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.
Check out these samples of recent writing from our students.
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 at our Writing Center 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 gives students opportunities to not only explore but also obtain valuable feedback on their creative writing.
Online Teen Writing Workshops
During the COVID pandemic, we developed six online workshops that are still available to students!
Teen Fellow Award and Scholarship
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.
All IRC college-bound graduating seniors who complete the Teen Writing Fellowship are automatically entered into a pool to win one of two $1000 scholarships LRJF awards in May each year. No further application process is required.
Teens Listen
LRJF is helping teens learn the process of interviewing members of the community and documenting their stories.
Middle Schoolers
Write in the Middle
Write in the Middle is an annual middle school summer camp. Every participant becomes a published writer! Registration opens in February for camp in June each year.
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. These outdoor programs take place in our Children’s Garden and all will include writing (or writing readiness, in the youngest group).
Recent Writings from our Students
“The Oasis”
by Marcos Viloria
The Oasis
Dry patches of grass
I once deemed as hideous
suddenly bloom with color.
The bright yellow
of a recently sprouted flower
envelops my skin with the warmth of the sun.
I run my fingers through its petals
searching for the source of this sensation,
only to discover that I was floating on a garden.
Plants hanging,
flowers blooming,
tendrils reaching,
warmth cooling,
as I walk through the path of nature.
The vines seem to notice my presence,
since they extend their arms toward me,
lifting me high to their vineyard sanctuary.
As soon as they welcome me to their home,
a river of wine sweeps me from my feet.
The burgundy rapids leave me gasping for breath,
when suddenly,
a soft, dry, mossy safety net
halts my turmoil
Opening my eyes,
I finally see an oasis of peace.
Nature has finally guided me to peace.
“Cherish”
by Rachel Estillore
from the people we loved
to the people we knew
from the birds in the sky
to the beach waves blue
there’s nothing on earth
land sky or sea
that doesn’t cherish
both you and me