About the Program

In-person 4-Day/3-Night Writing Retreat

Join this writing retreat designed for authors who are crafting books for kids and teens that center their lived experiences in areas of trauma, mental health, grief, and beyond. We believe there is hope in harnessing the transformative power of storytelling.  Explore therapeutic writing techniques that enable you to create narratives that empower and uplift, offering young audiences valuable insights and resilience in the face of adversity.

The program includes:

• Presentations from authors Aida Salazar, Heather Demetrios, and author & mental health professional* Bethany Walker.
• Opportunities for group discussion and peer-to-peer connections.
• Introductory activities to establish safety protocols, provide story/sharing content warnings, and details about connecting with our on-site support staff.

This is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal group activities (like meditation, stretching, and fireside chats). There will be an abundance of writing and retreat time; please bring your stories.

*Upon registration you will be asked to provide your goals and a brief bio for the program. Both items will only be shared with your faculty and staff. The questions are an effort, pre-retreat, to ensure that your goals and needs can be well-served by the content that will be offered during the workshop in a non-clinical setting.

Our thanks to Rebecca Dykes Writers for providing one full scholarship and travel to this important program. To learn more about Rebecca Dykes Writers, please visit: rebeccadykeswriters.org.

Tentative Agenda

Please note: There is limited availability to come one day early 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 (especially if it’s your first time here).

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.

Please bring projects at any stage in the writing process that you wish (idea, draft, revision, etc.)

There will be an optional pre-retreat Zoom to review needs and expectations of the program (date to come).

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.

Related Resources

• #HFGather: Crafting and Sharing Books from the Heart
• #HFGather: Writing About Trauma and Grief for Kids
• A Collection of Support from the Faculty of Writing Stories to Empower Through Trauma
• Writing About Mental Health in Youth Literature