November 1 - November 4
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1399Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat
We invite writers with a passion for poetry to come together for this special experience with celebrated poets Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Irene Latham, and Charles Waters. During this retreat you will work on your own poetry through guided writing exercises, sharing, engaging presentations, and a private consultation. You will also have private retreat time so that you can write, wander, and connect with fellow poets. Special guests will bring additional WOW to this already abundant program!
- This is an in-person retreat for poets hoping to learn more about poetry, poetry anthologies, and collections.
- No submission is required.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Ends after lunch on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Why This Retreat?
The words “retreat” and “palooza” might not conjure a single image, but if anyone can make the two connect it is a poet! Imagine four days of poetry-themed activities with poetry enthusiasts, alongside the dynamic team: Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Irene Latham, Charles Waters, and their guests. Really, there isn’t a better word than PALOOZA for this special retreat.
Dig into the fundamental elements of poetry, with guided activities that bring these elements to life. In addition to presentations from your faculty, you’ll enjoy private time to wander, retreat, and work on your own poetry projects.
Together we’ll:
- brainstorm ideas,
- generate new poems,
- share our writing, and
- discuss the life of a poet!
Feedback Expected
- Informal feedback throughout the workshop via discussions and open sharing.
- A 1:1 consultation with faculty during the workshop. You will bring one poem to share during the session to read and discuss with faculty. You may bring questions and ideas to discuss with your faculty as well. Use this consultation time to move your poetry projects ahead.
It’s a Great Fit If…
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You are a poet that could use some creative inspiration. There will be generative writing activities to spark ideas for children’s book poetry and stand alone poems for children and teens.
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You want to learn more about opportunities in writing poetry for children. This retreat will showcase solo collections, stand-alone poems for placement in anthologies, and more.
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You want to immerse yourself in the elements of craft within a community of poets. At this workshop you’ll be surrounded by words and a community of poets who love them.
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You’d like a retreat where you can work on new poems. There will be ample free time built into this course so that you can stretch and work on your own projects.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
- You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
- You will receive details about what to bring to the retreat for your 1:1 consultation. There are no pre-retreat submissions.
- We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, research, and polish your work during independent time.
Day One: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together
Day Two: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Rebecca and Georgia
- 1:1 Consultations (Part One)
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Presentation #2 with Charles and Irene
- Generative poetry prompts for stand-alone poetry
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering and sharing fireside (weather permitting)
Day Three: Monday, November 3, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #3 with Charles and Irene
- 1:1 Consultations (Continued)
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Special Guest Zoom session
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Cooperative poetry building exercise with Georgia and Rebecca
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Poetry Jamboree!
Day Four: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Morning
- Breakfast
- Special Guest Presentation
- Generative poetry exercise
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
As an in-person event at our Retreat Center, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How It Impacts Kids
Poetry brings emotion from page to the heart for kids. This retreat highlights the many ways to bring poetry into children’s lives, giving you time and space to create, in a supportive environment.
Testimonials from Our Community
“This retreat was wonderful. There was so much positive energy, and it really gave me the momentum to keep working toward my goals.”
“It was, hands down, the best writing experience I’ve ever had. Too often educational encounters are competitive in nature. In this workshop I felt totally relaxed.”
“The retreat was a wonderful mix of instructional time, poetry sharing, and independent work time. I gained insight into the direction I want to take my own poetry manuscript, which is one of the core reasons I attended. I enjoyed it all and would strongly recommend it to others!”
“The cottage was perfect, the surroundings peaceful and relaxing. I was able to find a balance of work and play. So much thought and consideration has gone into providing an inspiring, rejuvenating environment.”
Related Resources
- How to Revise Poetry: 20 Questions to Ask
- Rebecca Kai Dotlich on Loving Words and Writing Poetry for Children
- The Pleasure and Magic of Metaphor and Poetry
- 3 Questions With Irene Latham and Charles Waters About Writing Poetry and Creating Poetry Anthologies for Kids
- Poetry Alive: Performing Your Poems for an Audience
- Collect Word Treasures When You Are Writing Poetry for Children
- HFGather: A Poetry Chat with Nikki Grimes
