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, sharpening their storytelling skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Throughout the week, students will explore various forms of creative writing while engaging in critical conversations about contemporary issues. This hands-on experience will help young writers develop their voices, build confidence, and enhance their ability to tell impactful stories. 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 9th - 12th
Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Cost: TBD
What to Expect
The Writer's Lens: Analyzing Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, and Comics
Dive deep into fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and comics 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.
By the end of this one-week creative writing course, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to create your own original piece—whether it's fiction, poetry, nonfiction, or a comic. With guidance from authors and USF faculty, you'll refine your voice and receive valuable feedback to strengthen your work.
At the end of the week, your final piece will be professionally bound into 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
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.
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.
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, an alumna of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at the University of South Florida. Andrea is a published author, and her short fiction collection Murmurations was released in June 2023. She also has published short stories, poetry, and book reviews. 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.
Take a look at photos from last year's USF Creative Writing Camp
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