District Writers’ Academy’s mission is to create a safe and inspiring space for young writers to explore, learn and empower themselves through writing.

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Unleash your stories!

Enrollment Cap:  8 students.

Instructor: Suzanne Zweizig

Location: District Writers' Academy, 4000 Albermarle Street NW, Suite 200-A (Tenleytown Metro, Red Line)

Camp Tuition: $465 (Includes Handbook)

Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy

Contact Us for more information or questions.

Jr. Creative Writing & Story Lab (Rising 6-9 Graders)

Monday June 29 – Thursday July 2 — 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Creative & Fun! 

Designed for middle-school ages, this four-day camp will engage students’ imaginations and writing skills in equal measure!  Our days will be filled with interactive, hands-on exercises that encourage campers to experiment with writing and teach them how to express themselves vividly and creatively through stories or poems. The curriculum is designed to advance from day to day, teaching new levels of writing skills each day.

No experience is necessary or assumed. Students will be guided through workshops that will teach them everything they need to know. 

This is a high-energy and fun workshop!  It’s great for kids who have a lot of imagination and are itching to tell some stories, but also great for students who are resistant to writing, as it engages them easily, builds their confidence and teaches writing skills in a fun atmosphere. 

Students will:

  • Explore creatively and have fun with language, words and ideas. 
  • Learn basic elements of story-telling (plot, description, character, scene world-building) 
  • Have the opportunity to write their own stories.  
  • Gain confidence in writing and learn skills that will translate into better academic writing. 
  • Meet and interact with other students in a creative environment.
  • Have fun—pretty much guaranteed! 

*Note, this camp will run from 9-3:30 with a one-hour break (11:30-12:30) for lunch. Students should bring their own lunch.

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Instructor: Suzanne Zweizig is the Founder and Director of District Writers Academy Her poetry and creative nonfiction has been published in journals such as Subtropics, RHINO, 32 Poems, Verse Daily, Grace and Gravity and others, and have received support from the MacDowell Colony, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Washington, D.C. Arts and Humanities Commission. Zweizig holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill as well as an MFA in Poetry from the University of Florida.
Read more about Suzanne here.

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What people are saying about our courses:

"Suzanne convinced my kid that her creativity is worth sharing. I feel great knowing those foundational skills and confidence will benefit my daughter well into college and beyond.” 

Becky

Parent, Walt Whitman High School (MCPS)

“Suzanne heavily influenced both of our children to open up and write like nobody had ever done before!  She has a gift!!”

Marci

Parent, Maret School, Washington, D.C.

“I loved working with Suzanne. I never thought I could like writing and poetry, but somehow she made me enjoy it.” 

Toni

Former Student

“Camp was very fun because I felt like, as much as the teacher was teaching us, we were all working together and sharing thoughts and feedback as a group.” 

Maile

Student, Summer Poetry Camp 2023

"Suzanne helped me discover my creativity and confidence, and most importantly, she taught me how to love writing."

Ariana S.

Former Student, Maret School

“It was fun! There were many writing exercises that I had never explored before. My instructor was very helpful and encouraging. We all took turns sharing our work, and everyone was kind. It made me feel very secure.”

Lexi

Student, Summer Poetry Camp 2023

District Writers’ Academy’s mission is to create a safe and inspiring space for young writers to explore, learn and empower themselves through writing.