The Juniper Institute for Young Writers curriculum provides a rich blend of opportunities for high school students to write, read, explore and discuss ideas, and learn from accomplished writers. College credit is available. At the heart of the Institute are daily workshops in poetry and fiction. Working with faculty and a core group of peers, participants generate new work, revise work in progress, and form a supportive community of young writers committed to sharing and receiving feedback on their writing. Enrollment is limited so that each writer has ample opportunity to present his or her work. Q&As with faculty and writers in residence from the concurrent Juniper Institute for adults allow participants to explore the writers’ life and creative process with world-renowned authors. Craft sessions with young writer faculty examine aspects of craft and imagination of particular interest to beginning writers. Through hands-on studio courses in bookmaking and writing for performance, participants explore new avenues of creativity, and experiment with new ways to share their writing with readers and audiences. Participants experience the transformative power of poetry and prose presented live each evening, as the acclaimed Juniper Institute faculty and writers in residence—including Mark Doty, James Tate, and Joy Williams—read aloud from their work. The Juniper Residence Director and specially-trained Program Assistants (advanced UMass undergraduates focusing on the literary arts) provide participants with an introduction to college residential life, day-to-day support, and fun activities. PAs facilitate morning and evening free writing sessions, recreational activities, and occasional field trips to area museums.

Camp Type:  Residential  Day Year Established: Gender: Coed Age of Campers: 15 to 18 years old Cost/Week: $1001.00-$2000.00/wk Religious Affiliation: Camp Owner(s): Camp Director(s): Betsy Wheeler Nearest Large City: Amherst, MA Off Season Rental:

Camp Focus: Academic and Pre-College Camps: Creative Writing

Academic Activities:

JUNIPER INSTITUTE FOR YOUNG WRITERS June 23-July 1, 2012 University of Massachusetts Amherst General Admission Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Receipt of application will be confirmed via email. Early application is encouraged, as workshops fill quickly—usually by the end of April. We will post a note on the home page if we are no longer accepting new applications. To apply, please download, complete, and submit the application form and accompanying materials (personal statement, recommendation form, and optional scholarship form) along with a writing sample. Admittance is competitive. To maintain the small size or our workshops and the intimacy of the Institute experience, we are sometimes unable to admit all worthy applicants due to space limitations. Tuition Tuition of $1050 includes all Institute workshops and activities as well as three meals daily. Scholarships The Institute offers several full and/or partial scholarships awarded on the basis of need and merit. Scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2012; however, we encourage you not to wait for the deadline! To apply for a scholarship, please download a scholarship form and submit it along with your Institute application. The Institute especially encourages scholarship applications from students of diverse life experiences, and those who have had to overcome disadvantage or discrimination. Scholarship applicants should be willing to fulfill small and various responsibilities in support of Institute activities during the week.