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Camp Creative Writing Programs

Are you a developing young artist with a story to tell and a passion for expression? Do you love to write? Is it your dream to transport an audience to another world through the written word?

Interlochen Arts Camp is the destination for you. When you participate in one of our creative writing summer camps, you’ll learn techniques and tools of the trade from our gifted faculty members, meet incredible guest artists, and build friendships with students like you who will inspire you to reach your full potential.

In this fun and fast-paced environment, you will:

• Learn from faculty and guest artists who have established writing careers
• Enjoy all the benefits of a summer camp experience
• Meet students from around the world who love to write

Creative Writing Camps

Interlochen Arts Camp offers summer programs in multiple focus areas in our Creative Writing Division: Creative Writing, Novel Writing, Performance Poetry, and Comics & Graphic Narratives. Select your desired program below to learn more.

For Grades 6-8

Creative Writing Program

For Grades 9-12

Comics & Graphic Narratives Intensive (Visual Arts Division)

Novel Writing Intensive

Playwriting Intensive

Spoken Word Intensive

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

• Each of our seven arts areas 
• Various programs 
• Renowned faculty 
• A day in the life of a student 
• How to apply and financial aid information 

Join us at Interlochen Arts Camp

Do what you love best (writing!) all day long—in the most beautiful place imaginable. Join us for a summer you'll never forget.

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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.

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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12 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students (2022 -2023)

Extracurriculars

Love reading, writing, and being creative? Then consider checking out summer writing programs for high school students! 

Whether you want to become a journalist or the next Poet Laureate, there are tons of summer writing programs that will help you achieve your goals. Participating in these programs can look great on college applications too! 

In this article, we’ll give you all the info you need to decide if creative writing summer programs for high school students are right for you, including: 

• A full description of 12 summer writing programs for high school students (including cost, eligibility, and what they cover!)
• A quick, five question quiz to help you decide if a summer writing program is right for you
• Three tips on how to impress colleges with your summer writing program

Let’s get started! 

Summer's the perfect time for sitting on the beach, eating ice cream...and participating in writing programs. 

What Are Summer Writing Programs for High School Students? 

Creative writing summer programs for high school students are a great way for students with an interest in writing to explore subjects they’re interested in, build skills for college, and meet other students who share their interests.  

As a bonus, summer writing programs can look great on college applications!

Summer writing programs for high schoolers are typically held between May and August each year . These programs are similar to a summer class or camp. Additionally, these programs last anywhere from a week to several weeks throughout the summer. 

Like summer camps, writing programs for high schoolers are pretty intensive. Students spend their time l istening to lectures from experts, participating in workshops, presenting their work, and getting real-life feedback. 

Best of all, summer writing programs are hands-on, so you’ll spend lots of time writing and creating original work ! The goal of any summer writing program is to help you develop and improve your writing skills through practice and feedback. 

While some programs teach general writing skills, many summer writing programs focus on a particular field or genre, like journalism, essay writing, or creative writing . For instance, if you’re thinking about becoming a journalism major, you might participate in a journalism writing summer program that’ll give you a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the industry.

There are many benefits of summer writing programs when it comes to college applications too. After all, writing great college essays is an important part of getting into your dream school! And because they’re extracurricular activities, summer writing programs are also a good option for students who are aiming for an arts-based spike approach on college applications. 

Dust off that typewriter...it's time to apply!

12 Summer Writing Programs for High School Students

We’ve put together a list of 12 summer creative writing summer programs for high school students to help you get a sense of the many great options out there. Our list includes journalism, research-based, and creative writing summer programs for high school students so you can find the best one for you! 

#1: The School of New York Times Summer Academy

• Eligibility: Must be entering 10th, 11th, 12th grade, or graduating high school
• Dates: Term 1: June 5-17; Term 2: June 19-July 1; Term 3: July 3-15; Term 4: July 17-29
• Location: New York City
• Cost: $6,420 for residential; $5,820 for day program
• Deadlines: Varies by term; deadlines range from early May to mid-June

The New York Times (NYT) offers a series of writing-based summer courses for high school students at their campus in New York City. Courses are designed to develop students’ curiosity and critical thinking through traditional coursework and in the museums, arts centers, think tanks, and start-up labs of New York City. Courses are offered on various topics , including creative writing and investigative journalism. 

The program “seeks talented student leaders with diverse interests, ambitions and writing styles.” To participate, students complete an online application that includes short answer questions and optional writing samples, high school transcripts, and one recommendation. 

#2: Boston University Summer Journalism Academy

• Eligibility: Must be aged 14-18 
• Dates: Vary by year; Session 1: June 20-July 1; Session 2: July 4-July 15; Session 3: July 18-July 29
• Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
• Cost: On-Campus w/tuition, room, board and activity fees: $3700; On-Campus Commuter w/tuition and activity fees: $2700; Learn-from-Home: $1300
• Deadlines: Applications due mid-May

The Summer Journalism Academy at Boston University is designed to introduce high school students to life as news reporters . Students practice their skills in the classroom then apply them to hands-on learning opportunities in a real newsroom. One of the biggest perks is that students get to learn from working journalists who cover a wide range of beats. 

Students can participate in person or remotely. In-person participants can stay on BU’s campus through the residential program, where they’ll get a chance to live alongside other academy attendees. To participate, applications must be submitted online and should include a 300-word letter explaining the student’s interest in journalism.

#3: Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) Journalism Camp

• Eligibility: 9th-12th graders with a strong interest in journalism 
• Dates: Summer; exact program dates may vary
• Location: Varies by year; JCamp 2022 is hosted by the University of Southern California
• Cost: No cost (travel expenses are also covered by the program)
• Deadlines: Applications due March 31

The AAJA‘s six-day summer training camp, called JCamp, gives students the opportunity to learn from journalists and journalism executives while developing their writing skills. This summer writing program gives students hands-on experience producing multi-platform news packages that are published on the program’s news site, JCamp Live. 

Students who show a strong interest in broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, photojournalism, or online media are encouraged to apply online. Also, JCamp isn’t limited to Asian American students, so all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible. Even better: all program costs are covered , including travel, university lodging, and meals. 

#4: Yale Daily News Summer Journalism Program

• Eligibility: Open to all high school students
• Dates: August 16-20
• Location: Varies by year; 2022 program held via Zoom
• Cost: Free to students from New Haven Public Schools; all other participants pay $160 in tuition
• Deadlines: Unspecified

The Yale Daily News Summer Journalism Program is a one-week journalism course for high school students. Students participate in workshops on the basics of writing and reporting, hear lectures by journalists from major publications, and work as a team to produce an issue of the Yale Daily News.  

As a bonus, the program is run entirely by undergraduate staff members of the Yale Daily News , so students will get to see what it’s like to be a real journalism student at an Ivy League school. 

To apply, students must submit four short answer questions and a pitch for one professional-grade news article . Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as program costs may increase as the program start date approaches. 

Howard University's writing program is perfect for people who want to write across media--and yes, that includes TikTok.

#5: Howard University Multimedia Academy 

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grade
• Dates: June 14-25
• Location: Virtual/online
• Cost: Not specified
• Deadlines: Applications due June 5

Howard’s virtual summer writing program teaches students to use multimedia journalism to report on health and wellness in underserved communities . At the end of the program, students’ work appears on the Howard University News Service and on Voices of Tomorrow, a nonprofit that provides social services to immigrants and refugees from East African communities.  

Additionally, the best work by seniors and recent graduates will be eligible for the Dow Jones News Fund’s scholarship competition . To apply to Howard’s Multimedia Academy, students must fill out an online application, including a 250-word essay. 

#6: The Multicultural Journalism Program (MJW)  

• Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through college freshmen
• Dates: June 3-12
• Location: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
• Cost: Free, including housing, meals, and field trips; students are responsible for transportation to and from Tuscaloosa
• Deadlines: Applications due April 1

MJW’s summer writing program selects 10 to 15 students to attend an intensive workshop held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This workshop focuses on multimedia reporting, writing, editing, graphics, photography, and production. During the workshop, students produce an issue of the MJP Journal to showcase everything they’ve learned. 

Applicants must submit a high school transcript, a typed 500-word essay explaining their interest in journalism, and a recommendation letter. The program also encourages students to submit samples of published journalistic work , but unpublished writing samples are also acceptable. 

#7: Carnegie-Mellon University Writing and Culture Program

• Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by program start date; must be a current high school sophomore or junior at time of application; must have an academic average of B (3.0/4.0) and/or have received a B or higher in their last English class.
• Dates: July 5-August 12
• Location: Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
• Cost: $9,000 for residential program; $6,932 for commuter program
• Deadlines: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

The Carnegie-Mellon Writing and Culture Program teaches high school students to think critically and express themselves creatively. This six-week course features classes taught by Carnegie-Mellon faculty, readings and events with local authors, and hands-on visits to Pittsburgh’s museums. Throughout the program, students produce a written portfolio that explores film, art, and culture . 

To apply, students must complete an online application that includes a high school transcript, responses to essay prompts, and up to three optional writing samples. If an applicant’s cumulative high school GPA is below a B average (3.0/4.0), submitting writing samples is strongly encouraged.

#8: Iowa Young Writers’ Studio Residential Program

• Eligibility: Must be a current 10th, 11th, or 12th grader
• Dates: Session 1: June 12-25; Session 2: July 10-23
• Location: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
• Cost: $2,500 for residential
• Deadlines: Applications due February 6

The Iowa Writers’ Workshop offers a two-week, residential creative writing summer program for 144 high school students from across the country. Once accepted, students will select a course of study from the following options: poetry, fiction, creative writing, playwriting, or TV writing. Students also participate in writing workshops, receive constructive feedback, and star in open mics and talent shows.

The Iowa Young Writers’ studio acceptance rate falls between 15% and 20% . A competitive application to this program will include a polished writing sample, statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, and high school transcript. Students from outside the United States are also welcome to apply. 

It turns out that Virginia is for writers.

#9: UVA Young Writers Workshop

• Eligibility: Session 1: rising 9th-12th graders; Session 2: rising 10th graders through rising first-year college students
• Dates: Session 1: June 19-July 1; Session 2: July 3-July 22  
• Location: Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, VA
• Cost: $2450 for Session 1; $3500 for Session 2
• Deadlines: Applications due March 1

UVA Young Writers Workshop is a summer program designed to immerse students in a creative writing genre . Students focus on one of the following for the duration of the program: short form creative writing, poetry, songwriting, screen and playwriting, creative nonfiction, or fiction. 

UVA Young Writers Workshop is one of the best summer writing programs for high school students because it offers two program sessions that are geared toward different skill levels . Session 1 is designed for a wider range of skill levels and experience, whereas Session 2 is geared toward more advanced writers. You can apply to both sessions online by submitting several writing samples, a brief autobiography, and a letter of recommendation. 

#10: Smith College Creative Writing Workshop

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grades; must be female-identified or gender-nonconforming students
• Dates: July 9-23
• Cost: $4,285
• Deadlines: Applications due May 15

Smith’s Creative Writing Workshop teaches the importance of practice and perseverance by engaging students in a multi-draft writing process in a variety of mediums . Students are taught by real published writers and get the chance to present their work at open mic and improv nights. In the evenings, there are even opportunities to meet with agents and learn how to create an author website!

Students are selected for this writing program based on academic performance, a written essay, and a teacher recommendation. Also, because Smith is a women’s college, this summer writing program is only open to young women, female-identified, or gender-nonconforming students . Students from outside of the U.S. are also encouraged to apply. 

#11: Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week

• Eligibility: Must be in 9th-12th grade and 14 years of age or older by the program start date
• Dates: On-campus session: July 11-15; online session: August 1-5
• Location: Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY; online
• Cost: $1,125 for on-campus; $725 for online
• Deadlines: Unspecified; contact [email protected]​ for more information 

Writer’s Week at Sarah Lawrence is a week-long experience with creative writing and performance arts for high school students. Students attend workshops taught by real writers, artists, and Sarah Lawrence faculty and will get the chance to meet in small groups with workshop leaders. At the end of the week, the program hosts a celebration of student work and faculty and student readings. 

Sarah Lawrence Writer’s Week offers both an on-campus and online session (but note that the on-campus session is a day camp, not residential). Applications and registration must be completed online. 

#12: Alpha Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Workshop for Young Writers

• Eligibility: Must be aged 14-19
• Dates: July 20-31
• Location: University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg, PA
• Cost: $1,200
• Deadlines: Unspecified; applications open in January 

Alpha is a twelve-day writing workshop for 20 high school students at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus. During this program, students are expected to write an original science fiction, fantasy, or horror short story of 2000 words or more. During the writing process, students receive plenty of hands-on guidance. 

The Alpha program is held in-person on the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg campus . To apply, students must fill out an online form and submit an original short story of at least 2000 words. 

Quiz: Is a Summer Writing Program Right for You?

If you’re still not sure if participating in a summer writing program is right for you, don’t worry–we’re here to help! 

We’ve put together a five-question, yes-or-no response quiz to help you decide if summer writing programs support your interests and goals. Just read the questions below and respond with “yes” or “no.”

• Is your English class the most exciting part of your school day?  
• Do you spend free time reading and writing for fun? 
• Are you looking for new challenges and experiences as a writer? 
• Are you willing to share your writing with others, including peers you’ve just met and writing professionals and experts? 
• Are you highly motivated to pursue your interests outside of school and even during your summer vacation? 

If you responded with “yes” to three or more of the questions above, you might consider applying to a summer writing program for high school students! 

At the end of the day, you want your summer activities to support your interests and boost your college applications . If you’re aiming for a future career as a writer or just want to hone your writing hobby, a summer writing program may be the perfect fit for you.

3 Tips To Impress Colleges With Your Summer Writing Program

Summer writing programs for high school students look great to college admissions teams . But what are the best ways to showcase your writing experience on your applications? 

We’ll show you how to impress colleges with your summer writing program–just check out the tips below !

Tip 1: Work It Into Your College Essays

You want your college essays to tell a vivid story about your interests . Your experiences in a summer writing program provide a great springboard for illustrating your interests and passions on your college applications! 

Colleges want to accept students who are creative, courageous, and motivated to pursue their dreams. Writing about how you stretched and grew during your summer writing program will show colleges that you’re up for a challenge…and that you won’t give up, no matter how many revisions your draft needs. 

Tip 2: Connect It to Your Major

If you’re already certain you want to major in a writing-related field in college, your summer writing program will be especially helpful. Many elite schools ask students to apply directly to their chosen major. So if you’re applying to an arts or humanities major, there’s a good chance you’ll have to submit a writing sample as part of your college application . 

The good news is that most summer writing programs give you the chance to produce original writing and receive critiques from professional writers. By taking the writing you produce during your summer writing program and continuing to revise it, you’ll have a top-notch writing sample to include with your application.

Tip 3: Ask a Program Instructor for a Recommendation

Creative writing summer programs for high school students give you the opportunity to connect with writing faculty at elite colleges and real-life writers, journalists, poets, and more. These professionals provide feedback on your writing during your summer program…which means they’ll have unique insights into your potential as a college student ! 

In fact, several summer writing programs offer students the chance to receive a college recommendation from program faculty . For instance, the New York Times Summer Academy says this about recommendations from program faculty:

As a pre-college program, [NYT] Summer Academy gives students the opportunity to get a glimpse of the college experience while also exploring possible topics of study. Typically, college admissions officers look favorably on students who continue to enhance their academic portfolio during the summer months. Students will also benefit from receiving a narrative evaluation from their instructor which can be included as part of their college applications.

If you build strong rapport with an instructor at your summer writing program, consider staying in touch and asking them to write you a letter of recommendation for your college applications. Having a recommendation from someone outside of your high school will show colleges that you’re already building real-world connections with people in your future career field . 

What’s Next? 

Writing programs can prepare you for writing your college admissions essays . Our expert guide breaks down the whole admissions essay writing process , step by step.

One popular college essay format is the “why this school?” prompt. We’ll show you how to write an amazing “why this college” essay that will wow admissions counselors.  

If you’re not sure what a great college essay looks like, that’s okay. We’ve compiled a list of over 140 college essays that can inspire you as you’re writing yours! 

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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8 Creative Writing Camps for Middle School Students

Despite what most people think, summer programs that offer academic enrichment are not just for high school students. Students attending middle school have just as much opportunity to learn and grow from attending such programs.  Summer camps can expand your knowledge and expose you to hands-on activities that aren’t found in schools, all with a healthy dose of fun.

If you’re interested in writing stories, crafting poems, or building imaginary worlds, a creative writing summer camp is the ideal choice for you. Not only will you enhance your understanding of words and language, but you will also improve your creativity and sense of innovation.  Some camps even give you the chance to present your work in front of a crowd, which can be a huge confidence booster. 

If this sounds like a good fit for you, check out these 8 creative writing camps for middle school students:  

1. Writopia Lab’s WriCampia

Application deadline:  Rolling, until the camp fills up

Eligibility:  Rising 5th to 12th graders  

Program dates:  August 11 – August 22, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Location:  Camp Danbee, Peru, MA

Fee:  $4,200. Limited financial aid is available.  

Writopia Lab is a New York non-profit organization that runs creative writing workshops and camps for young students. WriCampia is the lab’s sleepaway camp where you can learn from published authors and playwrights . Every morning, you will attend writing workshops (not exceeding 8 students at a time) where you will engage in writing exercises and work on creating your own pieces. 

The curriculum also includes an elective track—you can choose from topics like filmmaking, portfolio writing, and songwriting. Additionally, the camp involves activities like scavenger hunts, campfires, spoken word events, and more. You can see the previous year’s projects   here .

2. Duke’s Pre-College Program—Creative Writing Course

Application deadline:  Applications open December 13 

Eligibility:  Students in grades 6-8  

Program dates:  July 21 – July 26, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)

Location:  Duke University, Durham, NC

Fee:  $1,400 (tuition fees) plus an additional $125 meal fee for the commuter track, or $750 room and meal fee for the residential track. Financial aid is available  for tuition 

Duke University’s pre-college program offers a creative writing course for middle school students. The course aims to develop your voice as a creative writer. During the weeklong program, you will explore storytelling, prose, and poetry. You will read and analyze various works and create your own pieces as well. 

This program is available in both residential and commuter tracks. The residential program provides an opportunity to live like a college student and attend additional social events.

3. UCLA Writing Project   

Application deadline:  TBA for 2025

Eligibility:  Students entering grades 5-12

Program dates:  TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered in 2024:

In-person: June 20 – July 3, 2024

Virtual: July 8 – July 19, 2024

Location:  University of California, Los Angeles, CA or virtual

The UCLA Writing Project organizes a summer program every year, with different programs for different age groups. As a participant, you will learn the art of writing from UCLA Writing Project fellows as you explore a specific genre. The 2024 program  for 7th and 8th graders focused on writing about the environment. The curriculum includes group work, individual writing time, and one-on-one sessions with the teacher.  After completing the program, you will have an anthology of your writing and receive a participation certificate. 

4. GrubStreet’s Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP)

Application deadline:  Registration is open till the maximum capacity is reached  

Eligibility:  Students aged 13-18  

Program dates:  Multiple one-week programs available in the summer 

Location:  GrubStreet Center for Creative Writing, Boston, MA or virtual

Fee:  TBA for 2025. Some classes are free, and scholarships are available.   

This program is hosted by GrubStreet’s Center for Creative Writing, a non-profit organization that aims to help writers develop. YAWP is a weeklong program for teenagers to explore creative writing . It offers different classes on a range of genres, topics, and styles.  

Your instructors will be published authors, and you can choose between in-person or online programs. The classes focus on building your confidence as a writer, encouraging you to share your work with others. 

5. Thurber House Summer Writing Camp

Application deadline:  May 3, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program). Applications for 2025 will open in March.    

Eligibility:  Students entering grades 2-9  

Program dates:  Multiple one-week sessions in June and July

Location:  Thurber Center, Columbus, OH

Fee:  $300. Scholarships are available.

Thurber House is a non-profit literary arts center based in the house of the late author and playwright James Thurber. It hosts several literary programs, including this summer camp for young students. The campers are separated by age, with 4th-6th graders in one group and 7th-9th graders in another. 

As a participant, you can expect daily workshops, writing exercises, author visits, and field trips to places like the Columbus Museum of Art. Previous students have made poetry zines and learned about topics like suspense writing and persuasive storytelling.  This camp accepts students on a first-come first-served basis and each class is capped at 40 students, so you should apply early to this one!

6. University of Washington’s Writers Workshop for Middle School

Application deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8

Program dates: March 25 – May 29, 2025

Location: Online

Fee: $750. Limited financial aid is   available

If you’re unable to travel to attend a summer program, you can consider virtual programs like this one. The University of Washington offers this workshop for students who want to hone their creative writing skills.  This is one of the few options where you get to choose between focusing on one genre or learning about multiple genres like short stories, poetry, creative non-fiction, and more.  Your schedule will include group discussions, individual writing time, and a final session where you will showcase your work. 

7. Interlochen Center for the Arts—Creative Writing Summer Program

Application deadline:  January 15, 2025. Students may be accepted after this deadline if space is still available. 

Program dates:  Two three-week sessions will be offered in 2025:

June 22 – July 12, 2025

July 13 – August 3, 2025

Location:  Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, MI

Fee:  $6,985. Need and merit-based financial aid is   available .

The Interlochen Arts Camp is a well-respected program known for offering high-quality education in the arts, featuring a number of camps in the fields of music, theatre, visual arts, and more. You will learn from professional writers, take part in daily writing classes, and work on assignments in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and playwriting.  

You will learn how to critique others’ work and receive feedback on your own. At the end of the program, your work will be published in the camp anthology and you will have the chance to perform it at a student reading.

8. Greater Kansas City Writing Project—Young Writers Camp

Application deadline:  Early bird deadline: May 1, 2025 

Eligibility:  Middle and high school students

Program dates:  TBA for 2025. Two sessions were offered last year:

July 9 – July 12, 2024

July 16 – July 19, 2024

Location:  TBA for 2025. Last year, Session 1 was at Missouri Innovation Campus and Session 2 was at Anita Gorman Discovery Center

Fee:  $275 ($225 if you register before the early bird deadline)

Organized in collaboration with the University of Central Missouri, the GKCWP offers this writing camp for middle and high school students. As a participant, you can expect daily writing sessions led by experienced teachers. The program aims to provide a supportive environment for you to grow as a writer. 

At the end of the program, you will attend an open mic event where you will have the chance to perform your creative work in front of friends and family. The program welcomes students interested in all genres, from fantasy to poetry.   

One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program

The   Lumiere Junior Explorer Program  is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about . Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.

The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the   brochure ! 

To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at [email protected]   or go to our   website.

Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application   link !  If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to   this  page!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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PJ Seminar: Deepening Character: A Master Class on the Heart of Fiction with Morgan Talty

To shape our narratives, we need to consider crucial aspects of our characters: what they want, what they’ll do to get it, and how the consequences of their actions have a direct impact not just on the narrative trajectory, but also all the fictional elements that together remind us of the” problems of the human heart in conflict with itself” and what makes good writing.

PJ Seminar: Dance within the Genre Borders: A Master Class on Writing Romance with Sonali Dev

Through a series of writing exercises, examples from breakout novels, and Q&A, Dev will guide participants toward understanding genre structure and then building the best possible story on that foundation, one with unforgettable characters, emotionally resonant conflict, and a page turning plot.

PJ Seminar: A Master Class on Writing an Identity Not Your Own with Alex Temblador

In this class, we will delve into the self-awareness and self-reflection that is required of writers who wish to write characters of differing identities.

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YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS

Online & In-Person for Summer 2024

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.

Please subscribe to our Youth Newsletter to get first updates on camp information.

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: $325

7th – 11th: The World’s a Vast Stage 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.

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.

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.

PREVIOUS CAMP PHOTOS

Intro to Creative Writing Summer Camp 2024

$ 275.00

Not sure where to begin in your writing journey? Stuck in a writing rut and ready to explore a world outside of your typical style? In this course, high school students dip their toes into a variety of writing genres such as poetry, short stories, and personal narratives. They will explore the elements and characteristics of each genre while crafting original pieces and building a varied, well-rounded writing portfolio.

Learn more below.

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Description

Looking for creative writing summer programs for high school students you are in the right place.

Curriculum Summary: Participants of all skill levels will share, discuss, and evaluate various forms of creative writing and compile a well-rounded portfolio of samples, including: – an observational poem, – an introspective letter, – an emotional short story, – a three-scene play, – a micro-memoir, and – a work of flash-fiction. Throughout the course, writers will practice the fundamentals of creative composition, such as showing vs telling, point of view, character development, and writing from personal experience. Our final class will culminate in a knowledge-sharing session about how to develop healthy writing habits and effective revisionist techniques.

Intro to Creative Writing Camp: Virtual Summer Camp for Teens (ages 13-19)

Schedule: june 24 – june 28 , 11:00 am-12:30 pm et.

During workshop sessions, you’ll engage in interactive writing activities, connect with peers around the world, and work together to grow your writing skills.

Between workshop sessions, you may be asked to work independently (and asynchronously) on writing prompts and activities, guided by peer and expert reviews, at your own pace, for approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your facilitator’s workshop plan. You will also receive individualized feedback that will strengthen your writing.

*Please note that we require all participants to appear on either video or audio during online group meetings (video is preferred, but not required).

A Zoom link to join us for our live, virtual online writing camp will be provided via email prior to the start date. Stay tuned!

Guest Speaker:

Susan Ring has been writing stories and songs for over 25 years. She began her career at an ad agency, eventually moving on to CBS and PBS networks. Her experience in television includes creating the Moose A. Moose and Z Bird characters for Nickelodeon’s Noggin and writing music for the science show 3-2-1 Contact, for which she received an Emmy Nomination. Susan later expanded into writing children’s books and has written over 100 leveled readers as well as trade books for major publishers such as Disney, Scholastic, Random House, and more. Her picture book Where Should Turtle Be? received a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. Susan has also worked as a copywriter for Hasbro and creative brand writer for Mr. Potato Head. Over the years, her projects have received numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy, Cine Golden Eagle, Dr. Toy, iParenting, and Parents' Choice Awards. When she’s not writing, Susan can often be found riding her bike (with her bird hitching a ride), hiking with her dogs, or attempting to create a decent watercolor painting.

Workshop Facilitators:

David Keohane

David serves as an Expert Reviewer, Advisor, and Site Moderator at Write the World. He is a Theatre Arts graduate from Boston University, where he studied acting, directing, playwriting, and theater management. Currently based in the Mid-Hudson Valley region of New York, he freelances as a creative storytelling teacher and mentor, specializing in Shakespeare, dreamwork, and nature studies. David has an enthusiasm for in-depth critical feedback and encouraging a sense of personal play for young writers across the globe.

Anna O’Connor

Anna is extremely passionate about children’s and young adult literature and published her first children’s picture book in 2020. In addition to children’s literature, Anna has had her short stories and articles published online and in national newspapers. A Quercus scholarship recipient, Anna is known for her work as a writer and activist. She is currently pursuing a BA in English at University College Cork, where she also serves as the Creative Writing Officer of the English Literature Society. As a former Write the World writer and community ambassador, Anna is extremely excited to support young writers in their creative growth.

About Write the World's Virtual Summer Writing Camps:

Jump into new genres of writing and connect with campers across the globe in Write the World’s Virtual Writing Camps .

Spend your summer immersed in a virtual community of teen writers from over 100 countries as you experiment with the written word, try your hand at new styles of writing, and work with notable professionals to create pieces you’re proud of… all without leaving your home!

Whether you choose to spend your free time filling journals with poetry and prose or are new to putting your thoughts on paper, we welcome you to join our week-long writing camps across genres in June, July, and August, 2024.

Have additional questions? Check out our parent and guardian FAQ’s here (scroll to bottom) or reach out to us at [email protected] to connect!

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Badgerdog Creative Writing Programs

Taught by Austin’s talented working writers, our Badgerdog Creative Writing Program includes workshops, classroom-based lessons, and youth camps to inspire and guide our up-and-coming writers.

Badgerdog Creative Writing

Summer camps.

Every summer break, Badgerdog hosts writing workshops for students from 3rd to 12th grade. These fun yet challenging camps provide a space for young writers to immerse themselves in an imaginative writing experience. These intimately-sized creative writing workshops, led by Austin’s professional writers, give students the freedom to explore the arts of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, and screenwriting.

All our creative writing camps follow a simple teaching model: READ, WRITE, SHARE.

• We READ the work of published writers to discover the strategies, and tools that make writing vivid and compelling.
• We WRITE, practising the art of storytelling while using the skills we’ve learned.
• We SHARE, reading our own work aloud in the classroom, performing in public, or having work published.

At the end of the summer, all camp students will have their work published in one of two professionally produced anthologies:

‘rise’ for elementary-aged writers, ‘emerge’ for middle- and high-school writers, in the fall, badgerdog hosts a young authors reading & anthology launch where selected campers perform their work and celebrate the launch of the anthologies..

Read students’ poems and stories on our blog

What It Involves

All creative writing camps are capped at 15 students per workshop. Our traditional three-week camps will include fun exercises in poetry, fiction, and revision. We also offer Book Crushes, a camp that features a specific book that campers will read together, and Genre Workshops which cover one specific topic in writing.

Ages For Summer Camps

Our Badgerdog Summer Camps are labelled according to the grade the students will be entering in the fall.

Lower Elementary School:

Campers who will be entering 3rd + 4th grade in the fall

Upper Elementary School:

Campers who will be entering 5th + 6th grade in the fall

Middle School Workshop:

Campers who will be entering 7th + 8th grade in the fall

High School Workshop:

Campers who will be entering 9th to 12th grade in the fall

Latest Creative Summer Camp Info

If you’re interested and would like to find out more about our badgerdog creative writing summer camps.

Youth Badgerdog in the Schools

Each year, we send Austin’s professional writers into classrooms across Central Texas where they inspire students to embrace the challenge and beauty of writing. To best meet schools’ and teachers’ needs, all our Badgerdog teaching artists work with the classroom teachers to understand students’ skill levels, areas of difficulty, and language arts objectives.

Our creative writing workshops can be aligned closely with the school curriculum as the lessons are TEKS-aligned and tailored to support the grade-level curriculum. Our teaching artists can also share the lessons they love most, exposing students to all genres and various writing techniques. Lesson topics include (among others!):

• Metaphor and Simile
• Character Development
• Poetic Forms
• Rhythm and Rhyme

During the creative writing course, students experience all stages of the writing process, from idea generation to revision and publication. We aim to provide every young writer with the opportunity to perform and publish his or her work, to bring it to life beyond the writing journal.

All school workshops culminate with a reading performance on campus, where each student shares an original piece before an audience of students, parents, and teachers. Student work is also published online or in a library-quality journal at the end of the year.

Badgerdog Creative Writing Workshop Options

Badgerdog workshops typically meet weekly, during the school day or after school, for approximately one hour and are scheduled according to teachers’ priorities. Workshop programs include:

• Semester-long workshops
• Three-week workshops
• Year-long workshops
• Six-week workshops
• One-time, topic-focused workshops
• Spring Break camps

Latest Workshop Info

Teachers Talk About Badgerdog Youth Programs

“The students were really excited to have the Badgerdog instructor work with them. She was great at getting the students to participate. She is really getting them to think and write on the spot, which is just the motivation they need.”

“The Badgerdog instructor was AMAZING, and the students really enjoyed everything he had to offer! We are very excited to produce more poetry.

“I remember how successful my fourth grade class was the year we worked with Badgerdog. We actually had 100% of our students pass the state writing test, amazing!”

“The Badgerdog instructor is FABULOUS! I love the writing topics and genres she is teaching them. I can already see them blossoming! Thank you for this awesome opportunity.

Badgerdog for Adults

Badgerdog offers creative writing workshops for adult writers of all ages and skill levels in libraries and community centers across Austin. Some classes offer a broad survey of literary genres and written forms, while others focus specifically on fiction, poetry, or nonfiction.

If you’re interested and would like to find out more about our Badgerdog Creative Writing Adult Workshops

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Interim Treasurer

Jena Stude is Vice President of Development at Good + West Residential. Prior to joining Good + West in 2021, Jena was an Investment Manager at Blueprint Local, a real estate private equity firm, overseeing direct real estate investments in Texas. Before Blueprint Local, Jena was an Associate Director at the University of Texas Investment Management Company (UTIMCO) from 2013-2019. Jena previously held similar positions at Ascension Health, a large non-profit hospital system based in St. Louis, Missouri and the University of Arizona Investment Office. Jena holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Finance from the University of Arizona.

Frank Livaudais

Board vice president.

Frank Livaudais is also Vice President of Enterprise Engineering for Cloudflare, an internet security company in downtown Austin. An avid runner and reader, he has run more than 250 marathons (including races in all 50 U.S. states, six countries, and four continents). Frank tries to read 100+ books a year. He lives in Austin with his wife Shelley, son Christopher and one fairly naughty vizsla.

Board President

Tom Oney is Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President of External Affairs for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). He oversees LCRA’s Human Resources team and all of LCRA’s public-facing and advocacy functions, including Communications, Community Resources, Environmental Affairs, Public Affairs, and Regulatory Affairs. Tom also advocates before the Texas Legislature on behalf of LCRA and led LCRA’s public policy team during the 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021 Texas legislative sessions.

Tom was born and raised in Waco, Texas, and received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Baylor University in 1996. He received his Juris Doctor cum laude from Tulane University School of Law in 1999. Tom currently represents LCRA on the board of directors of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas and serves as president of the board of directors of both the Austin Library Foundation and Green Doors, an award-winning non-profit benefiting homeless people in Central Texas.

Butler University

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Butler University Creative Writing Camp

A community for young writers.

Creative Writing Camp and Butler Bridge combine learning, laughter, and compassion to inspire young writers and readers. The programs connect bright, young people with talented mentors and like-minded peers to nurture intellectual and artistic discovery.

This learning-rich community rejects a narrow version of education, in which, too often, assessment structures learning. We reach for a goal that is harder to define: enhancing creativity, developing the imagination, and finding our own voices. We help our students and campers be so engaged with the joys of literary arts that they don’t even notice how much they are learning.

In Person: June 10-14 and June 17-21

Virtual: June 24-28

Registration is now open! 

Camp Hours: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM Monday through Friday. Additional “less programmed” option to stay from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Monday through Friday. The 3:00 PM-4:00 PM hour will be an additional $50 cost.

Students entering grades 3–12 in fall 2024. Children will be grouped by ages. Camp will meet on the Butler campus, in Jordan Hall, third floor, room 304.

• College student mentors
• Daily visits from guest writers
• Field trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art

Campers will attend entertaining, lively workshops designed to inspire young writers. Students will write and read stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, personal narratives, song lyrics, and experimental pieces, experiencing the power of the literary imagination while developing language skills.

The week also includes forums on the birth of ideas, slam and performance art, free writing, nonsense verse, haiku, and abstract and concrete poetry. Campers will meet in small groups of peers over lunch to design and publish a creative webpage, as well as in daily workshops in the computer labs. Campers will also make a walking visit to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and have a pizza party and explore visual art (children need to bring a sack lunch on other days).

On Friday, we’ll cap the camp with a presentation of certificates, an open-mic reading (with ice cream). Families are welcome. Throughout the camp, students will work with Butler student mentors and professors to create a website where work from the camp will be displayed and enjoyed by participants and families.

• Screenwriting
• Playwriting
• Children’s Books
• Liar’s Club/Slam Café
• Imagination Tag
• The Art of Twitter
• The Graphic Novel
• The Blogosphere

Butler University’s Creative Writing Camp offers an intensive and entertaining week of workshops to help young writers develop their talent and passion for writing. Campers will converse and work with accomplished novelists, poets, editors, and teachers of writing. Past instructors have included:

Hilene Flanzbaum, PhD, Professor of English and Director of Writing for Wellness at Butler University

Colby Ornell, MFA (2018), Ph.D. candidate at the University of Houston, Fiction Editor at  Gulf Coast

Elisabeth Speckman, MFA (2016), Adjunct Professor, Butler Bridge Program Director, fiction, playwright, actress

Chris Speckman, MFA (2013), Adjunct Professor, Writing in the Schools Director at Butler University, poet

Susan Neville, Demia Butler Chair English and Professor of English at Butler University

Alessandra Lynch, Senior Lecturer and English and Poet-in-Residence at Butler University

Chris Forhan, Professor of English at Butler University and author of  My Father Before Me: A Memoir

One session (In Person)—$295 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (M-F)

One session (Virtual)—$245 – 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (M-F)

Additional discounts available for both in person weeks.

Refund Policy

Prior to June 1—Campers withdrawing from camp will be given a refund less a 20% admin fee

After June 1—No camp refunds will be given

Butler University requires students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated. As of February 26, 2022, Butler also follows the following policy:

“Given the rapid decline of COVID-19 cases, Butler University is making face masks optional across campus , including classrooms, dining areas, and residence halls, effective Wednesday, March 2.”

The Creative Writing Camp will follow Butler’s guidelines as well, and camp’s guidelines are the following:

• COVID-19 vaccines are required for both our campers and staff.
• Masks are optional. We will have masks on-hand for any campers, families, and staff who request one.

More information on Butler’s COVID-19 guidelines can be found here .

Geoffrey Sharpless, PhD, Director [email protected] [email protected]

Gina Reese, Creative Writing Camp Coordinator [email protected]

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Young Writers' Camp (YWC)

Teachers working with San Diego Area Writing Project 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. 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.

Young Writers' Camp 2024

• Young Writers in Nature
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Young Writers' Camp 5-day

Young writers' camp 10-day, virtual college essay, basic information, what is young writers' camp.

Young Writer's Camp is a 10-day summer program that inspires creative thinking and writing. Students explore writing styles and methods of self-expression with new friends.

Participating Young Writers:

• are challenged to grow and build self-confidence as writers.
• write in an environment designed to inspire creativity.
• receive individual attention in small groups from SDAWP writing teachers.
• meet and share writing in a multi-age classroom with young writers from throughout the county.
• engage in process writing: drafting, writing, revising, editing and publishing.
• publish and receive an anthology, including writing from each camper.
• develop writing skills as tools for self-expression.

Who should attend?

Programs are offered for students entering grades 3rd-9th grade. Classes will be split up by grade level bands such as: 3-5, 5-7, 7-9.

Here is what parents have said before about our camps: 

"My daughter absolutely loved this camp. The positive encouragement, new friendships and creativity she found has sparked a fondness for writing that did not exist before."

"My son loved your camp! You have a great, enthusiastic staff and a super program. The works he created and brought home blew us away! I'm really proud of him and what he accomplished during your program. We are looking forward to doing it again next year."

"Initially, I thought she would be bored out of her mind. Every day when I picked her up she was happy and full of energy. I believe the creative writing experience positively impacted my child's mind."

"He had a blast! The first day he was excited to inform me that 'this is different from school and it is really cool.' And I saw him working on his writing after camp at home--during the summer--that shows how engaged he was! Thank you for such a wonderful experience."

Where will camp be held?

When will camp be held.

Young Writers' Camp 10-days is back this summer from July 8-19, 2024 on UC San Diego campus.

How do I register my child?

You can register for the 10-day camp by clicking this link: ucsdywc.eventbrite.com

How much does camp cost?

Registration cost for the YWC 10-day camp is $500 per camper. This includes all materials.  Registration costs for all SDAWP camps include a $50 non-refundable processing fee.

Are there scholarships available for camp?

A limited number of partial scholarships are available for these programs. Please email our office at sdawp.ucsd.edu to see if your family qualifies for a need-based scholarship. Click here to access this summer's Scholarship Application. 

SDAWP's COPPA Statement

SDAWP and YWC cares about your child's privacy and safety. View COPPA Statement (Word file) . 

The San Diego Area Writing Project at UCSD recognizes that writing is a catalyst for the broad expression of ideas and opinions. We consider written expression by participants in our programs to be an opportunity for further dialogue and discussion. Teachers facilitating our programs make every effort to provide an environment that allows for all opinions and ideas to be shared, within the context of appropriate audience.

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• College Essay
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