We’ve been offering writing programs for teens since 2000. In 2016 we added a summer camp for middle-schoolers and in 2024 we added writing programs in our Children’s Garden for ages 3-12. Find out more details for each age group below:
High Schoolers
Teen Writing Workshops
The Laura (Riding) Jackson Teen Writing Workshops, partially funded through a grant from Quail Valley Charities, are free, interactive writing workshops offered throughout the school year and are open to teens ages 13-19. Topics change from year to year, but include: Editing, Comics, Shakespeare, YA Novel Writing, and Screenwriting. Each of these dynamic workshops, taught by either university faculty or published writers, gives students opportunities to not only explore but also obtain valuable feedback on their creative writing.
Our highly successful college essay writing workshops have helped hundreds of students learn how to craft impressive college entrance essays that are sure to gain the attention of admission officers. Through the Teen Writing Workshops, local students have won college scholarships and earned top honors in state and national contests, including the Guideposts Young Writers Contest, The Concord Review, and the Parade Magazine and Zora Neale Hurston poetry contests.
Teen Fellow Award
The Laura (Riding) Jackson Teen Writing Fellowship is a prestigious award that recognizes students who demonstrate dedication and commitment to the development of their literary skills and talents.
Online Teen Writing Workshops
During the COVID pandemic, we developed six online courses that are still available to students!
Teens Listen
LRJF is helping teens learn the process of interviewing members of the community and documenting their stories. Teens Listen is a project that engages students in our community in an experience that will develop skills of interviewing and listening by recording the significant views adults have about living in this community.
Middle Schoolers
Write in the Middle
Write in the Middle is an annual middle school summer camp. Every participant becomes a published writer! Registration is open now for Summer 2024.
Preschoolers and Elementary
Kids Write Outside
Combining the need to get younger children out from behind screens and into the out-of-doors, in 2024 we added new programs for kids in age groups 2-5 years old; 6-8 years old; and 9-12 years old. Launching in February 2024, these outdoor programs will take place in our Children’s Garden and all will include writing (or writing readiness, in the youngest group).