Creative Writing Camp for Kids

Session I: Monday-Friday, July 8 – July 12, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session II: Monday-Friday, July 22 – July 26, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

SESSION ONE CAMPS: 

Grades 6-8: Writing Workshop with Erin James

During this week, young writers will explore the craft and fun of creative writing through a variety of prompts, journaling, music, brainstorming, people-watching, and visits to nearby inspiring locations.  Modes of expression and experimentation will include poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and more!  Throughout the week, we will learn about and participate in various elements of the writing workshop process from start to finish, sharing and receiving ideas and refining our work. At the end of the week, each young writer will publish a piece in a journal of collected works from this exciting week of writing!

Grades 9-12: Writing Workshop with Abby Baum – THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELED!

In a world that is increasingly colored by diversions and distractions, how do we, as artists, learn to leverage inspiration? This five-day intensive study will be situated in the study of that seemingly elusive muse: inspiration. The course will seek to locate a beginning point for each member, appropriate to wherever he or she currently finds him or herself as a writer, and we will work forward from there. We will practice the ways in which we can draw from our surroundings (through day trips), each other, research, and other artists, all in service of uncovering the idea that inspiration is not something that happens to us, but rather something we can actively create. All levels and genres of writers welcome: the course will use fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, song, graphic art, and film as model texts for investigation.

SESSION TWO CAMP:

Grades 9-12: Writing Workshop with Kirsten Miles – THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELED! 

Develop your writing skills and gain exposure to diverse and contemporary authors with a tailored reading list. Your week will include a handmade journal, and a hands-on tour of rare and famous books in the UVA special collection library for inspiration, putting literary treasures in your hands. We’ll have plenty of time for writing in creative spaces, including a local coffee shop. Each day includes time for writing, for supportive revision and exercises to help you recognize what makes your voice unique. The week wraps up with a review of where to submit your writing, and closes with a public reading at WriterHouse, parents are invited. You’ll come away with a week of inspired writing and a community of student peers. Join us!

Please fill out the Enrollment Form and include it with your registration payment.

Limit: 10 students per age group, per session. Snacks and walks outside will be incorporated into the daily activities. At the end of the writing camp session, we’ll have a reading for parents and friends. Each writer will be published in our writing camp magazine. Fee includes snacks, writer’s notebook, and one copy of the magazine.

All instructors are teachers with creative writing experience.

All camp sessions will be held at WriterHouse, 508 Dale Ave., Charlottesville, behind the Preston Ave Bodo’s Bagels. 434-296-1922, www.writerhouse.org

Click Here to Download Mail-In Registration Form

Online Registration

To register online, click on one of the links listed below. Payments made via Paypal include a Paypal and administrative fee. Registrations via check, cash, and money order are accepted.

Session One: 6th-8th Grade Camp with Erin James
Session One: 9th-12th Grade Camp with Abby Baum – THIS CAMP HAS BEEN CANCELED! 
Session Two: 9th-12th Grade Camp with Kirsten Miles