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Programming

The John Carroll Young Writers Workshop (for students grades 8-12) will take place on July 14-18, 2025, on John Carroll University's campus. The camp is directed by award-winning creative writing faculty from John Carroll University.

Students participate in a rigorous and inspiring program that provides an introduction to the art and craft of poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. In morning and afternoon sessions, students study with acclaimed writers, engaging in writing-intensive exercises designed to address the elements of craft: form, voice, character, image, scene, and setting.

After reading and discussing the work of established authors and investigating the strategies they use to craft their poetry and prose, students then write their own stories and poems. Then, they participate in lively workshop sessions in which they discuss each other’s work with an eye toward revision. Over the course of the week, students have individual conferences with Dr. Philip Metres and the teachers about their writing and then submit writing for the anthology, which is published and ready by the final day of the camp. On the final day of camp, families are welcome to attend the final reception and reading.

Basic Day Schedule

9-10 a.m. Introduction to Story Writing
10-11 a.m. Guided Writing
11 a.m.-noon Stories Workshop
12-1 break for lunch and relaxation
1:00-2:00 p.m. Guest Writer Talk
2:00-3:00 p.m. Introduction to Poetry Writing
3:00-4:00 p.m. Guided Writing
4:00-5:00 p.m. Poetry Workshop

Overnight Schedule

For overnight campers, check-in will take place at 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Campers stay in air-conditioned dorms, sharing doubles. Girls and boys reside in separate halls.

John Carroll University undergraduate interns who stay in the dorms are in charge of evening activities, including games, use of the campus pool and facilities, movie showings, and one field trip downtown. All meals are served at the John Carroll University cafeteria, which has vegetarian and vegan options available. Check-out will be directly after the reading on Friday, July 18, 2025. 

Cost

Day camp option: $500

Overnight option $1,000

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