Join us at the USF Tampa campus for an intensive one-week creative writing course tailored for high school students. In this unique program, participants will collaborate with published authors, creative writing faculty, and MFA graduate students from the University of South Florida to develop and hone their writing skills in a supportive and engaging environment
Throughout the week, students will find inspiration by exploring various forms of creative writing, participating in a variety of writing activities, and discussing the craft of writing with their instructors and peers. This hands-on experience will help young writers develop their voices, build confidence, and enhance their ability to utilize language in expressive and impactful ways. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best at USF!
USF Creative Writing Camp Details
Camp Director: Andrea Rinard
Location: USF Tampa
Grade Levels: Entering 8th - 12th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: $499.99
| Dates | Campus | Is this eligible for Rocky's Residents? |
|---|---|---|
| June 23rd - 27th, 2025 | USF Tampa | Yes |
What to Expect
The Writer's Lens: Analyzing Fiction, Poetry, and Nonfiction
Dive deep into fiction, poetry, and nonfiction to uncover the essential craft elements and techniques that make stories stand out. Learn to read like a writer by analyzing structure, style, and voice, and discover how these tools shape compelling narratives across genres.
Finding Your Unique Voice
Put theory into practice by writing your own fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and comics. Experiment with key craft techniques and unlock your personal writing style, using these elements to develop a distinctive voice that resonates with readers across multiple genres.
Speaking the Language of Creativity
Learn the essential craft vocabulary needed to engage in insightful discussions about creative work. Whether analyzing your peers' writing or professional pieces, you’ll confidently apply these terms to articulate your thoughts on structure, voice, tone, and genre conventions.
Sharpening Your Work Through Feedback
Become adept at critiquing creative works—both your own and others’—in a constructive, thoughtful way. Embrace the revision process by incorporating feedback from peers and mentors to strengthen your writing and refine your creative projects to their full potential.
Throughout this one-week creative writing course, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to create original prose and poetry pieces. With guidance from your supportive instructors and fellow writers, you'll refine your voice and receive valuable feedback to strengthen your work.
At the end of the week, you will select one of your pieces to be included in a keepsake collection, showcasing the unique voices of the class. This will be a lasting memento of your creative journey and a special achievement from your time at the USF Tampa campus.
Useful Information
Registration and Camp Details
When does registration open for the USF Creative Writing Summer Camp?
Registration for all 2025 summer camps will open on February 1, 2025.
What is the capacity of the USF Creative Writing Summer Camp?
Each session of the USF Creative Writing Summer Camp has a capacity of 30.
May I bring in the novel/short story/poem I'm currently writing and work on that?
While we love hearing about our campers' works in progress, we design activities for participants to try different techniques and provide opportunities to explore new strategies and modes of writing. We ask that campers fully engage in the things we've prepared for them and then use what they learn on their own projects outside of camp.
I only write fiction. Do I have to write poetry?
As writers, we know that trying different modes and genres helps us evolve in our craft and grow in our preferred forms. We ask campers to take advantage of the supportive space we'll create together throughout the week to try lots of new things. It's not uncommon for a poet, for example, to create an amazing work of fiction or for a short story writer to craft a gorgeous poem during the week.
Are we going to be sitting at tables all day, writing?
Absolutely not! While we do have some time built in for focused writing, we have planned lots of fun, interactive experiences that will feel more like play than work.
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff that lead the USF Creative Writing Summer Camp?
The USF Creative Writing Summer Camp is led by Andrea Rinard who has over thirty years of experience teaching writing to high school and college students. She is an alumna of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of South Florida and a published author. Her short fiction collection, Murmurations, was released in June 2023, and many of her short stories, poetry, and book reviews have been featured in various literary magazines. The camp is also supported by current USF MFA Creative Writing graduate students, providing participants with expert guidance and mentorship throughout the week.
Where is the USF Creative Writing Summer Camp located?
The USF Creative Writing Summer Camp will be held at the USF Tampa campus. We are in the process of finalizing the exact location and will update you as soon as it's confirmed.
After registering for the USF Creative Writing Summer Camp, when will I start receiving logistical details including drop-off and pick-up times?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the USF Creative Writing Summer Camp.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for the USF Creative Writing Camp.
Yes, the USF Creative Writing Camp is eligible for the residential option, Rocky's Residents. Rocky's Residents is a new residential program available as an add-on to select high school day camps. It includes accommodations for 5 days and 4 nights, all meals, and exciting evening events designed to help campers connect, experience campus life, and get a taste of the real college experience.
How can I register for the Rocky's Residents residential add-on?
During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.
How much does Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?
The cost for Rocky's Residents is $995 per camper. This includes:
- 5 days and 4 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
- All meals provided at USF Dining Halls
- Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
- Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges, and more
- Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
- A campus tour and presentations from USF Admissions and Student Success
- Evening events with student organizations and USF faculty
- Laundry facilities for campers' use
- '24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support
Policies
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
USF reserves the right to cancel camps, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a camp is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued.
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email USF Youth Experiences. If the cancellation occurs 10 days prior to camp start date a full refund will be received with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.
Take a look at photos from last year's USF Creative Writing Camp
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