What is Interlochen Creative Writing Summer Camp?
About Interlochen
Founded in 1928, the Interlochen Center for the Arts has a long-standing reputation for excellence in arts education. Located in picturesque northwest Michigan, the campus is surrounded by lakes and pine forests, providing an inspiring environment for creativity. It is home to several divisions, including a summer Arts Camp, a year-round Arts Academy, online learning programs, and more. Its mission is to foster creativity and artistic development across all ages and disciplines.
About Interlochen Creative Summer Camp
Interlochen’s Creative Writing Summer Camp is part of the larger Interlochen Arts Camp and is specifically designed for students in grades 6 through 12 who are eager to grow as writers. Programs range from one to three weeks and cover diverse genres, including poetry, playwriting, fiction, and graphic storytelling. Professional writers mentor students, attend masterclasses with guest artists, and connect with peers who share their passion for the written word.
Interlochen Creative Summer Camp Programs
Interlochen offers several writing-focused programs depending on your age, interests, and availability. Here’s a breakdown of what’s offered in summer 2025:
Grade | Program | Date |
6-8 | Creative Writing Program (3 weeks) | Session 1: 06/22-07/12/2025 Session 2: 07/13-08/03/2025 |
9-12 | Creative Writing Summer Program (3 weeks) | Session 1: 06/22-07/12/2025 Session 2: 07/13-08/03/2025 |
9-12 | Comics & Graphic Narratives Intensive (1 week) | 06/14-06/20/2025 |
9-12 | Novel Writing Intensive (1 week) | 06/14-06/20/2025 |
9-12 | Playwriting Intensive (1 week) | 06/14-06/20/2025 |
9-12 | Spoken Word Intensive (1 week) | 06/14-06/20/2025 |
85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
1. Creative Writing Program for Grades 6-8
Program Length: 3 weeks
Dates:
- Session 1: 06/22-07/12/2025
- Session 2: 07/13-08/03/2025
In this middle school program, students take daily classes in fiction, poetry, and dramatic writing. They engage in collaborative workshops, attend masterclasses, and explore the natural beauty of the campus through outdoor writing activities. Students will also have the chance to publish their work in a camp anthology and perform it at open mic and final reading events.
2. Creative Writing Summer Program for High School Students
Program Length: 3 weeks
Dates:
- Session 1: 06/22-07/12/2025
- Session 2: 07/13-08/03/2025
During the three-week camp, high school students will focus on two literary genres of their choice; options include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. The program features genre workshops, environmental writing excursions, faculty and guest author readings, and training in publication and performance. Each session concludes with a student reading and publishing an anthology.
Workshop Placement:
After enrolling, students will have the opportunity to rank their top four genre preferences. The Interlochen admissions team will make efforts to place each student in workshops that align with at least two of their top choices, based on availability during the camp session.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a portfolio including a personal essay and samples from at least two genres (e.g., poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, or experimental writing). Portfolios should be polished, double-spaced, and no longer than 25 pages total.
3. Comics & Graphic Narratives Intensive
Program Length: 1 week
Dates: 06/14-06/20/2025
This intensive program blends visual art and storytelling for students interested in comics, graphic novels, and digital narratives. Participants will explore the mechanics of graphic storytelling, experiment with techniques such as sequencing and iconography, and workshop their creations.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes visual art samples, excerpts from graphic narratives, or creative writing pieces (totaling 10-20 pages).
4. Novel Writing Intensive
Program Length: 1 week
Dates: 06/14-06/20/2025
This program offers an in-depth immersion into the craft of novel writing, providing students with personalized feedback to strengthen their projects. To participate, students must have a draft manuscript of at least 50 pages. Throughout the week, they will participate in focused workshops, receive one-on-one guidance, and develop a personalized plan to continue working on and completing their novel.
Application Requirements:
Submit a 50-page manuscript excerpt in PDF format, properly formatted and proofread.
5. Playwriting Intensive
Program Length: 1 week
Dates: 06/14-06/20/2025
The playwriting intensive course focuses on the art of writing for the stage. Students will draft, critique, and refine plays under the guidance and feedback of professionals. The program ends with a class-wide reading and performance.
Application Requirements:
Students should submit at least 10 pages of dramatic writing. If unavailable, strong writing samples from any genre may be submitted in their place.
6. Spoken Word Intensive
Program Length: 1 week
Dates: 06/14-06/20/2025
The Spoken Word Intensive Camp delves into spoken word poetry, blending literary techniques with performance skills. Students will create original pieces and develop the skills to perform them with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Application Requirements:
Submit a video or audio recording of your performance, or at least three written poems that demonstrate strong rhythm and sound.
Why Should I Join the Interlochen Creative Writing Summer Camps?
Interlochen Creative Writing Summer Camp provides students with a transformative artistic experience where they are able to:
- Learn from World-Class Faculty: At Interlochen, students will be guided by accomplished writers, poets, playwrights, and educators. Through workshops, one-on-one feedback, and masterclasses, these instructors will help you refine your writing techniques, deepen your understanding of literary forms, and discover new creative possibilities.
- Connect with Like-Minded Peers: Students will be part of a vibrant, supportive community of young writers from around the world. These connections often lead to lasting friendships, creative collaboration, and a shared sense of inspiration that continues long after camp ends.
- Sharpen Your Writing Skills: Interlochen provides a structured yet flexible environment that nurtures individual growth. Whether it’s polishing poetry, crafting compelling fiction, experimenting with dramatic writing, or exploring new formats like graphic narratives, students will receive valuable feedback and guidance at every step. Daily writing exercises, roundtable critiques, and visiting author lectures ensure a rich and well-rounded learning experience.
- Build Confidence and Express Yourself: By performing their work in front of peers, participating in readings, and publishing in the camp anthology, students will develop the confidence and clarity to express themselves more effectively.
- Strengthen College Applications: Participation in a nationally recognized program like Interlochen can significantly enhance your college applications. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to the arts, but it also provides you with experiences and achievements like publication credits, performance experience, and letters of recommendation from respected faculty. All of these can strengthen your college application.
Unlock Your Writing Potential: Students in Our Writing Competition Preparation Class Are More Likely to Secure Awards
Need Help Crafting Your Portfolio for Interlochen’s Summer Camp?
At Aralia Education, we’re dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and creative goals. With a proven track record of guiding students to successful admissions and even scholarships to Interlochen’s prestigious summer programs, our expert instructors are here to help you build a standout creative writing portfolio.
Contact us today to reserve your spot and start working with our top-tier instructors!
