May 1 - May 4
Highlights Foundation Campus
$999About the Program
Grace and Debbi will offer limited programming in the evenings, while a majority of the time is meant for you to create, retreat, and connect with fellow storytellers.
There is limited availability to add a day to your stay after the program has ended at an additional cost. If this works for you, please select accordingly at registration. This option can make travel easier, and/or give you extra time on campus.
Tentative Agenda
At least one week prior to the retreat, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards). 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.
Thursday, May 1, 2025
- 3PM – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in at the Barn
- 5:30PM: Appetizers & Introductions
- 7:00PM: Dinner
- Following dinner: Welcome
Friday, May 2, 2025
Morning
- 8-8:45AM: Breakfast
- 9AM: Writing/Illustration time
Afternoon
- 12-12:45PM: Lunch
- 1PM: Writing/Illustration time
- Optional Art Coop exploration
Evening
- 5PM: Asian & Asian American Voices Cabin reception/Group photo
- 5:30PM: Appetizers & Dinner
- After dinner: Origami Hearts & Fireside Wishes (weather permitting)
NOTE: Fireside Chats are the perfect time to ask faculty questions –so make sure you save your questions for this fun and relaxed after-dinner chat.
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Morning
- 8-8:45AM: Breakfast
- 9AM: Writing/Illustration time
Afternoon
- 12-12:45PM: Lunch
- 1PM Writing/Illustrating time
Evening
- 4:30PM: Q&A with Grace & Debbi
- 5:30PM: Appetizers & Dinner
- After dinner: Open Mic: Sharing and Celebrations
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Morning
- 8-8:45AM: Breakfast
- 9AM: Writing/Illustration time
Afternoon
- 12-12:45PM: Lunch
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 workshop. We try to build in breaks and independent time so you have space for your personal needs. While we encourage participation in all group events, we know that as an adult learner you can decide if you need more time to yourself. Please let someone from our staff or faculty know if you plan to step away from group activities.
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
Your work grows as you grow and ground yourself in community. Join this in-community program to connect and amplify one another.
Testimonials from Our Community
“There were so many positive experiences from this retreat, but I really appreciated connecting with fellow creators. The open mic was a wonderful opportunity to hear everyone share their work!”
“Connecting with people! Because this was an affinity retreat, it was easy to make friends in a short amount of time because we did not have to explain our identity-related experiences or the writing industry, which means we could jump into conversations authentically ourselves. I feel like I gained an entire cohort of friends and supporters who I can reach out to for advice or when traveling in their area and who will cheer me on during my writing career.”
“As someone who is just beginning their creative journey in kidlit, I am immensely grateful for the chance to meet and socialize and learn from people who have more experience and expertise. I feel so lucky and hope those with more experience got as much out of this retreat as I did. Also, given how difficult it is to get a spot in this retreat, and the logistics, and unless there is more than one of this retreat per year, I don’t think I could repeat it and would rather other newbies like me have a chance to participate.”
