Bay Area Writing Camps for Kids

What is Writing Camp?

 

Writing Camp is a powerful group experience where elementary school, middle school, and high school writers learn key tools to create strong, successful writing. Writing Camps give kids of all ages and abilities a chance to practice their writing in a supportive environment where they can be inspired and inspiring to other writers.

 

 

What gains will my child make?

 

We teach a process that allows writers to make gains across the board. Writers who attend our camps typically produce clearer, more organized writing. This also leads to writing that is more complete, such as a better supported thesis or factual writing that includes all the details a teacher asked for. Our writers also make gains in their spelling and grammar. Finally, writers gain confidence from positive feedback and new tools that explicitly address and strengthen areas they struggle with.

 

 

What are the benefits of Writing Camp vs. individual tutoring?

 

Writing Camps offer unique opportunities that individual tutoring doesn't. Paired activities allow writers to give and receive critical feedback. In individual tutoring, critique goes one way, and writers often feel disempowered from arguing with critique they receive. Small group activities build energy and excitement over shared interests and ideas as writing topics. Individual tutors rarely genuinely share the interests of children and teens and students may feel shy about telling teachers about their interests. Whole group activities bring an element of play to Writing Camps that is typically missing from individual tutoring.

 

 

OK, I'm interested. How do I enroll my child in Writing Camp?

 

To enroll children in a Writing Camp, send an email to bayareawritingcampsforkids@outlook.com with your name and phone number, the names and grade levels of all children you wish to enroll, and the Camp you wish to enroll them in. From there, we will arrange a session to evaluate and register your child or children.

 

 

None of the dates/lengths of the Writing Camps quite work for my family...

 

Great news! With our "Build Your Own Camp" offer, you can customize the dates, number of hours, and content of a Writing Camp just for you. Round up five to ten kids, agree on what you want, and email us to inquire about what dates are available.

 

 

What writing will my child bring home?

 

The amount and type of writing varies by camp. Writers at our School Writing Camps, which focus on expository, persuasive, and narrative writing, produce three shorter pieces of writing focused on each type. Writers at our Creative Writing Camps produce one longer story. At all camps, writers engage in short writing activities throughout the camp. Families will receive all writing after camp finishes.

 

 

How much is tuition for Writing Camps?

 

Tuition for Writing Camps depends on the type and length of the Camp. Costs range from $125 to $450. Tuition includes all direct instruction and materials.

 

 

Is there any help available for low-income families?

 

Low income families may qualify for a discounted rate. We hope to be able to offer full and partial scholarships soon. Payment plans are available on an individual basis.

 

 

Are there any other ways to receive discounts?

 

Absolutely! Families who refer five people who take a similarly-priced Writing Camp receive a 100% refund of their Writing Camp tuition. We also offer discounts for Early Bird sign-ups. Families who attend one of our free workshops receive a discount code for $25 off tuition.

 

 

When and where are your workshops and camps?

 

For a complete listing of workshops and camps, please see Our Offerings page. All Writing Camps currently take place in Pittsburg and Antioch. To make sure you receive announcements about any changes, sign up for our newsletter by sending an email to bayareawritingcampsforkids@outlook.com with "Newsletter" in the subject line.

 

 

What does an average day at Writing Camp look like?

 

After writers arrive and check in, everyone engages in a quick writing activity practicing a skill taught earlier in the Writing Camp. There is a lesson presenting a new writing skill, such as good action writing or logical sequencing for factual writing, followed by practice using it. Writers break into groups to work on similar goals. For example, one group might be working on spelling multisyllable words while another group works on vivid vocabulary. Writers then pair off to practice spelling from their individualized spelling lists. A technical writing skill, such as punctuation or grammar is introduced, usually followed by a group activity or game. Writers then spend a larger piece of time working individually on a writing project. We complete the day with a full group spelling game.  

 

 

How can I learn more?

 

If you have a question that is not answered in our FAQs, send an email to bayareawritingcampsforkids@outlook.com. You can choose to either ask the question in the body of the email or to arrange for an informational phone call.