March 31 - March 31
Highlights Foundation CampusOverview
PJ Library invites authors and author-illustrators interested in developing Jewish-themed picture books to apply for the 3rd annual Picture Book Summer Camp for five days of inspiration, mentorship, fun, and creativity!
This opportunity is for emerging creatives whose work has not yet been published, or who have no more than one published picture book. While last year we invited PBSC alums to apply to join us, the overwhelming enthusiasm meant we had to turn down many excellent applications.
- This is an application based program. (Click “Apply Now” to apply.)
- This is an in-person workshop at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center built to share ideas for stories with Jewish themes and content, along with experiences like keynotes, breakout sessions, mentorship, and ample time for independent writing, meeting informally with fellow creatives, and resting.
- NEW! We will be offering a beit midrash (or Jewish study hall) where we will provide resources along with 1:1 meetings to delve deeper into Jewish ideas and storytelling.
- Acceptance into the program covers tuition, lodging, and meals. Travel stipends to the retreat center will be available from PJ Library. (Details provided upon acceptance.)
- Accepted storytellers will arrive by 5:30 pm Eastern on Sunday, August 25
- Accepted storytellers will depart on Thursday, August 29 following lunch
Application Details:
Apply by the deadline: on or before March 31, 2024.
- Applications will run through the PJ Library website. Please click “Apply Now” to be directed to the webpage immediately.
You will be notified of your acceptance status in early May, 2024.
- Upon acceptance, you will receive assistance with your travel needs and dietary needs.
- Following acceptance, you will be asked to submit the work-in-progress that you’d like to use for the program with a cover letter.
Click “Apply Now” when you are ready to apply!
Important Dietary Information:
PJ Library maintains kosher style options for programs that they host. During this retreat, we will only be serving vegetarian and kosher fish options. Snacks and drinks will be certified kosher. While the Highlights Foundation’s kitchen is not kosher, they are happy to provide kosher certified packaged meals for accepted participants who mark this request.
WHY THIS PROGRAM?
This five day, in-person program is centered on mentorship, inspiration, and the Jewish community with:
- opportunities for learning, feedback, and interaction
- ample self-paced time to make progress on a project, or play with your creativity
- many opportunities for feedback
- support for Jewish themes and research
Mornings will be structured around lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities. Afternoons will be for independent writing and revising, as well as meetings with fellow creatives (including your faculty reader and small groups).
FEEDBACK EXPECTED DURING THE PROGRAM:
- Mentorship will be provided for picture book writers and writer/illustrators through one-to-one meetings with faculty readers to review one, complete manuscript submission.
- You will also have the opportunity to workshop one picture book submission during facilitated peer discussions led by the PJ Library team.
- The goal of all feedback sessions is to offer you support, and ask questions to help you problem-solve, brainstorm new ideas, and work through challenges. You will receive comprehensive submission details within 4-6 weeks of the program’s start. For now, please click “Apply Now” and begin your application!
THIS PROGRAM IS A GREAT FIT IF:
- You are an emerging writer or writer/illustrator of picture books interested in developing Jewish-themed picture books for children.
- You have a draft or finished manuscript of a picture book with Jewish themes and would like feedback.
- You are interested in the retreat experience with time to write on your own, 1:1 meetings and feedback, and engaging lectures and presentations.
ABOUT PJ LIBRARY:
Learn all about PJ Library at https://pjlibrary.org/home.
PJ Library sends free Jewish children’s books to families across the world every month. We know that something magical happens when parents sit down together to read with their children. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help your family talk together about values and traditions that are important to you. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever your background, knowledge, or family make-up, or observance may be.
Testimonials from Our Community
“Each and every faculty and staff member was warm, caring, encouraging, knowledgeable, and supportive. And that is an understatement. I am beyond honored to have been invited to participate.”
“Of course, I learned tons about writing Jewish kid lit, but I also learned something about myself. If I push myself to be open and outgoing to strangers, people will respond in kind!”
“I felt nurtured and supported, gently challenged, and made connections I know will last a lifetime. THANK YOU.”
ABOUT THE HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION RETREAT CENTER:
All in-person Highlights Foundation workshops (including this special partnership with the PJ Library) are held at our Retreat Center: The Barn at Boyds Mills. This site was the home of the original founders of Highlights for Children Garry and Caroline Myers, and is located in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania on the traditional lands of the Lenape Nation. For more information about attending a workshop or retreat here, visit the Barn at Boyds Mills website.
To learn more about the Highlights Foundation, please read about the mission and Community Standards.
