Overview

In-person 5-Day/4-Night Workshop and Retreat

Get away for five days at our Summer Camp in Nonfiction for inspiration, guidance, mentorship, community, fun, creativity, and growth.

At the Highlights Foundation, “summer camp” is different than s’mores by the fire and hiking in the woods. (Though we do that, too.)

Our summer camp is a time to find the kind of encouragement for your writing that only a generous mentor can provide. To find inspiration and support. To be with a community that understands the long process of turning research into narrative. To work 1:1 and fine-tune your words and pitches while you have some fun.

• This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with keynotes, breakout sessions, mentorship, and ample time for independent writing, meeting informally with fellow creatives, and resting.
• Lodging and meals are included.
• Begins at with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday, July 16
  
• Ends with lunch at 12:00pm-1:00pm Eastern on Thursday, July 20
• Pre-retreat Zoom to answer questions about submissions and discuss our summer camp community will be held on Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30pm Eastern (this will be recorded for those who cannot attend live)
• 24 participants max

“Disney has nothing on Highlights – it’s the real magical place on earth! It’s an investment in your writing/illustrating career and definitely worth every penny. Even my suitcase was sad to leave.” (Debbie Meyer)

See more testimonials and stories from past attendees about their Summer Camp experiences.

Feedback Expected

• Guidance and mentorship will be offered in two ways, both through our faculty readers and in your facilitated peer group. Our feedback sessions offer you support, as well as give you space to ask questions to help problem-solve, brainstorm new ideas, and work through challenges. You will receive comprehensive submission details closer to the start of Summer Camp.
  • Those writing longer nonfiction can submit up to 2,500 words from a current work in progress prior to the start of camp for their faculty reader. This submission should also contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project, your connection to this nonfiction topic, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader) and one-page overview of completed project.
  • Picture book writers can submit one full picture book manuscript of up to 1,200 words. This submission should also contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project, your connection to this nonfiction topic, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).
  • If you are between projects or just starting out, you can submit a book proposal with a short writing sample or a one-page list of ideas and interests you are considering as the focus of your nonfiction project. This submission should also contain a cover letter.
  • In addition to submitting one of the above choices to your faculty reader, you will submit pages for your peer groups. These submissions can be from the same work-in-progress as given to your faculty reader, or a new project altogether (please follow the same length guidelines and cover letter requests).
  • Submissions are due in advance of the workshop to allow ample time for readers to take in your story.

This Workshop is a Great Fit If…

• You love nonfiction and are eager to write TRUE stories. This workshop provides a comprehensive immersion into the world of nonfiction children’s books.
• You have an in-progress or finished manuscript and would like feedback. Your faculty reader will give you feedback, answer questions, and support you in setting goals. Your peer group can help you consider your revision goals and plans.
• You need a jolt of creativity or a reminder of purpose. Summer Camp can be about getting work done if you want it to be, but it can also be about renewing your spark and purpose in writing nonfiction for kids and teens.
• You are working on a biography, a nature or science-themed book, a social justice book, and/or educational work for kids or teens. Our faculty is well-versed in these genres and markets and can help you craft an engaging book for kids and strategize ways to get it to market.
• You’d appreciate some retreat time. This course has plenty of built-in time to write, draw, hike, or rest–whatever you need.

Detailed Agenda

All Times are Eastern Standard Time.

How It Impacts Kids

Kids love reading about real people and events! This workshop will show you ways to put together accurate research and use storytelling tools to create compelling nonfiction. Get support, motivation, reassurance, and sense of community from fellow creators who share your passion.

Testimonials from Our Community

“I was matched with just the right mentor for me. Her background and passions matched mine, and she helped me see possibilities that I hadn’t been able to see on my own.”

“The faculty were not only very knowledgeable but warm and generous. Very high-quality faculty! My mentor was really helpful and encouraging and helped me to see approaches for my idea that I couldn’t have seen myself.”

“The faculty were engaged, generous with their time and wisdom, and human. It was really refreshing/important that many of them not only presented but also participated in various parts of the camp; that sent a great “we are all learning, all journeying together” message. Also wonderful that you had such a diversity of faculty in terms of race, nationality, gender, orientation, and expertise/place in the world of children’s books.”

Resources

• 12 Signs That You Are Destined to Write Middle Grade Nonfiction
  5 Questions Everyone Asks About Writing Nonfiction for Kids
• Podcast: Heidi EY Stemple on Birds, Back Matter and Mentor Texts
• 10 Things to Consider When Writing a Picture Book Biography
• Nonfiction Picture Books: Get it Right with Research
• True Storytelling: Writing Picture Book Biographies and Narrative Nonfiction
• Podcast: 3 Diversity Fellows Talk About Summer Camp Mentorship