Creative Writing Camp for Kids

Session I: Monday-Friday, July 6 – July 10, 2020 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session II: Monday-Friday, July 13 – July 17, 2020 | 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 6-8: The World and the Word, Part I with Taylor Blackburn

“The real voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” -Marcel Proust

In this workshop geared toward middle school writers, we will ban the blank page, filling it with the language of our experiences. We will explore the process of writing and find creative inspiration in keen observation, deep reflection, and serious play. Using great writers—from Shakespeare to Spinelli—as our models and guides, we will also survey many genres, practicing diverse writing skills. Students will enjoy the camaraderie of the writer’s workshop, instructor and peer feedback, and engaging field trips, too!

Grades 9-12: Advanced Novelists Workshop with Hannah Barnaby

You already know that you love to write — now you just need the tools to expand your story into a full novel! Great writing is equal parts passion and skill. This summer camp session is designed to help you find that balance. We’ll spend the week focused on going deeper into your stories, developing three-dimensional characters, working through common plot pitfalls and perfecting your world-building skills. Through visits to bookstores, studios, parks, and public spaces, we’ll work on character, setting, and plotting in real time. Admission to this session requires the submission of a 3 to 5-page writing sample. All genres welcome. Please send writing samples to programs@writerhouse.org before registering.

SESSION TWO CAMPS:

Grades 6-8: The World and the Word, Part II with Taylor Blackburn

“The best word shakers were the ones who understood the true power of words. They were the ones who could climb the highest.” -Markus Zusak

This workshop for middle school writers will focus on the power of the word. We will make language and word-play the inspiration for our writing process. As we explore and develop our unique voices, we will generate, question, and celebrate WORDS! Using great writers—from Shakespeare to Spinelli—as our models and guides, we will also survey many genres, practicing diverse writing skills. Students will enjoy the camaraderie of the writer’s workshop, instructor and peer feedback, and engaging field trips, too!

Grades 6-8: Fiction & Creative Nonfiction, The Art of the Senses with Peyton Tochterman

Hone your skills in either fiction or creative non-fiction as we focus on the senses and utilize our senses to enhance our writing. We will become detectives of not just human behavior, but also the English language as we analyze short stories, set out on daily excursions around Charlottesville to gather pertinent evidence to include in our stories, and return to hone our craft in writing workshops. We will leave no stone unturned as we explore essential questions regarding character development, how to effectively write dialogue and the subtle art of telling a great story. There are only four rules for the class: write, have fun, have fun, re-write.

Grades 9-12: Poetry as a Witness with Thomas Warren

In a week-long summer camp for high school students for four hours a day, young writers will explore what it means to be a witness. As it is hard to witness much in the confines of a classroom, the first four days will include walking field trips. With each sojourn into town, writers will be challenged to view the world with new perspective, and prompted to find new ways to speak to the subject in verse.

All levels of capability and experience with writing verse are welcome, but a love of poetry and its discussion are essential.

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: 6th-8th Grade Camp with Taylor Blackburn
Session One: 9th-12th Grade Camp with Hannah Barnaby
Session Two: 6th-8th Grade Camp with Taylor Blackburn
Session Two: 6th-8th Grade Camp with Peyton Tochterman
Session Two: 9th-12th Grade Camp with Thomas Warren