Writing camps

What do children learn in writing camps?

You’ll find different kinds of writing featured in camps above. In creative writing camps, kids venture into the world of fiction and nonfiction writing. They learn about literary devices, the narrative structure, and characterization. 

Academic writing courses focus on writing essays of all styles, including argumentative, expository, or persuasive essays. Some camps even specialize in test preparation, such as the SATs or the OSSLT. Here, kids adopt test-taking strategies and learn to write long and short-answer test questions within a certain time. 

Both creative and academic writing camps teach students about grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and enhance children’s vocabulary in the process. Children learn to brainstorm, research, draft, and edit their work with every piece they write. Over time, kids discover a personalized writing process that works for them, which makes writing essays, stories, and tests simpler. 

Prices for writing camps start at $100, though some can rise to $700 or even $1,000+.

About advanced writing camps

At advanced writing camps, children learn to write for ‘traditional’ writing styles such as essays or short stories, as well as niche styles including journalistic articles, poetry, or even emails. Both collaboration and constructive criticism are encouraged. In writing workshops, children share creative or academic written pieces with their peers to receive feedback and edit their writing. 

Camps also offer kids the opportunity to submit their writing to contests and competitions, where  they gain exposure in the professional world of writing. Some programs above require previous writing experience or a certain level of writing before enrollment. 

What are the benefits of writing camp?

• Improved academic performance. Writing camps give students the skills necessary to excel in school subjects in which essays and written assignments are part of coursework.
• Balance mechanics and stylization. As kids perfect the mechanics of writing (spelling, parts of speech, punctuation, structure, etc.), they develop their personal writing style. They uncover their own voice and find what makes their writing stand out from others.
• Self-discipline. Most writing camps assign homework outside of camp time, encouraging students to maintain a disciplined writing routine, even when they’re off school.
• Small course sizes help children receive personalized feedback from their teachers and peers to improve specific writing skills.
• Critical thinking skills. With writing practice, children learn to read better, improving their comprehension skills and critical thinking. 

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