[photo credit: Red Hen Press]
The WITS HQ Creative Writing Summer Camp, running July 28 to 31, offers students in grades six to 12 an intensive four-day immersion into creative writing at Red Hen Press’s headquarters in Pasadena, with daily sessions from noon to 5 p.m.
“We weren’t sure if we could expect significant enrollment, but incredibly, we are welcoming nearly 30 students,” said Piper Gourley, administrative and events coordinator at Red Hen Press. “The enthusiasm and joy of the parents will stay with me as we prepare to welcome what I’m certain will be a bright and eager group of students.”
This year marks a significant expansion. “This is our first year running the camp at a scale that will lend itself to meaningful creative breakthroughs,” Gourley noted, citing more author visits, larger workshops, and deeper immersion into the publishing industry.
By eliminating financial barriers entirely, Red Hen Press has opened doors for families who might otherwise be unable to afford summer enrichment. “Making this camp free for the young writers in our community was our priority,” Gourley explained.
Lead instructors Gourley and Kate Gale will guide participants through workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, character development and peer critique. The program spotlights “literary citizenship”—building a supportive community of writers who honor each other’s artistry.
Workshop educators include E.P. Tuazon, Pete Hsu, Douglas Manuel, Esinam Bediako, Bonnie Kaplan, and William Archila.
“We hope students will see themselves reflected in our camp leaders and feel empowered to step into their identities as creatives,” Gourley said.
Students can engage at their comfort level, whether sharing work publicly or keeping it private, and are encouraged to write in whatever language feels most authentic.
The summer camp expands Red Hen Press’s year-round Writing in the Schools program, which has brought free workshops to more than 5,000 low-income students since 2003.
“I hope that they all feel that to be a ‘real’ writer, all they need to do is write,” Gourley said.
WITS HQ Creative Writing Summer Camp, 1540 Lincoln Ave., in Pasadena. Monday through Thursday, July 28 to 31, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more call (626) 356-4760 or visit redhen.org/witshq/. Tickets: Free.
