Campers will develop their skills in writing poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. Journals, free-writing, guided writing, structured exercises, and revision strategies are all part of the week’s activities. Participation in workshops will help campers learn to give and accept constructive criticism.

Campers are also encouraged to bring samples of their work in all stages of completion, from brainstorms to rough drafts to final product. Staff members and counselors will be available to offer personalized advice on campers’ work. In addition, every day will include time not only to write, but to read, since being well-read helps develop an eye and ear for form, tone, structure, and style.

The week will close with a reading for campers and their families in which campers will read from their best work and receive a booklet compiling the week’s best writing in each genre.

Chris Lapeyre, Affiliate Instructor in NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, teaches humanities and creative writing at DeKalb High School. He is the advisor for New Pennies, DHS’s art and literature magazine, which continually receives the highest ratings from the National Scholastic Press Association and the National Council of Teachers of English.