Tailored specifically for students entering 4th through 6th grades, the elementary-school version of our Emerging Writers Institute is an immersive summer writing camp for kids that teaches foundational skills, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Our hands-on writing camps expose young learners to basic fiction writing principles in a fun and supportive environment. With a unique, workshop-based approach to learning, the camp curriculum emphasizes the complete writing process, from initial idea to finished publication. Unlike other youth writing camps, our program – held on the campuses of top U.S. universities – helps students learn to think and communicate like young authors.
Writing Camp for Kids at a Glance
- Grade Level: Rising 4-6 (Grade after summer)
- Available Options: Commuter, Residential, or Online camps
- Duration: 5 days for online camps; 6 days for in-person camps
Emerging Writers Institute for Elementary Students
Learning Outcomes
- Participate in engaging writing workshops exploring concepts including character development, plot structure, setting, and conflict.
- Develop original ideas through interactive storytelling games, creative writing prompts, and other hands-on activities.
- Strengthen writing, editing, and revision skills through individualized instructor feedback and guidance.
- Reimagine classic fairy tales and create an original fractured fairy tale to be published in a class storybook and presented during a final Story Slam.
- Learn to give and receive constructive feedback through peer critiques.
- Build confidence in creative expression through writing.
Curriculum
EducationUnlimited’s writing camp for elementary students explores the building blocks of fiction writing, including character development, scene setting, plot progression, and more. The program’s supportive, small-group environment is designed to encourage imaginative thinking and build confidence in storytelling. Beyond traditional writing skills, our young writers workshop develops creativity through engaging activities such as comic strip caption writing and word games.
FAQs
Who is the Emerging Writers Institute designed for?
The Emerging Writers Institute summer programs for writing are suited for elementary school students entering grades 4 through 6. Whether your student is just beginning their writing journey or has been writing for years, they will come away from our young writers workshop with stronger skills and an improved knowledge of fundamental storytelling concepts.
Who are the writing camp instructors?
Our summer programs for writing are led by experienced educators and accomplished writers who are passionate about mentoring young authors. Instructors provide personalized guidance, facilitate interactive workshops, and offer constructive feedback to help every student strengthen their writing skills.
How does this camp prepare students for future writing classes in school?
This writing camp for elementary students is the first step in our multi-level Emerging Writers Institute. As students develop their writing skills, they progress to the next program level, which introduces additional genres and more advanced concepts. At all levels, the Emerging Writers Institute helps students develop essential writing skills that will support their success in middle and high school language arts classes and beyond. Our program’s curriculum emphasizes important concepts for academic success beyond writing as well, including communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
- Option 1: Online Campers: Attend class via live synchronous zoom sessions. Classes capped at 6 students per instructor.
- Option 2: Day Campers: Attend in-person from 9am to 5pm
- Option 3: Extended Day Campers: Attend in-person from 9 am to 9 pm and have lunch and dinner included in the campus dining hall
- Option 4: Overnight Campers: Live on campus in the university residence halls and have breakfast, lunch, and dinner included in the university dining hall.
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
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Don’t see a class you want in your time zone? Check other time zones to flexibly fit your needs!
| Click Here to View Sample ON-CAMPUS Schedule | Click Here to View Sample ONLINE Schedule |
Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. We strive to provide industry-leading instruction to all of our students and hold all staff to the highest possible standards. Staff assignments vary by program and location. Some of our recent staff members for this program include:
Elizabeth Bull, MFA - Camp Director
Elizabeth Bull is a writer and filmmaker. Her writing has been published in various journals, including the Los Angeles Review of Books, H.O.W. Journal, Third Coast Magazine, and Gulf Coast; her work has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. Her involvement in television and film began at AMC Networks, where she worked in original series development during the creation of “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad.” In addition to writing and directing several short films, she co-wrote the feature film “Song of Sway Lake,” released in the fall of 2017. Elizabeth has also co-produced two feature films and a television series for Fuse.
Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s degree from the School of Theater, Film, and Television at the University of California Los Angeles. She also holds a Master in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing (Fiction) from The New School in New York City. In addition, she has studied directing at the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design, and Technology in Dublin, Ireland on a Rotary International Fellowship. She has taught writing at the University of Zadar in Croatia on a Fulbright Fellowship. Elizabeth has been with Education Unlimited since 2010.
Daniela Chavez - Instructor, MFA
Daniela Chavez is a fiction writer and university lecturer based in Los Angeles. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing and English from the University of California, Irvine, where she also teaches writing.
Daniela brings over ten years of teaching experience, beginning with Teach For America in Western Massachusetts, where she taught 6th grade, and continuing at multiple colleges and universities throughout the Los Angeles area. She is passionate about helping students find their voice, build confidence, and strengthen their writing skills.
She joined the Education Unlimited team in 2022, and she is excited to work with your students.
Piper Pugh - Instructor, MA
Piper Pugh is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Southern California, holds a Master of Science in Education in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, and is an incoming MFA candidate at New York University. In 2022, she presented at the preeminent Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) on developing literacy practices and community in virtual learning environments.
With over 10 years of experience as an educator, Piper has worked across K–12 schools, universities, educational nonprofits, and in one-on-one tutoring settings. She specializes in English and writing instruction, supporting students from early literacy through graduate-level coursework. At USC, Piper double majored in English and NGO Management, graduating summa cum laude.
Emily Mercurio, MFA - Instructor
Emily Rosello Mercurio is a writer and educator who has taught poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and academic composition at Cornell University and Education Unlimited. She earned her B.A. from Wheaton College (2016), double majoring in English and Women's Studies, and her M.F.A degree in Creative Writing from Cornell University (2018). She has served as an Assistant Editor for EPOCH Magazine and as the Literary Editor for Rushlight. Her work has appeared in P
Jennifer Brody a/k/a Vera Strange, MFA - InstructorJennifer Brody is the award- winning author of the DISNEY CHILLS book series featuring Disney villains, THE 13TH CONTINUUM trilogy, and SPECTRE DEEP 6, which was a Bram Stoker Award Finalist, prompting Forbes to call her “a star in the graphic novel world.” She is the co-author of ALL IS FOUND: A FROZEN ANTHOLOGY where she wrote an Elsa story for the 10th Anniversary of the film, and STAR WARS: STORIES OF JEDI AND SITH, where she penned the Darth Vader story. She’s a graduate of Harvard University, a film/TV producer and writer, and a creative writing instructor with a passion for teaching the joy and craft of writing. She began her career in Hollywood working on many films, including "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Golden Compass."
Emily Mercurio, MFA - Instructor
Emily Rosello Mercurio is a writer and educator who has taught poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and academic composition at Cornell University and Education Unlimited. She earned her B.A. from Wheaton College (2016), double majoring in English and Women's Studies, and her M.F.A in Creative Writing from Cornell University (2018). She has served as an Assistant Editor for EPOCH Magazine and as the Literary Editor for Rushlight. Her work has appeared in Puerto del Sol, Vallum, Spoon River Poetry Review, and other journals. She is a 2017 winner of the Bermuda Triangle Prize.