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Young Writers
Lighthouse's Young Writers Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. There are no grades here, just the stories. We offer workshops at Lighthouse including afterschool and weekend workshops, the Young Authors Collective, and summer camps, as well as youth outreach in schools, at juvenile residential treatment centers, and in collaboration with other arts organizations.
For the latest on workshops and events, sign up for our Young Writers Program e-newsletter .
Lighthouse connects kids and teens to words, new friends, and a writing community. We offer workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and many other genres and topics. Our classes are taught by published authors and are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing.
Summer Writing Camps
Lighthouse's Young Writers Camps are led by published and award-winning writers, and each workshop is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing in young writers aged 8 to 18. Registration for half-day camp and applications for full-day camp will open on January 1, 2019.
School Outreach
The Young Writers Program offers creative writing workshops in public and private schools as well as juvenile residential treatment centers throughout the Denver metro area. Led by working, published writers with a passion for sharing their craft, our outreach workshops provide access to our innovative creative writing programming for young people who cannot come to Lighthouse.
The Young Authors Collective, or YAC, is a group of talented, word-obsessed high school writers dedicated to experimenting with new creative forms, collaborating with other arts organizations, and writing a ton. We meet once a week at Lighthouse to generate new pieces, give friendly feedback, and work towards publication.
Support Young Writers
Our Future Scribes Depend on Your Support. Nearly all of the workshops and projects that will engage 2,300 students this year are free to attend, and for the sessions that do have tuition, such as summer writing camp, financial aid is available for any student who needs it. We want all young people who want to write to be able to do so and for them to be nurtured by the best instructors and mentors available. This only happens with the support of generous donors like you.
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Camp Creative Writing Programs
Are you a developing young artist with a story to tell and a passion for expression? Do you love to write? Is it your dream to transport an audience to another world through the written word?
Interlochen Arts Camp is the destination for you. When you participate in one of our creative writing summer camps, you’ll learn techniques and tools of the trade from our gifted faculty members, meet incredible guest artists, and build friendships with students like you who will inspire you to reach your full potential.
In this fun and fast-paced environment, you will:
- Learn from faculty and guest artists who have established writing careers
- Enjoy all the benefits of a summer camp experience
- Meet students from around the world who love to write
Creative Writing Camps
Interlochen Arts Camp offers summer programs in multiple focus areas in our Creative Writing Division: Creative Writing, Novel Writing, Performance Poetry, and Comics & Graphic Narratives. Select your desired program below to learn more.
For Grades 6-8
Creative Writing Program
For Grades 9-12
Comics & Graphic Narratives Intensive (Visual Arts Division)
Novel Writing Intensive
Playwriting Intensive
Spoken Word Intensive
Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook
In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about:
- Each of our seven arts areas
- Various programs
- Renowned faculty
- A day in the life of a student
- How to apply and financial aid information
Join us at Interlochen Arts Camp
Do what you love best (writing!) all day long—in the most beautiful place imaginable. Join us for a summer you'll never forget.
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Creative Writing Workshops & Camps
Writopia Lab is a national community of teen and young writers and thinkers.
Why We Do This
Because we love authentic writing, thoughtful conversations, stunning prose, and silly madness.
Our Mission
In addition to running workshops at our labs, we work with community-based organizations, the NY Public Library, Homes for the Homeless, and public and private schools across the country.
Testimonials
“My son’s instructor perfectly understands his strengths and weaknesses. Indeed, they work amazingly together: she is helping Markian blend in with the other classmates, build his confidence in expressing his thoughts from a structural standpoint and encouraging him to productively put ideas on paper line after line. Everyone is enjoying this class and the time just flies by… Thank you!” Lilya
"The most powerful therapeutic process I know is to contribute to rich story development." Michael White, Founder of Narrative Therapy
"My son has never liked writing before but after taking Writopia’s private workshops, I find him writing on his own! From poetry to fantasy to non-fiction, he looks forward to every session!" Megan Hahn, Writopia Parent
Thank you so much for the kind feedback about Jeeya. This was her first experience with debate and she had no clue how an actual debate is conducted until the first debate on electoral college and she definitely has a better understanding of it. This class is the highlight of her week and she has taken immense interest in the actual elections because of the debate Classes. We will definitely be signing up for the winter sessions. Vidhi B., Parent
The hallmark of a productive debate is not persuasion, but insight. In a good argument, you're as motivated to learn as to convince. You can declare victory when everyone involved has deepened their understanding, broadened their knowledge, or evolved their thinking. Adam Grant, Author
We can not express enough gratitude for having the opportunity to engage with such a diverse and fun group of debaters across the globe. You gave us a magical night, and our kids now already exhibit a transformational attitude towards debate. We just want to say a big thank you for everything you have done! Many thanks. Tiffany Lee, Founder of Wit and Wisdom Academy, Taiwan
My daughter worked with Writopia for her Common App essay and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. She benefitted immensely from the individual work with her Writopia instructor who made her feel valued and confident. As a result, my daughter was able to write an essay that clearly communicated who she is both as a student and a person. Our only mistake was not starting to work with Writopia earlier. Karen - Writopia Parent
The staff from Writopia created a personalized, genuine writing experience for our students. They patiently guided students through the anxieties surrounding college admission essays, validated students' experiences, and motivated them to turn those experiences into eloquent, personal statements. The students walked away feeling confident about the essay writing process, and so did I. I highly recommend their services! Chano LaBoy - Director, College Bound - Chess in the Schools
Our teen is thoroughly enjoying Writopia, and we are seeing it translate into better work at his school. His teachers are commenting on how good his writing is this year, and he seems to be much more confident in his abilities... so thank you! Mother of 13-year-old
The best thing about Language Play was watching the kids become active in storytelling, and involved in the creative process. No other comparable program offers practice using language, phonics, and creative language play. Rebecca R.
Summer Sleepaway Camp
Secure your spot next summer at our annual sleepaway camp, WriCampia! Writing workshops, electives, and fun camp activities for rising 5th to 12th graders!
Monday, August 11th through Friday, August 22nd 2025
School Year Enrollment is Open
Winter Retreat
Three-day retreat for young and teen writers at Camp Mariah in Fishkill, NY.
Saturday, February 15th to Tuesday, February 18th, 2025
Teen Open Mics in NYC
Teen writers are welcome to share their poetry, songs, or short prose on stage within a supportive environment of Writopia educators and peers.
Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Taylor Swift Themed Workshops
Calling all Swifties! Come connect with fellow fans, discover what we can learn from Taylor Swift’s use of literary devices and narrative techniques, and write our own songs, poems, and stories based on our favorite songs.
3 Weeks, Online Begins December 5th, 2024
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