This course is designed to develop the students’ critical reading and analysis skills of literary texts. Students will read a selection of classic short stories that use thematic elements like metaphors, similes, symbols, and tone. By building a foundation in literary devices, students will gain the lifelong skills to think critically, cultivate empathy, and see the world from different perspectives.

Through this course, students will craft a personal narrative essay in the style of creative nonfiction. This form of writing blends personal memoir and creative expression, which turns nonfiction into a descriptive, entertaining art form. Through focused exercises and analysis of exemplary works, participants will explore different writing styles to find their own voice. Students will leave with an essay they feel genuinely excited about. The best works will be submitted to competitions.

This course will immerse students in an art that has remained important throughout human history: poetry. Through hands-on close reading activities, students will analyze how poetic language is able to hold such complex emotions and human truths. Students will also develop their own voice and self-expression in poetry, with the instructor’s personalized guidance. The best pieces will be submitted to various competitions.

This course is designed for older students who want to sharpen their writing by mastering the mechanics of language: grammar. Students will study topics such as sentence structure and punctuation but with a focus on concise and precise writing. Through practical exercises and interactive activities, students will be equipped with the tools to write confidently and effectively, preparing them for academic success and future writing.

Simulate a book-based trial to build crucial reading, writing, and public speaking skills. Working in legal teams, students will construct a civil court case step-by-step. After extracting evidence from the story, students will master persuasive writing as they craft questions and compelling closing arguments. At the end of the course students will put their case into action, practicing oral skills and enjoying their day in a virtual court.

Through guided practice, students will learn how to utilize AI tools from the brainstorming stage to the revision process. They will also discuss the ethical limitations and impact on authorship. The goal of the camp is to emphasize the importance of human originality and give the students a balanced perspective on integrating AI in the future of writing.

In this course, students will master argumentative writing and learn to defend or attack ideas with the powerful medium of speech. Using the elements of logical evidence, emotional connection, and other effective techniques, students will be able to build their thoughts with clarity and passion. The skill of using language confidently will benefit students lifelong. The best argumentative pieces will be submitted to competitions.

In this course, we will dive into the fascinating mix of visual and written media: scriptwriting. By analyzing the scripts behind legendary movies or plays, students will uncover storytelling techniques like dialogue and character creation. Bringing their ideas to life on the screen, students will become not just better writers but better collaborators and masters of human interaction.

“Rhetorical Analysis” is the invaluable skill of analyzing nonfiction writing. This workshop will guide students through a comprehensive list of writing strategies they can analyze, from structural persuasive strategies to the detailed vocabulary choices. Students will not only learn to think critically about what they read, but they will also be able to use these strategies in their own writing. This type of essay is important for exams like AP English Language.