Summer Youth Writing Intensive 2025
The Loft’s Summer Youth Writing Intensives
📚 Calling all young writers! Join the Loft's Summer Youth Writing Intensives at Open Book for a one-of-a-kind opportunity for campers to immerse themselves in a creative writing community with their peers. Led by published, award-winning writers, each camp fosters creativity, self-expression, and a love of writing. Over the course of four days, campers will work closely with teaching artists across a variety of genres, complete at least one polished piece, and leave with fresh ideas for future work and countless new memories with new friends.
The camp culminates in a public reading where students can share their writing (participation optional). Plus, there’s an opportunity for all Loft Young Writers to contribute to our professionally-produced youth anthology. All experience levels are welcome—we seek campers excited to write and connect with a community of young writers.
Camp Details:
📍 Location: The Loft at Open Book
📅 Ages 10-13: July 22-25, 2025
📅 Ages 14-18: July 29-August 1, 2025
⏰ Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (lunch break included)
💰 Cost: $550 (Access Funds available to help offset costs if tuition is a barrier!)
Note: This is NOT an overnight camp. Campers should bring lunch, a water bottle, and writing materials.
What to Expect:
- Full-day workshops with published teaching artists
- A focus on craft, creativity, and community
- Opportunities for free-writing, rooftop hangs, friendship-bracelet-making, and new friendships
- A professionally published anthology featuring student work
- An Anthology Release Party on December 4, 2025, at Open Book
Admissions Policy:
We accept applications starting January 2025 on a rolling basis. Prospective campers will need to fill out a short application and submit a short writing sample (no more than 1,000 words) to help us gauge student fit and placement. Campers will hear back within two weeks of applying. If a camp fills, a waitlist will be created, and we’ll notify campers if spots open up. Availability will be updated on our website.
What We’re Looking For:
We welcome campers who:
✨ Show a passion for writing
✨ Are curious, creative, and eager to explore new ideas
✨ Respect peers and teaching artists
✨ Come from diverse backgrounds and have varied interests
Whether you’ve written a novel or simply want to try something new, this summer writing intensive is for you! Financial need will not affect acceptance. There is space in the application to apply for Access Funds if tuition is a barrier for you.
Payment & Access Funds:
💳 Camp Fee: $550 (includes a copy of the summer anthology)
📚 Anthology Release Party: December 5, 2025, at Open Book
Once accepted, payment is required to secure your spot. You can register online, call to pay by phone, or send a check. For cancellations, refer to our cancellation policy.
💵 Access Funds: We offer Access Funds for fully-funded seats for families in need. To request assistance, complete the Access Fund section of the application form. We’ll contact you about aid options upon acceptance.
Ready to immerse yourself in a supportive writing community and bring your stories to life? Apply now!