Young Writers' Camp (YWC)
The San Diego Area Writing Project offers a variety of opportunities for students to grow and build self-confidence in their writing abilities. Our summer Young Writers' Camp (YWC) programs work on creative writing and our College Application & Admissions Essay course provides support with writing and analyzing students' essays.
Teachers working with San Diego Area Writing Project share the belief that writing is a process. Young Writers' Camp engages students in that process and allows them to discover their own style, voice and potential. Our goal is that each young writer, regardless of skill level, has the time and space to experiment in a variety of genres while developing creativity and confidence.
Basic Information
What is Young Writers' Camp?
Young Writers' Camp is a summer program that inspires creative thinking and writing. Students explore writing styles and methods of self-expression with new friends.
Participating Young Writers:
- are challenged to grow and build self-confidence as writers.
- write in an environment designed to inspire creativity.
- receive individual attention in small groups from SDAWP writing teachers.
- meet and share writing in a multi-age classroom with young writers from throughout the county.
- engage in process writing: drafting, writing, revising, editing and publishing.
- publish and receive an anthology, including writing from each camper.
- develop writing skills as tools for self-expression.
Who should attend?
Young Writers' Camps are offered for students entering 3rd-11th grade in the fall semester following the program's duration. Classes will be split into grade level bands such as: 3-5, 6-8, 9-11. College Admission and Application Essay is meant for students entering 12th grade or community college students applying to a 4-year institution.
Here is what parents have said about our camps:
"My daughter absolutely loved this camp. The positive encouragement, new friendships and creativity she found has sparked a fondness for writing that did not exist before."
"My son loved your camp! You have a great, enthusiastic staff and a super program. The works he created and brought home blew us away! I'm really proud of him and what he accomplished during your program. We are looking forward to doing it again next year."
"Initially, I thought she would be bored out of her mind. Every day when I picked her up she was happy and full of energy. I believe the creative writing experience positively impacted my child's mind."
"He had a blast! The first day he was excited to inform me that 'this is different from school and it is really cool.' And I saw him working on his writing after camp at home--during the summer--that shows how engaged he was! Thank you for such a wonderful experience."
Which programs will be offered this year?
The 2026 Young Writers' Camp has concluded. Information on course offerings for 2027 will be released closer to the programming start date.
How do I register my child?
Registration for 2026's Young Writers' Camp is closed. Information on registration for 2027 will be released closer to the programming start date.
How much does camp cost?
The 2026 Young Writer's Camp has concluded. Information on pricing for 2027 will be released closer to the programming's start date.
Are there scholarships available for camp?
The Young Writers' Camp 2026 Scholarship Application is now closed.
Please email sdawp@ucsd.edu with any questions.
Where can I receive updates on the next Young Writers' Camp?
Information on the Young Writers' Camp 2027 will be released closer to the programming's start date. Please periodically check the SDAWP website and follow our linked social medias to receive updates as they release.
For questions, please email sdawp@ucsd.edu.
SDAWP's COPPA Statement
SDAWP and YWC cares about your child's privacy and safety. View COPPA Statement (Word file).
The San Diego Area Writing Project at UCSD recognizes that writing is a catalyst for the broad expression of ideas and opinions. We consider written expression by participants in our programs to be an opportunity for further dialogue and discussion. Teachers facilitating our programs make every effort to provide an environment that allows for all opinions and ideas to be shared, within the context of appropriate audience.
