School’s almost out, and while your children may be quite excited about the promise of ample free time now, inevitably, they’ll be complaining of boredom quickly. Luckily, The National Writer’s Series and Front Street Writers are offering summer writing workshops in Traverse City for students from third to twelfth grade. Northern Michigan kids will love these events, too, as they’ll get the chance to create their own villain, take haunted walks throughout the State Hospital Grounds, and explore their artistic sides. Even better? These week-long workshops only cost $100, unless otherwise noted. Educational, fun, and inexpensive.
Elementary Workshops — Grades 3-6
- My Amazing Summer
This class explores what goes into “the perfect summer,” and how to put those grand ideas into words; June 16-20, 9-11 a.m.
- Villains 101
Kids will create their own evil villain and craft a story about how they came to be an evil mastermind; June 23-27, 9-11 a.m.
- Script Writing for Kids
Young writers can attend all days, or just one. $25/day or $80 for the entire session; July 29-August 1, 12-2 p.m.
- Poetry Magic
A wokshop that teaches children not only how to read poetry, but also how to craft their own poems; August 4-8, 9-11 a.m.
- Comic Creations
Combine drawing classic comic illustrations and crazy story writing into one workshop; August 11-15, 9-11 a.m.
Middle Grade Workshops — Grades 6-8
- Halloween of the Mind: A Poetry Workshop
This workshop will delve into the lives of other people and tell their “truths” by lying; June 16-20, 1-3 p.m.
- Mystery Madness
This class will teach students to make their own quirky characters and how to add in surprising plot twists; June 23-27, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Even More Terrifying Tales
Students will hike the trails behind the State Hospital, tour the hospital tunnels, and create their own creepy tales; August 11-15, 1-3 p.m. at the State Hospital Grounds
Middle & High School Workshops — Grades 7-12
- Rumors and Secrets
Professional working writers such as Mardi Link, Elizabeth Buzzelli, and Robert Giles will share their tricks for writing compelling nonfiction; August 4-8, 1-3 p.m.
- Master Poetry Workshop
Students will use multi-sensory prompts to bring out their own experiences and put that into words; August 11-15, 1-3 p.m.
- Flash Fiction
Students will read, workshop, and write very, very short stories; June 23-27, 11:15 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
For more information, or to reserve a place in one of the workshops, visit NationalWritersSeries.org.