By Ally Condie
In connection with the WriteOut Foundation, Southern Utah University presents the inaugural WriteOut Camp, a writing workshop experience for teenagers 13–18. The camp will take place June 28–30. Students will learn from published authors in classroom-sized settings, hike and write in Bryce Canyon National Park, attend a performance of “As You Like It” at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and enjoy other activities such as a closing gala, author panels and signings, and on-campus activities and tours. Camp attendance requires registration; evening events are open to the public.
“We’re committed to bringing authors who are not only international bestsellers but excellent teachers to Cedar City to work with teen writers,” said Ally Condie, director of the WriteOut Foundation. “I know that they will benefit from the workshops and also that our authors will love getting a glimpse of all that Cedar City and southern Utah have to offer.”
Thanks to the efforts of Tasha Seegmiller, EDGE Center coordinator in the School of Integrative and Engaged Learning at SUU, the volunteers for WriteOut are all licensed teachers of teens, people who are passionate about writing and providing an atmosphere where young people can learn from experts and each other. As Seegmiller noted, “These volunteers are eager to take the ideas learned from publishing professionals and incorporate them into their classrooms in conjunction with the core standards.”
“The Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development is excited to partner with the WriteOut, a new summer writing camp for teens,” said Shawn Christiansen, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at SUU. “Young aspiring writers will work with best-selling authors and learn the craft of writing, attend a play at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and adventure into our national parks. I look forward to seeing the impact this camp will have on our young writers. My daughter is thrilled to attend and work with these accomplished authors. We hope you’ll join us!”
To register for the camp, see the schedule, and read the author bios, visit writeoutcamp.org.
