Young Writers Camp Aims to Broaden Youths’ Writing Abilities

Young Writers Camp Aims to Broaden Youths’ Writing Abilities

Young students sit outside reading and writing.
Students participate in Young Writers Camp.

By Jamon Smith

It’s that time of year: school is (almost) out and summer is (almost) here.

Youths romping about having fun in the sun is to be expected, but what about the continued development of their minds and avoiding the dreaded summer slump?

Well, opportunities are available if a child is interested in sharpening or diversifying their writing skills.

The University of Alabama’s English department and Creative Writing Program are offering a Young Writers Camp for students going into fourth grade to 12th grade. The camp runs June 17-21, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Bryant Conference Center.

Emily Montgomery, a third-year graduate student in the UA English department and the camp’s director, said the experience offers students opportunities to learn how to write poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and playwriting as well as learn about publishing.

“Our focus is to foster creativity and imagination,” she said. “This camp is not just for the students who are obsessed with writing; it’s for all different skill levels of students who have an interest in writing. We are ready to meet each kid wherever they are.”

Young students in a classroom learn about writing at The University of Alabama.
Young Writers Camp focuses on creative writing.

Montgomery said the camp will feature writing games, playtime, board games, team games and outdoor activities, as the weather permits. Students will learn to work independently as well as in groups.

The camp’s counselors/teachers are graduate students in the English department who have experience working with children and teaching, she said.

The camp costs $225 for the week. A few need-based scholarships are available.

Registration options include online, by phone and by mail. For more information, contact Keslie Fendley at kcfendley@ccs.ua.edu.