Overview

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

Get away for five days at our Summer Camp in Writing for fiction and nonfiction storytellers who are looking for inspiration, guidance, mentorship, community, fun, creativity, and…a place to dream!

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 in Writing is a time to find the kind of encouragement for your stories that only a generous mentor can provide. To find inspiration and support. To be with a community that understands the long process of turning dreams into books for children. 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 hands-on sessions, mentorship, and ample time for independent writing, meeting informally with fellow creatives, and resting.
• Lodging and meals are included.
• Begins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday, July 13
  
• Ends with lunch on Thursday, July 17
• Pre-retreat Zoom to answer questions about submissions and discuss our summer camp community will be held on Monday, June 9 at 12 noon 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, and 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.

• 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 the topic/theme, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).
• Those writing longer nonfiction or fiction can submit up to 2,500 words from a current work in progress for their faculty reader. This submission should contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project, a summary of the complete project arc if you know it, your connection to the topic/theme, 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 you are considering as a full-length 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 given to your faculty reader, or a new project altogether (please follow the same length guidelines and cover letter requests).
• Submissions are due June 11, 2025 to allow ample time for readers to take in your story.

This Workshop is a Great Fit If…

• You’re new to writing for children and/or teens. You’ll get a 1:1 critique that will help you look at your work-in-progress in a new way, and have time to make significant progress on your writing.
• 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’re an experienced writer who is curious about how to get started in children’s publishing. You will find out about the children’s market and meet fellow writers passionate about bringing stories to kids and teens.
• 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 for kids and teens.
• You’d appreciate some retreat time. This course has plenty of built-in time to write, doodle, or dream–whatever you need.

Detailed Agenda

All Times are Eastern Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

How It Impacts Kids

Writing for children and teens is often referred to as a labor of love. It is rewarding work because your stories can have a big impact on the lives of children, but it is hard work. 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

• #HFGather: A Quick Jolt of Inspiration to Remind Us Why We Do This (Kids) and a Summer Camp Reunion to Remind Us How We Do It (Together)
• Get It Right With Research for Your Nonfiction Picture Book
• Carnival, Summer Camp, and Carolyn Yoder: Or why you need to find a creative mentor
• Alison Myers welcomes the group to 2019 Summer Camp
• Scholarship Recipients Celebrate Their Summer Camp Experience
• Podcast: 3 Diversity Fellows Talk about Summer Camp Mentorship