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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Poetry Writing Workshop for Teens!

Enrollment Cap:  8 students.

Instructor: Suzanne Zweizig

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

Camp Tuition: $450 (Includes Handbook)

Please familiarize yourself with our refund policy

Contact Us for more information or questions.

Sr. Level Poetry Writing Workshop (Rising 10-12 Graders)

July 13- July 17 — 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This camp will dive into the art of poetry—teaching the basic elements of image, sound, form, description, and figurative language through interactive exercises, readings and workshops. We’ll look at both new and old forms, experimenting with a variety of styles.  Students will get plenty of hands-on time to write and create their own body of poetry.  No previous experience in poetry writing is required, just a commitment and curiosity to learn and explore. This is a great camp for students who are seriously interested in creative writing, or for those who just feel stuck in academic writing classes and want to gain confidence writing in a more creative format. The skills learned here will translate into improved academic writing as well.

Students will 

  • Learn basic elements of poetry writing (sound, image, form, description, figurative language) through hands-on writing exercises.
  • Write their own poems in our guided, interactive workshops
  • Be introduced to great poetry writing 
  • Have a chance to meet and interact with published DC poets 
  • Receive constructive, ungraded guidance and feedback 
  • Explore creatively with language and words.
  • Develop confidence in the writing process and become better overall writers
  • Receive a course handbook with writing exercises and tips.  

Now Booking - Apply Now

Instructor: Suzanne Zweizig. Suzanne 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.

Suzanne3

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.