Intro to Creative Writing I - Eco-Writing (Sr. Level: Rising 10-12 Graders)

June 23 - June 27— 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Write about the world you love! 

In this summer camp, students will be introduced to creative writing strategies in the exciting and dynamic area of eco-writing. 

We’ll look at some of the best writing out there—poetry, fiction, nonfiction—that engages with our natural world, and we’ll get out in nature ourselves to generate material for our own works in these three genres. 

Camp time will be spent in a combination of field trips to natural areas around us, where we’ll collect observations and material for our stories, and classroom/workshop time where we’ll brainstorm, engage in interactive exercises and learn new skills to bring our experiences with nature to life. 

Students can expect to leave camp with several pieces of writing in two to three genres of their choice. 

No previous Creative Writing experience is assumed for this writing camp. We’ll teach the basics, and it is an equally good fit for teens who are new to Creative Writing, as well as for those who have experience, but who want to explore other genres or to take a deeper dive into nature writing. 

This camp would also be a good fit for students who don’t necessarily consider themselves writers, but who enjoy the outdoors and want to improve their writing skills in a low-key, fun environment. The skills learned in this camp will translate into improved confidence and performance in academic writing.

Students will

• Explore basic elements of poetry, fiction and nonfiction through interactive writing exercises on nature and the environment
• Be introduced to and learn from great models of nature writing .
• Produce their own fiction, non-fiction and poetry about the environment. 
• Receive constructive, ungraded feedback and guidance 
• Explore creatively with language and words.
• Develop confidence in the writing process and writing skills 
• Receive a course handbook with writing examples, exercises, tips and inspiration.