We live in a creative world where ideas, collaboration, and adaptability are a must–and writing is essential. So how do we prepare our children for their future? How do we ensure that they become thoughtful leaders for change, passionate learners, and curious thinkers we need to improve our world? Through Creative Writing Camp, young people discover the power within themselves – to create, innovate, and connect with others.
The Only Place Where Children Learn from Talented Educators & Writers
Many of our teachers and writers have Master’s and PhDs in writing and education. Our instructors are experts in their field. And they’re ready to help your child unlock the joy and power of storytelling.
How We
Measure Up
In 2024, after just one week of Creative Writing Camp, 83 percent of students saw a measurable improvement in their writing. On average, student writing improved by 65 percent over the course of the week. After working with the teachers and writers at Creative Writing camp, students used 57 percent more advanced and varied vocabulary, 43 percent more complex and varied sentences and 95 percent more figurative language in their writing.
How Creativity
Leads to Success
According to "Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us about Raising Successful Children" (Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff), what children most need for 21st-century learning, listing the 6Cs: collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation and confidence. Creative Writing Camp is where 21st-century learning happens.
Creative Writing Camp works because it transforms writing into an exploration. One day, students are creating maps to newly discovered planets, the next they are exploring the natural world through haikus and sonnets. That same afternoon, they could be conducting an interview with the protagonist of their very first novel. Creative Writing camp is the place they’ll publish their first poem. It’s where they’ll begin to see themselves as writers and critical thinkers. Whether they’re not sure how to get started or they already fill notebooks with prose, they’ll feel at home writing here. Creative Writing Camp is where the spark of creative invention begins, and the flames of creative passion are fanned.
Registration Opens Jan. 27, 2025
Please read through the information below and view the embedded tutorial videos to make the process as smooth as possible.
The 3-step process for registering includes:
Step 1 - Family Account setup
Step 2 - Pre-registration application for your student(s)
Step 3 - Registration.
If you completed Steps 1 and 2 during the Pre-registration period between Jan. 14-24, 2025, please proceed to Step 3. All others should start at Step 1.
Note: Completion of Steps 1 and 2 during the Pre-registration period does not guarantee your student(s) a place in camp.
- How to Set Up a Family Account – Step 1 of 3
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A Family Account is required to register a student for our 2025 Creative Writing Camp. To register a student for camp, a parent/guardian must create a Family Account using their own name in order to successfully begin the pre-registration application process. Once you have set up your account, you will be able to add your student(s)/member(s) to the Family Account. You will be able to manage all members in your Family Account.
Note: If you created a Family Account when registering for a previous summer's CWC, please use your existing account.
Should you need step-by-step instructions, we have created a brief video tutorial to help guide you through the Family Account Set up.
Video Tutorial - Create a Family Account
Video Tutorial - Manage Your Members
- Pre-Registration Application for Your Student(s) – Step 2 of 3
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After setting up or logging into your Family Account, including adding student(s)/member(s) you plan to register for camp, you are now ready to complete the parent permissions application for each student. Click “New Application” in the menu options of your Family Account, then “More Information” and “Apply Now.” You will now be able to “Start” CWC pre-registration for your student(s)/member(s). During the application process, there are six “To Do” pages to complete for each student. As you complete each page, you will see a green check mark next to each page to reflect your progress. To move to Step 3, Registration, you must complete all “To Do” items in order to submit the parent permissions application. Completing these “To Dos” will take approximately 6 minutes per student/member.
Before you begin Step 2: “Pre-registration”, you will need the following:
- Medical Insurance Information
- Emergency Contact Information
- Contact Information for an alternate authorized person to pick up your student(s), if applicable.
Note: If registering for virtual camps, a unique email address is required for each student you plan to register.
Video Tutorial - Submitting Student Applications
- How to Complete Registration for Creative Writing Camp – Step 3 of 3
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Once you have successfully completed all six “To-Dos” in the Pre-Registration Application (Step 2) and they reflect “Complete,” you will be able to register and complete the payment process for your students(s) when registration is open.
Please use the following instructions to complete the registration process. Should it be helpful, you can download the Registration Instructions.
Registration Instructions
1. Scroll down on this webpage to the listing of the Camps available.
2. Select a camp, and this will take you to the cart. If you want to select an additional camp, click “Keep Shopping” in the Cart.
3. When you are finished selecting camp/s, click “Checkout.”
4. If you have already completed pre-registration, log in under “I have a Family Account already.” If you haven’t already completed pre-registration, please go back up to “How to Set Up a Family Account – Step 1” above.
5. At the cart screen, click on “Add/Remove Members” for a camp selection, and in the pop-up window select the student for that camp. Then click on “Enroll Members.” Repeat this step for additional camps selected, if any.
6. If you are registering 2 or more students, the siblings discount will be automatically applied at the end of the checkout process. If it’s not automatically applied, please check "Apply a Discount" in the Cart, then select "SLC CWC Siblings" from the dropdown menu to apply the discount.
7. Click on “Checkout.”
8. Now, you will select the t-shirt size for your child/ren. Click on the plus sign on the far right of their name and then click on the pull-down menu to see the sizes. Select the size. Repeat this step for each student and click on “Continue Checkout.”
9. Next, click on “View Members” for each camp to confirm you selected the correct student for the camp. Click on “Continue checkout.”
10. Enter your credit card information and click “Continue.”
11. Next, check your email for confirmation of your registration. Note: reception of email may take a few minutes.
Note: Completion of Pre-registration between Jan. 14-24 does not guarantee your student(s) place in camp.
- Cost
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Virtual Camp Single Student - $495
On-Campus Single Student - $525
Sibling Discount (Two or more) – 5% discount per student
The sibling discount will be applied automatically to your cart during Step 3: Registration. You must register two or more at the same time to be eligible for this discount.
- Camp Descriptions
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Just Write It!
Our signature camp experience for incoming K – 12th grade students, in-person and onlineJump into the magic of creative writing! This course offers an array of fun, interactive writing activities, and customized exercises designed to help students develop their unique voices, broaden their imaginations, and boost their confidence as writers. With the help of professional writers and teachers, students will explore a range of poetry, prose, and creative nonfiction as they use their writing to investigate their worlds and examine issues that are important to them. During the week, students will peer review each other’s work, and receive instructor feedback. Students will share their creations at a celebration on the last day of camp and take home a portfolio of their collected work.
Magical Worlds (6th/7th)
Do you enjoy folklore, stories with magical settings, and characters with superhuman abilities? As far back as ancient times, people have lived by the phrase, “Life is what you make it so make the best of it.” In this playful course, you will do just that—build your own world! Guided by your writing coaches you will learn the basics of worldbuilding and create, explore, and develop your own original world. You will delve into narrative genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and superhero fiction as you explore writings with a fantastical edge. You will leave with the tools needed to help you create new worlds in a variety of genres.Nature: A Writing Inspiration (6th/7th)
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts…. Rachel CarsonA wooded pass covered in freshly fallen leaves, or perhaps a thunderstorm rolling in through the evening sky. Nature has a way of capturing the eye and inspiring those who gaze upon its natural beauty. Through this course, students will have a chance to experience writing that centers nature as its inspiration. By using outside writing time as well as prompts and mentor text that show how other artists around the world have crafted writing for and inspired by the great outdoors. Your young writer will be able to capture the beauty from their eyes while enjoying nature.
Focus on Fiction: Characters and Conflict (8th/9th)
Dive deep into the heart of storytelling! This course is an exploration of the elements that breathe life into compelling narratives. Uncover the secrets of creating multi-dimensional characters with depth and authenticity, while also delving into the art of crafting engaging conflicts that drive your plot forward. Through a combination of insightful discussions, writing exercises, and constructive feedback, you will hone your skills in character development and conflict resolution—the tools you need to captivate readers and weave unforgettable tales!Uncanny and Unreal: Adventures in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writing (8th/9th)
Embark on a captivating journey into the extraordinary realms of science fiction and fantasy. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned fantasy writer, discover the secrets of crafting immersive worlds, creating compelling characters, and mastering intricate plots in speculative fiction with other fantasy fanatics. From the art of genre blending to developing your unique voice, this course offers a dynamic blend of writing exercises, workshops, and collaborative discussions, providing the tools and inspiration to bring your wildest imaginings to life on the page. Join us and unleash your creativity in the fantastical landscapes of the uncanny and unreal.The Art of the Essay (10th/12th)
The history of the essay finds its origins in the core Renaissance ideal of “rebirth.” This course will allow you to give “new life” to the art of essay writing by asking you to examine your personal story and connect it to a broader world of concepts and ideas. We’ll analyze this important and passionate literary form that will take your writing beyond familiar boundaries. We’ll experiment with fun, contemporary non-fiction forms like flash non-fiction, recipe writing, humor, and even lampoon to expand and sharpen your essay writing skills. This course is especially important for those of you who are preparing to write college entrance essays and to writer personal statements for scholarship applications. Through the writer workshop model of peer review, you will work with your fellow writers to hone techniques and approaches, and you will leave with a portfolio of several completed essays.Songwriting: The Poetry of Music
Love music but don’t play an instrument? From ancient ballads to modern hits, songwriting has always been a form of poetry—transforming emotion and stories into lyrical art. Explore the poetry and storytelling behind your favorite songs and learn how lyrics create meaning. No musical skills required—just a passion for the art of writing. You'll dive into the literary side of songwriting and even try writing a few songs yourself! By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a portfolio of song annotations, developed craft skills, and a few original lyrics of your own. Perfect for music enthusiasts, poets, and anyone ready to express themselves through song.
Camps
Begin the registration process by finding your grade level and campus below. Please note camps often fill up quickly. You must complete checkout to secure your spot. If your desired camp is not visible, then it is currently at capacity.
Filter by grade:
Registration for Creative Writing Camp 2025 opens Monday, Jan 27! Sign up below to be the first to know when registration opens.
Dates, Locations and Grade-levels for Creative Writing Camp 2025
Choose among five in-person camp locations, or an online option for campers anywhere!
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Holy Spirit Episcopal School |
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Annunciation Orthodox School |
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Rice University |
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St. Anne Catholic School |
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Virtual Camp |
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St. Francis Episcopal School |
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Frequently Asked Questions
For questions about Creative Writing Camp programming – Please leave a voice messagefor School Literacy and Culture at 713-348-5333 or Writer’s in the Schools at 713-523-3877. Your message will be answered as soon as possible. For technical help with registration, please contact 713-348-4803.
- All Participants - What if the class I would like to register for is full?
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Seats may become available due to cancellations or the opening of new classes. Please check the website often to see if any seats have opened at a particular campus. Creative Writing Camp does not have a waitlist.
- All Participants - What is the refund policy?
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If you are enrolling your child in the 2025 Rice + WITS Creative Writing Camp, you have read and understand the following cancellation and refund policy:
A 10 percent processing fee will be subtracted from all refunds. Due to the high demand for courses, registrations are considered final 30 days before classes start. No refunds will be issued after these dates and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a portion of a program. Refund requests before the deadline must be made in writing to slc@rice.edu. Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts from which they were paid and may not appear as a credit on your statement for up to four to six weeks. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take up to four to six weeks to be processed and mailed by the Rice University accounting office. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds.
If multiple children are registered and have received the sibling discount, and later one or more registrations are canceled so that only one child remains registered, the remaining child's registration will be adjusted to the full price, and a refund for the appropriate amount will be issued.
Although we make every effort to maintain the published class schedules, insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen occurrences may require a schedule change, cancellation or instructor substitution. If the camp week is cancelled, a full refund will be issued. If partial days of camp are cancelled, a prorated refund will be issued.
- All Participants - Is financial aid available for the camp registration fee?
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A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need. Please make your request by emailing slc@rice.edu and an application form will be sent to you. Submitting a scholarship application does not guarantee receiving a scholarship. Please note if your child was awarded a scholarship last summer, you are not eligible to apply for the upcoming summer.
- All Participants - How do I access my Family Account after it is created?
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After you create your Family Account, please save your credentials. To revisit your Family Account, you can save the link to login or click on the link directly from the Creative Writing Camp webpage. To access your account, use the login username and password credentials and follow the login instructions. If you no longer know or have access to your credentials, please follow the Forget Password instructions directly on the login page.
GO TO FAMILY ACCOUNT - For In-Person Participants - What should we expect?
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All classes will be team-taught with class sizes capped at approximately 20 students.
- Health and safety protocols for each camp session will be dependent upon campus-based policies in effect at the time camp is offered.
- Participating campers will be invited to bring basic supplies (paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, markers, small watercolor kits) for individual use throughout the week of camp.
- Classes will be divided into age-level groupings that may include students from more than one grade level. Based on enrollment, classes may include students from more than one grade level.
- Creative writing and fine arts activities will be planned by highly qualified teacher/writer pairs and feature low staff-to-camper ratios.
Friend requests may be made in the student's Pre-registration application. Requests are not guaranteed but we will do our best to grant them. The classrooms may be cool for some participants so a sweater or light jacket may be needed.
- For Online Participants - What should we expect?
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Focus groups of professional writers and highly effective teachers have come together to craft this exciting online approach to Creative Writing Camp, which has received positive reviews from parents and students since its inception in 2020. Wherever possible, student experiences will draw upon our traditional camp model, but we will also embrace this opportunity to explore new approaches and think creatively. Join us as we explore just what is possible in a virtual environment!
All classes will be team-taught with class sizes capped at approximately 20 students. Classes will be divided into age-level groups:
- Morning: 3rd–5th grade, 6th–8th grade, 9th–12th grade
Classes for younger students will include a combination of:
- Live community-building activities
- Live large and small group times that might include anything from the reading of a great children’s book as inspiration for creative writing to a virtual field trip
- Live story dictation activities with a teacher and
- “Center time” featuring pre-recorded activities and a wealth of independent art and extension projects to enjoy at your family’s convenience.
Classes for older students will include:
- Live community-building activities
- Live large and small group times
- Live personalized consultation with experienced writers/teachers and
- Independent pre-recorded activities and extension projects to enjoy at your family’s convenience.
- For Virtual Camps - What equipment and supplies will we need to have at home to ensure a rewarding experience?
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- All camp courses will utilize the Canvas learning platform. Each student will need a unique e-mail address to access the system. Emails are to be provided by the parents.
- Students will also need a laptop, tablet or phone to access the course, but we recommend a laptop or tablet. The best user experience is achieved through the Google Chrome web browser. If using a tablet or phone, download the Canvas Student app to access the course.
- Each student will need a notebook, journal, or folder with blank paper and writing implements such as pencils, pens, and markers.
- Extension activities will utilize basic arts and crafts materials such as scissors, colored paper, glue, watercolors, etc. that students typically use at school. Parents will not be asked to buy specific art materials.
- For Virtual Camps - What do we need to know about technology and tech support should it be necessary?
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- All families will be asked to complete a “tech check” the week before their virtual camp session. Support staff will be available for assistance that day should families have any challenges logging into the system.
- During “tech check” students will be able to “meet” their teachers as they view pre-recorded videos uploaded by the teachers and writers leading the course. Students will also be asked to record their own introductory video to share with their classmates.
- “Tech check” will also provide an opportunity for parents to receive more detailed information regarding each class’s daily schedule, should they have a need for specifics.
- For camp at Annunciation Orthodox School - What will the lunch option be like?
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SAGE Dining Services provides quality, nutritious meals that help promote healthy lifestyles. SAGE is a nut-free program. Due to the health risk involved with serving peanuts or tree nuts to children, SAGE does not serve peanuts, tree nuts, or nut oils to school-age children in the dining hall. The lunch option will be for the whole five days of camp and the fee is $65.00. You can add it to your cart when you register for camp.
Bringing a Lunch from Home - Campers may bring lunch from home if they prefer. In order to keep all campers safe during the camp day, please do not send lunch items with nuts or any nut products to camp.
- For camp at Annunciation Orthodox School - Where and when do I send in my proof of immunization?
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Proof of immunizations (POI) (in .pdf form) should be sent to clinic@aoshouston.org. For the June 9-13 camp, the proof of immunization is due by May 1st. For the July 14-18 camp, the proof of immunization is due by June 1st. If a registration is done after May 1st for the June camp, the POI is due within 5 days. If a registration is done after June 1st for the July camp, the POI is due within 5 days. If AOS has not received proof of immunization by the above-stated deadlines, the student will not be allowed to attend camp and no refund or credits will be given.
For information on the State of Texas requirements for immunizations for K-12th grade, please go to this link. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunizations/school.
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Finally, should families have challenges with technology at any point during the camp experience, they will be able to connect directly with IT support staff via phone or e-mail. 713-348-4803 or gscs@rice.edu
Creative Writing Camp is a collaboration between Writers in the Schools and Rice University’s School Literacy and Culture and has inspired young writers for over 30 years. Our online and in-person camps deep dive into writing topics that hone creativity and prepare students for future success. With low student-teacher ratios and mentorship from professional writers, Creative Writing Camp offers a writer’s workshop experience!