10 percent processing fee will be subtracted from all refunds. Due to the high demand for courses, registrations are considered final 30 days before classes start. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a program. Refund requests before the deadline must be made in writing to  [email protected] . Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts from which they were paid and may not appear as a credit on your statement for up to four to six weeks. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take up to four to six weeks to be processed and mailed by the Rice University accounting office. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds.

If multiple children are registered and have received the sibling discount, and later one or more registrations are canceled so that only one child remains registered, the remaining child's registration will be adjusted to the full price, and a refund for the appropriate amount will be issued.

A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need. Please make your request by emailing [email protected] and an application form will be sent to you. Submitting a scholarship application does not guarantee receiving a scholarship. Please note if your child was awarded a scholarship last summer, you are not eligible to apply for the upcoming summer.

After you create your Family Account, please save your credentials. To revisit your Family Account, you can save the link to login or click on the link directly from the Creative Writing Camp webpage. To access your account, use the login username and password credentials and follow the login instructions. If you no longer know or have access to your credentials, please follow the Forget Password instructions directly on the login page. GO TO FAMILY ACCOUNT

All classes will be team-taught with class sizes capped at approximately 20 students.

• Health and safety protocols for each camp session will be dependent upon campus-based policies in effect at the time camp is offered.
• Participating campers will be invited to bring basic supplies (paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, small watercolor kits) for individual use throughout the week of camp.
• Classes will be divided into age-level groupings that may include students from more than one grade level.  Based on enrollment, classes may include students from more than one grade level.
• Creative writing and fine arts activities will be planned by highly qualified teacher/writer pairs and feature low staff-to-camper ratios.

Friend requests may be made in the student's Pre-registration application. Requests are not guaranteed but we will do our best to grant them.

Focus groups of professional writers and highly effective teachers have come together to craft this exciting online approach to Creative Writing Camp, which has received positive reviews from parents and students since its inception in 2020. Wherever possible, student experiences will draw upon our traditional camp model, but we will also embrace this opportunity to explore new approaches and think creatively. Join us as we explore just what is possible in a virtual environment!

All classes will be team-taught with class sizes capped at approximately 20 students. Classes will be divided into age-level groups:

• Morning: 3rd–5th grade
• Afternoon: 6th–8th and 9th–12th grade

Classes for younger students will include a combination of:

• Live community-building activities
• Live large and small group times that might include anything from the reading of a great children’s book as inspiration for creative writing to a virtual field trip
• Live story dictation activities with a teacher and
• “Center time” featuring pre-recorded activities and a wealth of independent art and extension projects to enjoy at your family’s convenience.

Classes for older students will include:

• Live large and small group times
• Live personalized consultation with experienced writers/teachers and
• Independent pre-recorded activities and extension projects to enjoy at your family’s convenience.
• All camp courses will utilize the Canvas learning platform. Each student will need a unique e-mail address to access the system. Emails are to be provided by the parents.
• Students will also need a laptop, tablet or phone to access the course, but we recommend a laptop or tablet. The best user experience is achieved through the Google Chrome web browser. If using a tablet or phone, download the Canvas Student app to access the course.
• Each student will need a notebook, journal, or folder with blank paper and writing implements such as pencils, pens, and markers.
• Extension activities will utilize basic arts and crafts materials such as scissors, colored paper, glue, watercolors, etc. that students typically use at school. Parents will not be asked to buy specific art materials.
•  All families will be asked to complete a “tech check” the week before their virtual camp session. Support staff will be available for assistance that day should families have any challenges logging into the system.
• During “tech check” students will be able to “meet” their teachers as they view pre-recorded videos uploaded by the teachers and writers leading the course. Students will also be asked to record their own introductory video to share with their classmates.
• “Tech check” will also provide an opportunity for parents to receive more detailed information regarding each class’s daily schedule, should they have a need for specifics.

Finally, should families have challenges with technology at any point during the camp experience, they will be able to connect directly with IT support staff via phone or e-mail. 713-348-4803 or [email protected]

Creative Writing Camp is a collaboration between Writers in the Schools and Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture and has inspired young writers for over 30 years. Our online and in-person camps deep dive into writing topics that hone creativity and prepare students for future success. With low student-teacher ratios and mentorship from professional writers, Creative Writing Camp offers a writer’s workshop experience!

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8 Best Creative Writing Classes in Chicago

Showing 8 courses that match your search.

Dialogue Workout with Joseph Scapellato

Story Studio Chicago

This one-session course will take you through a rigorous but playful back-to-the-basics study of dialogue in fiction. We’ll review seven basic forms of dialogue, practice “dialogue on a slant,” and consider the distinct phases of a sequence of dialogue within a larger passage.

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/classes/dialog...

Categories: Book, Fiction, and Short Story

Start date:

March, 2024

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Manuscript CPR: Reviving Dead Work with Kat Falls

In this interactive session, we’ll go over how to see your manuscript with fresh eyes, get to the heart of what’s not working, and come up with strategies to fix it. This workshop is for anyone struggling with a messy draft or looking to revive an abandoned project.

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/classes/manusc...

Categories: Book, Fiction, Memoir, and Nonfiction

PJ Seminar: A Master Class on Discovering Your Historical Novel with Samantha Silva

Through playful thought experiments/writing exercises you’ll explore tools you already have (and others that will come in handy) to discover the essential story you want to tell, the themes that animate it (and you), and how to bring it all to propulsive life.

Website: https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/classes/pj-sem...

Categories: Book and Fiction

February, 2024

How to Write a Novel

Your story matters. Unlock your potential with daily video lessons from bestselling ghostwriter Tom Bromley, and finish your first draft in just 3 months. Learn more →

How to Get Published

Chicago Writing Workshop

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Congress Plaza Hotel. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more.

Website: https://chicagowritingworkshop.com/2023/12/03/the-2024-wr...

Categories: Publishing

Let's Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference

Chicago Writers Association

Scheduled for March 22-24, 2024, at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in Chicago, this event is a dynamic gathering for aspiring writers. It includes a welcome reception, two days of workshops, panels, pitch sessions, master classes, and more. The conference aims to inspire and educate, covering a range of topics for writers of all levels. Registration includes meals and a banquet dinner, with an option for agent/publisher pitch sessions.

Website: https://cwa12.wildapricot.org/event-5383207

Categories: Fiction, Essay, Poetry, Nonfiction, Short Story, and Book

Business Case Writing Classroom Training

VistaEduTech

This comprehensive course, offered in Chicago, IL by various organizations like Zillionventure America Inc and VistaEdutech, is designed for professionals aiming to enhance their business case writing skills. The training focuses on practical support and face-to-face instruction, ensuring participants can effectively articulate business strategies and visions through compelling written cases. The course is suitable for a range of dates and venues, with a price range of $495 - $795, making it accessible to a diverse group of professionals.

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-case-writing-classr...

Categories: Business

Open all year round

Business Writing with Positive Impact

Training Connection

In this dynamic 1-day workshop, participants will learn the art of impactful business writing. Guided by professional instructors, students will engage in hands-on activities to master writing informative, persuasive, and effective business communications. The workshop concludes with students equipped to craft clear and audience-targeted letters, proposals, and reports.

Website: https://www.nobledesktop.com/classes-near-me/schools/trai...

Business Writing Training

Academy for Professionals

This one-day, face-to-face training session offers a comprehensive overview of business writing. It covers a range of topics from basic writing concepts to creating various business documents. The course is designed for participants of all levels, with no formal prerequisites. Attendees receive a manual with slides, reference materials, and a course completion certificate​​​​​​​​​​.

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-writing-1-day-train...

So you’re looking for creative writing classes in Chicago

In the early twentieth century, critic H.L. Mencken made a case in The Nation that Chicago was the “literary capital of the United States of America.” Though many things have changed about this towering city since then, this aspect hasn’t: Chicago has inspired authors for decades, and will continue to do so in the future. So what better way to ride that wave than to take a writing class in Chicago?

This directory of the best writing courses in Chicago is meant to help you locate the right one for yourself.  We’ve included filters for price and genre so that you can quickly sort through the writing classes. And before you commit to any one writing class, consider the following questions:

• Who is the instructor?
• What is the price of the writing course?
• How far away is the writing course in Chicago? Is there a remote alternative?
• How long could the course last?

Got any questions about finding the right writing class in Chicago for you? Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] . Good luck!

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Creative Writing Camps

A good creative writing camp is often offered in conjunction with other arts such as theater, dance and so on. Summer writing camps are usually geared toward slightly older children, usually those who are in their teens. The curriculum typicall See More »

A good creative writing camp is often offered in conjunction with other arts such as theater, dance and so on. Summer writing camps are usually geared toward slightly older children, usually those who are in their teens. The curriculum typically involves work on the fundamentals of writing such as style and grammar, as well as focusing on the various types of fiction such as poetry, screen writing, fiction, nonfiction and even science fiction. Some camps may include workshops on playwriting, journalism and other specialized forms of writing. As part of an arts camp, children attending creative writing camps often have the chance to explore other arts as well, such as acting, ceramics and other forms.

Learning Skills: Children will learn from master writers about various types of creative writing in a non-competitive environment.

Counselor Certifications: Many writing camps offer mentorship from published writers. Always inquire ahead of time which writers will be in residence during the time your child will be attending. Some camps employ certified teachers in lieu of published writers.

Level of Expertise: Some of the more acclaimed writing camps only admit campers after reviewing submissions of their work. Other camps offer various levels of programs, from beginner to more advanced.

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The Second City Summer Camps

230 North Ave Chicago, IL 60614, U.S.A. Phone: 312-664-3959

• Visit Website
• Contact Camp

Summer Camp - Registration opens in January - Spend part of your summer at The Second City working out your creative muscles in our improvisation and comedy writing camps for ages 11-18. You'll learn new skills, meet new friends and experience why Chicago is the comedy capital of the world firsthand. Students are grouped by age and camps are held at The Second City Training Centers in Chicago, Hollywood, and Toronto. Programs and schedules vary by location. In Chicago, summer camps are two-weeks long with classes on Monday through Friday each week. Improvisation is taught from 10 am - 12:30 pm and sketch comedy is 1 pm - 3:30 pm. At the end of the...

Long Lake Camp for the Arts

83 Long Lake Camp Way Long Lake, NY 12847, U.S.A. Phone: 914-693-7111

Long Lake Camp for the Arts goes beyond the traditional idea of a summer arts camp with a unique program that caters to campers ages 8 to 16 who want to immerse themselves in a PERFORMING ARTS and FINE ARTS. You choose what you want to do in Drama, Dance, Music, Fine Arts, Film, Rock Bands and Magic and Circus, concentrating on what you like best. By creating your own summer arts camp program you get exactly what you want in rewarding arts summer fun. Our campus, located in NY state, is a stunning country setting with lush green lawns nestled along the shores of a clear blue lake. Beautiful fieldstone buildings, professional performance and studio...

Camp BizSmart

Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95053, U.S.A. Phone: 408-472.2861

Gain Valuable Skills: At Camp BizSmart students gain real-world skills while they experiemnt with the latest business methods and design tools and get personal experience working with company founders and CEO's. At the beginning of each camp, students form dedicated teams to work together solving actual business problems. As they work on productss from innovative companies, they lesarn entrepreneurship skills, product design and business pitch essentials. It doesn't end there: Students learn how to make a preliminary design sketch, do marketing analysis, assess the strengths anbd weaknesses of the competition, compile a simple financial spreadsheet...

Randolph-Macon Academy Summer Programs

200 Academy Drive Front Royal, VA 22630, U.S.A. Phone: 540-636-5484

The Hybrid Flight Program includes an online instructor-led ground school class, as well optional flight lessons scheduled on an individual basis. The summer high school...

Mercersburg Summer and Extended Programs

300 E Seminary St Mercersburg, PA 17236, U.S.A. Phone: 717-328-6225

Hidden Valley Camp in Maine

161 Hidden Valley Rd Freedom, ME 04941, U.S.A. Phone: 207-342-5177

Distinctive visual & performing arts, outdoor & horse programs on 350 acres, private lake, solar-heated pool near Maine coast. Professional staff, individualized teaching, renowned positive community, great food. Directors have lived on site for 20+ years.

Winston Preparatory Summer Enrichment Program NJ

901 Route 10 East Whippany, NJ 07981, U.S.A. Phone: 973-500-6480

Winston Prep's Summer Enrichment Program provides 2nd-12th grade students with the unique opportunity to participate in an individualized program aimed to enhance academic skills. Depending on the campus, parents may choose to enroll their child in the Morning Academic Program and/or Focus Program. Students are grouped in small classes according to skill level and learning style. Additionally, each student can receive daily one-on-one instruction targeting areas of greatest need. The program is designed to develop language, encoding/decoding, reading comprehension, writing, test preparation, organization, and time management skills.

Winston Preparatory Summer Enrichment Program CT

57 West Rocks Road Norwalk, CT 06851 92780, U.S.A. Phone: 203-229-0465

Winston Prep's Summer Enrichment Program provides 4th-12th grade students with the unique opportunity to participate in an individualized program aimed to enhance academic skills. Depending on the campus, parents may choose to enroll their child in the Morning Academic Program and/or Focus Program. Students are grouped in small classes according to skill level and learning style. Additionally, each student can receive daily one-on-one instruction targeting areas of greatest need. The program is designed to develop language, encoding/decoding, reading comprehension, writing, test preparation, organization, and time management skills.

Taubenslag Productions' Theater Camp

Edison Elks, 375 Old Post Road Edison, NJ 08817, U.S.A. Phone: 732-422-7071

Taubenslag Productions' Theater Camp is located at the Edison...

Adventure Quest with Renaissance Adventures

101 Arapahoe Ave Boulder, CO 80302, U.S.A. Phone: 303-786-9216

Summer 2024 Locations: In Boulder, at Eben G. Fine Park and Mackintosh Academy. In Denver, at Denver Waldorf...

Duke University - Young Writers Camp

8 East Union Drive, 201 Bishops House East Campus Durham, NC 27708, U.S.A. Phone: 919-684-6259

Program highlights include: Opportunity to explore different genres, such as short fiction, poetry, journalism, and play writing Instruction by professional writers and educators Local guest speakers Daily Readers' Forum, where students share...

Winston Preparatory Summer Enrichment Program NYC

126 West 17 Street New York, NY 10011, U.S.A. Phone: 646-638-2705

2100 S Pennsylvania St Denver, CO 80210, U.S.A. Phone: 303-786-9216

Destination: Imagination Kids Creative Writing Adventure Camp (AutoCrit)

Online Virtual Camp, U.S.A. Phone: 407-476-7053

Creative writing adventure camp taught live online by experienced instructors who love what they do! Great for ages 7+ and split into age-based groups, this camp has a limited class size and engaging interactive content so students can have fun on their creative writing journey and interacting with each other while doing so. From idea to ink, this camp will take your child from the beginning of their writing journey all the way to a physical published product.Session recordings will be made available to all creative writing campers so with busy summer schedules, you never have to worry about your child missing a beat!

Enjoy five weeks of...

Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs

Villanova University, 800 East Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA 19085, U.S.A. Phone: 866-879-5527

Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs offers summer camps and programs to students ages 5 - 18 on prestigious college campuses. From cooking to science and business to medicine, we have over 20 programs....

Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95053, U.S.A. Phone: 408-472-2861

EB Academic Camps at Norfolk Christian School

255 Thole Street Norfolk, VA 23505, U.S.A. Phone: 415-841-2950

Located at Norfolk Christian School, incoming 7th-8th graders enjoy an exciting, fun-filled academic environment focused on reading and writing. Join Mrs. Gabrielle Schoenrock for an experience you won't forget! Students are encouraged to attend at least two weeks of camp!

Summer Slugger

New York City, NY 10020, U.S.A.

Virtual Kids Camp

New York, NY 10010, U.S.A.

Children's Museum of Houston Daily Virtual Learning

Houston, TX 77004, U.S.A.

Brain Chase

Austin, TX 78722, U.S.A.

Fusion Academy

Grand Rapids, MI 49503, U.S.A.

Pixar in a Box

Emeryville, CA 94608, U.S.A.

Glendale, CA 91203, U.S.A.

Reading Rockets

Arlington, VA 22206, U.S.A.

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21 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students in 2024

What’s covered:, 21 summer writing programs for high school students, how impressive are summer programs in college admissions, other ways to spend your summer.

Summer programs offer high school students an excellent opportunity to explore subjects that interest them, build valuable skills, get a taste of college life, and meet like-minded peers. They also look awesome on a college application! If you’re interested in writing, you’ll want to check out these 20 summer writing programs for high school students. 

1. Princeton Summer Journalism Program 

Dates: Classes begin mid July, residential portion is July 26th to August 5th, 2024

Location: Online and in Princeton, NJ

Application deadline: February 15th, 2024

The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) selects 40 high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds to participate in its revered program. In the PSJP, students explore current events, listen to lectures, and participate in workshops led by professional journalists and Princeton professors. The program culminates with the publication of a student-produced newspaper, the Princeton Summer Journal . To qualify for the PSJP you must: 

• Be a junior in high school
• Live in the United States and intend to attend college in the U.S.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 
• Have an interest in journalism
• The combined income of custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) plus child support payments, if any, must not exceed $60,000
• Qualify for free or reduced-price lunch 
• Qualify for an SAT or ACT fee waiver

Dates: August 3rd to August 9th, 2024

Location: Austin, Texas

Application deadline: March 1st, 2024

JCamp is a free six-day program put on by the Asian American Journalist Association that brings together a culturally diverse group of students from across the U.S. Under the eye of veteran journalists and leading media executives, students take part in workshops to sharpen their journalistic skills and gain hands-on experience producing multi-platform news packages for the program’s website. JCamp is not limited to Asian American students; any student with an interest in journalism—like writing for a newspaper or magazine—is encouraged to apply. 

3. Iowa Young Writers’ Studio 2 Week Residential Program

Dates: Session 1: June 16th to 29th, 2024; Session 2: July 14th to 27th, 2024

Location: In-person in Iowa City, IA, or virtual

Application deadline: February 4th, 2024

Cost: In-person: $2,500; virtual: $575

The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio provides high schoolers the incredible opportunity to have a residential experience and study with graduates of one of the most renowned writing programs in the nation: the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Participants in this program choose a focus—either poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, or television writing—and share their work, practice their craft, and improve their writing while working alongside other high school writers from across the U.S. 

4. Sarah Lawerence Writers’ Week 

Dates: Virtual: July 15th to 19th, 2024; In-person: August 5th to 9th, 2024

Location: Virtual or Bronxville NY

Application deadline: TBD. Registration opens in February

Cost: Virtual: $1025; In-person: $1,550

During Sarah Lawerence Writers’ Week, participants (the program welcomes students entering the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades) explore the creative process led by esteemed Sarah Lawrence faculty and alumni. Sarah Lawerence Writing Week celebrates the risk and adventure of the creative process, fosters a non-competitive and non-judgmental environment, and keeps with the Sarah Lawrence tradition of individualized attention—groups are limited to 18 students with two faculty members per workshop. The program ends with a celebration that includes both faculty and student readings.  

5. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Writing Program

Dates: July 6th to August 2nd, 2024

Location: Sacramento, CA

Application deadline: February 29th, 2024

Cost: CA State Residents: $4,600; Out-of-state: $7,000

This summer program for high school students in California is a unique public-private partnership that was founded by the California State legislature in 1987. Approximately 70 students are selected to participate in this program led by professional writers and educators who guide them through work in fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and dramatic writing. The program prides itself on its creative environment and looks for young writers who love language, reading, and are ready to share their own stories. 

6. Juniper Young Writers Online Writing Lab 

Dates: One-week program: July 29–August 2, 2024; Two-week program: July 29–August 9, 2024

Location: Amherst, MA

Application deadline: March 7th, 2024

Cost: $2,600 for one week; $4,950 for two weeks

Students in the Juniper Young Writers Online Writing Lab participate in writing sessions, share questions, and discuss their work and writing-related topics over the course of this program. Led by professional teachers, published authors, and graduate students at UMass Amherst, Writing Lab participants gain insight into the creative process, find inspiration for work, learn tips to improve their writing and develop relationships with other young writers. Students will be provided a written summary of their work, an evaluation toward writing goals, and future considerations for their writing.

7. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement (AYA) 

Dates: June 17th to July 19th, 2024

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Application deadline: March 22nd, 2024

AYA is a free, immersive experience for talented high school students from the area surrounding USC. The program allows participants to explore USC Annenberg’s undergraduate programs, gain insight into careers in media and journalism, and meet the people advancing issues of race, gender, and ethnicity in communication and journalism. Over the course of this program, students build a variety of skills, including writing and critical thinking. 

8. Reynolds Young Writers Workshop 

Dates: June 22nd to 29th, 2024

Location: Granville, OH

Application deadline: March 1st, 2024 

Cost: $1,500

For more than a quarter of a century, Denison University has welcomed talented high school writers to its acclaimed Reynolds Young Writers Workshop. Led by Denison’s creative writing faculty and notable visiting writers, participants take part in small creative writing workshops and group sessions to explore a variety of writing techniques in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

9. Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Dates: June 23rd to June 28, 2024

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Application deadline: April 1, 2024

The Camp Cronkite program is a summer media enrichment camp allowing high schoolers to dive into the world of media. Led by Cronkite faculty, staff, and students, campers learn about digital journalism, broadcast journalism, or sports media. They will work on reporting, pitching, storytelling, and editing, and receive hands-on instruction in video editing, photography, reporting and writing, script development, and more. There are several scholarships available for students who demonstrate financial need. 

10. Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers

Dates: July 24th to August 4th, 2024

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Application deadline: March 10th, 2024

Over Alpha’s 12 days, students with an interest in science fiction, fantasy, or horror learn how to generate ideas, turn those ideas into drafts, critique each other’s work, make revisions, and submit their work to paying markets. The program also provides students with an introduction to college life and allows them to explore a career as a professional writer. 

11. 92Y Unterberg Poetry Center Young Writers Workshop

Dates: July 8th to 25th, 2024

Location: New York, NY

Application deadline: May 28th, 2024

Cost: $2,600

The Unterberg Poetry Center has been home to established and up-and-coming poets since it was founded in 1939. Students at its Young Writers Workshop receive coaching from some of New York’s best writing teachers and explore a variety of forms, styles, and voices in a warm and supportive environment. Participants learn to look critically at their own work and will leave the workshop with a clearer understanding of their goals as a writer and what it takes to make a career in the literary world. 

12. Shared Worlds    

Dates: July 14th to 27th, 2024

Location: Spartanburg, SC

Application deadline: Rolling

This fun writing program is for high school students with an interest in speculative fiction—for example, science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk. Shared Worlds is a residential program for rising 8th-12th grade students to work under the guidance of renowned fantasy and science fiction writers. Over the course of the workshop, students imagine, build, and write their own stories and have their enthusiasm for writing encouraged. 

13. Bard College at Simon’s Rock Young Writers Workshop

Dates: July 7th to 27th, 2024

Location: Great Barrington, MA

Cost: $3,500

This program is modeled on the well-known Language and Thinking Workshop all students entering Bard College are required to take. Unlike other creative writing workshops, leaders of this young writers workshop encourage informal, playful, and expressive writing and lean on peer response to develop polished pieces of writing. Students will live, eat, and work on campus, gaining firsthand experience living and learning in a college atmosphere while producing pieces ranging from short stories and poems to brief dramatic works and experiments in creative nonfiction.

14. Kenyon Review Summer Residential Young Writers Workshops

Dates:   Session 1: June 23rd to July 6th, 2024; Session 2: July 14th to 27th, 2024

Location: Gambier, OH

Cost: $2,575

Every summer, talented writers from across the U.S. come to the picturesque campus of Kenyon College to participate in its Young Writers Workshop. In this multi-genre program, students experience what it’s like to be part of the literary community while bolstering their talents, discovering new strengths, and challenging themselves in the company of similarly interested peers. 

15. Kenyon Review Summer Online Young Writers Workshop

Dates: June 16th to 21st, 2024

Location: Online

Application deadline: April 15th, 2024

For students who can’t make it to Ohio for two weeks, the online workshop is a great alternative. With writing workshops for three and a half hours every day, it’s possible to take advantage of the program without relocating. In the evening, students will attend virtual open mics, social gatherings, and talks and readings by authors. 

16. BYU Young Authors Academy

Dates: July 8th to 13th, 2024

Location: Provo, UT

At BYU’s Young Authors Academy, students speak with local and nationally-recognized authors, review each others’ writing, work with faculty in the BYU English department, stay in campus housing, take small-group writing courses, and meet other, like-minded peers. Students can choose from two electives over the program, including Creating Believable Tales and Villains, Flash Fiction, and Breaking News. 

17. Fir Acres Writing Workshop

Dates: June 23rd to July 6th, 2024

Location: Portland, OR

Application deadline: March 8th, 2024

Cost: $3,700

Fir Acres writing program takes sixty rising 10th-12th graders from around the country and forms a community of enthusiastic writers on the campus of Lewis and Clark College. Students participate in daily workshops studying and writing under the guidance of Lewis and Clark’s faculty. They also meet and hear from visiting writers and work on their own poetry, fiction, and other writings. 

18. LMU’s Beginning Screenwriting Program 

Dates: June 23rd to July 6th; July 14th to 27th, 2024

Application deadline: March 15th, 2024

Cost: $5,800 and a $65 application fee

LMU’s School of Film and Television offers this program to students looking to enhance their writing skills and learn the elements of screenwriting. Students will work on structure, character development, dialogue, formatting, and genre while analyzing both classic and contemporary popular movies. They will learn from faculty members who are also professional screenwriters and leave the program with a short script. 

19. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Writing and Culture Program 

Dates: June 22nd to July 20th, 2024

Cost: $6,800- $8,995

Over the weeks of the program, students at CMU will examine film, writing, design, art, and culture through various lenses. Learning will take place both on CMU’s campus and around the city of Pittsburgh. Students will produce a body of work perfect for a portfolio during the program under the tutelage of highly distinguished faculty members of the Department of English. Classes are held Monday through Friday, and students emerge with individualized feedback and guidance to enhance their creative pursuits. 

20. Boston University Summer Journalism Academy

Dates: On Campus: June 24 to July 12, 2024; Virtual: June 17 to 28, 2024; July 1 to 12, 2024; or July 15 to 26, 2024 

Application deadline: April 19th, 2024 for in person, May 10th, 2024 for remote

Location: Virtual or Boston, MA

Cost: $1500 to $6200

Taught by working journalists, BU’s Summer Journalism Academy gives high school students actual reporting assignments to give them a jump-start into the world of journalism. With both virtual and in-person options, there is something for everyone. There are scholarships and financial aid available for students demonstrating financial need. Students must be a rising 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader in high school to attend. For applicants who get their materials in by March 8th, there is a $400 discount for in-person, and a $200 discount for virtual learning. 

21. The School of The New York Times’ Summer Academy

Dates: Term 1: June 9th to 21st; Term 2: June 23rd to July 5th; Term 3: July 7th to July 19th; Term 4: July 21st to August 2nd, 2024

Location: New York City

Application deadline: April 1st, 2024

Cost: $5,935 to $7,220

From DIY Filmmaking to A Million Lives in the Law and Pop Music as Art & Business, The School of the New York Times offers a wide range of fascinating classes to students interested in journalism. In the heart of New York City, students can spend several weeks learning from experienced journalists working in the field. Scholarship applications are only available until the end of February, so interested students should apply ASAP. 

Summer programs—and other extracurricular activities—can help set you apart, particularly at highly selective schools. CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can tell you how colleges value your extracurricular activities and uses factors like grades and test scores (along with extracurriculars) to estimate your odds of acceptance at hundreds of schools across the country. It even provides insight into how you can improve your profile!

Though summer break provides you with the most time to explore your passions, it is not the only time. Colleges want to see that you are curious about the world around you and are constantly seeking new learning opportunities. 

Instead of participating in a program, you could create your own. Writing a book or mobilizing a team to solve an issue in your local community are examples of independent efforts that look impressive to colleges. 

You can show further initiative by taking on internships and paying jobs. Both demonstrate initiative, a career direction, and key life skills like time management and responsibility. Since most internships are reserved for college students and graduates, it can be a challenge to find opportunities for high school students. To help with the search, here is a list of summer internships for high school students. Looking for more summer programs? Take a look at this list of virtual opportunities for high school students.

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Young Writers' Camp

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• Young Writers' Camp 10 day

Young Writers' Camp 10-day

Young Writers’ Camp is a 10-day summer program designed to inspire creative thinking and promote a love of writing. Campers will experiment with different kinds of writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.

San Diego Area Writing Project teachers share the belief that writing is a process. Young Writers’ Camp engages students in that process and allows them to discover their own style, voice and potential and nurture joy in their writing. Our goal is that each young writer, regardless of skill level, has the time and space to experiment in a variety of genres while developing creativity and confidence. Students of any writing ability are invited to participate in Young Writers’ Camp. 

Grades 3-9 Fall 2024 (Classes will be grouped with grade level bands: 3-5, 5-7, 7-9) Dates: July 8-19, 2024 (10 days) Time: 8:30am-12:00pm Cost: $500 Register Now: ucsdywc.eventbrite.com

Young writers will:

• build self-confidence and fluency as writers
• write in a relaxed community environment designed to inspire creativity
• receive individual attention in small groups from SDAWP credentialed writing teachers
• engage in process writing —drafting, writing, revising, editing, and publishing
• make new friends and write and share with other young writers

What previous campers have said...

• "At camp I learned to show instead of tell. At first I thought it was hard, but now it's easy." (Grade 3)
• "I learned to use my sensory writing details like what I see, smell, taste, feel, and what I hear, to make the story more interesting." (Grade 4)
• "At camp I learned to put more detail in giving feedback. I also learned what blackout poetry is." (Grade 5)
• "My favorite part of camp was sharing writing with others and using the beautiful outdoor spaces at UCSD during our daily writing time." (Grade 8)
• "I learned to expand my vocabulary, match my writing pace with my thoughts. I also learned many new ways to write." (Grade 7)
• "My favorite part was everything! I was extremely surprised but I really enjoyed it, and I will definitely be doing it next year." (Grade 9)

What parents have said...

• "Before she started this camp she did not like writing much because she had no idea what to write without help. Only two weeks yet she feels different towards writing. She is able to express herself in writing much better."
• "He would always tell us stories at dinner about camp! His enthusiasm for writing grew. He felt like he could do anything —empowering."
• "All of my girls LOVE to write and the camp was enriching and allowed them to tap into their creativity and learn new skills. They came home everyday telling us how awesome it was."
• "He was very hesitant about doing a writing camp. I can confidently say by the end of his 10 days at camp he has grown confident and enjoyed writing camp. He has learned new ways to write. Thank you for making this camp fun for him."

Register Now

Young Writers Camp 10-day @ UC San Diego July 8-19 8:30-12:00pm

Click here to register: ucsdywc.eventbrite.com

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