2010 Young Writers' Camp
July 26th–July 30, 2010
Description and Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who teaches at camp?
A: The instructors are SJAWP Teacher Consultants who have completed a 5–week teaching fellowship at San José State University on best practices in writing instruction. Many of these credentialed and experienced teachers have led professional development workshops on effective teaching strategies around and outside of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Q: What will students be doing at camp?
A: During the week, each of the grade–level groups of writers will:
- Analyze model texts for exemplary structure and expression.
- Learn from teacher modeling of effective writing strategies.
- Receive individualized and small–group instruction.
- Express themselves in a supportive community of writers.
- Receive helpful peer responses in small groups.
- Edit and publish their writing.
- Have fun. Make new friends!
Q: My child participated in the Young Authors' Faire; is he or she a good fit for the camp?
A: Young Authors and students who publish their own works outside of school are excellent candidates for the camp! Our writing instructors are the same teachers whose students participate in events like Santa Clara County Reading Council's Young Authors' Faire. They will be using professionally published picture–book models to illustrate strategies and hints that writers use to create and refine their writing. Each of the Young Writers will practice these strategies, and will publish their own work by end of the camp.
The camp is designed to boost each child's confidence and experience in writing. Moreover, your child will receive individualized attention from an expert teacher who is experienced working with students at your child's age.
Q: Is this more an enrichment camp for children who already excel in writing, or is it for students who need extra help?
A: The methods of teaching writing used at camp draw on student interests and experiences as well as their love of literature. For this reason, we recommend the camp for aspiring authors and for those who enjoy reading but who may need a boost in the area of writing. Our focused teaching approach provides students with structure and strategies so that they can approach writing with more independence and confidence. If your child likes sharing stories, making new friends, and is willing to try new things—especially with other children—this may be a chance to take their writing to another level.
As far as enrolling children who are really not interested in attending, or who do not really like to write at all, the camp may not be the best match for them, as each day of camp is primarily dedicated to experiencing the steps of the writing process: developing ideas, storytelling, writing expressively, sharing and conferencing, revising, editing for spelling and conventions, and publishing favorite work.
Q: My child is shy; does (s)he run the risk of not enjoying participating in Young Writers' Camp?
A: The writing instructors and camp staff are aware that many of the campers will be in a new situation, and will be spending the week with other campers who they will have just met. Each of our staff members is dedicated to creating a positive community atmosphere, and is experienced in leading team–building activities designed to help campers feel right at home with writing and sharing their ideas with their fellow writers.
Q: Do you offer discounts or scholarships?
A: We are proud to offer a limited number of partial as well as full scholarships for this summer. As a nonprofit organization, our goal is to impact the highest number of students as effectively as possible. SJAWP's Young Writers' Camp proceeds go towards funding students who qualify for assistance based on need and merit the following summer. We look forward to expanding our scholarship opportunities to more students in the future. Students who wish to apply for our scholarships must submit the following:
- Proof of eligibility for Free and Reduced Lunch.
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- Camp registration form and student writing sample.
Q: By when do I need to sign up?
A: Students who register by April 30th qualify for a discounted rate.
Registration for camp will close after June 30, 2010. In order to keep class sizes small, registration will be closed once all spaces are filled. A wait list will be created for interested families and acceptance into the program will depend on spaces opening up.