SUMMER 2026 SPARTAN WRITING CAMPS

*New this year: A third week of camp offerings!*

To register for this summer’s camp session, you will purchase a “ticket” for a week of camp.

Learn more about our camp staff here, and purchase your ticket for camp by clicking the button below. 

We have a limited number of scholarships to offer this year. To be considered for a scholarship, please click the link below and complete the full application by the deadline.  If you have more than one writer in your household, please complete a separate form for each writer.  Scholarship application deadline is March 15th. 



WEEK ONE:



June 15 - 18, 2026: Full Day - 9:00 AM-3:30 PM at Michigan State University

It’s The Little Things

Instructor: Mary Wilkinson
Grade level: Students entering 3rd–5th grade
Dates & Times: June 15 – 18, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Are you an admirer of little things: a buzzing bee, a leaf on a tree, a dragonfly wing, a croaking frog, interesting words, the chime of a clock, a favorite ice cream flavor, and more?  Yes?  Then this camp is for you.  We are going to go on daily fieldtrips around the MSU campus to capture the little things through our writing and photographs.  By the end of camp, we will each have a blankbook filled with pictures and stories about the little things we love best. Come join the adventure! You will be led by National Writing Consultant (also a lover of the little things), Mrs. Mary Wilkinson.  This session is a full day, so please be sure to bring snacks, water, and a lunch each day of camp.

 

Mysteries and Clues

Instructor: Annette Kelly
Grade level: Students entering 3rd–5th grade
Dates & Times: June 15 – 18, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Calling all amateur detectives! Do you love mysteries, CSI investigations, treasure maps? If you answered yes, this is the camp for you. Unleash your inner detective to solve mysteries and embark on several thrilling adventures. Writers in this camp will grow their observation skills, solve puzzles, participate in a CSI investigation and of course write! We will explore the Michigan State University campus to help us with our clue finding. This Spartan Writing Camp is taught by Annette Kelly, a Red Cedar Writing Project consultant. 

 

A book with a magic wand sitting on top.

Photo by Kenny Gaines on Unsplash

Wizarding World of Writing

Instructors: Elana Waugh and Dawn Reed
Grade level: Students entering 3rd-5th grade

Dates & Times: June 15 – 18, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM                            

Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 20

 

Young witches and wizards, pick up your wand and embrace your creativity in a Wizarding World of Writing! Do you dream about attending a school for magic or having your own magical adventure? If so, then this camp is for you. Writers in this camp will grow their imagination through different types of activities, including creating spellbooks, making wands, exploring the Michigan State University campus, and so much more! This Spartan Writing Camp has invited writers into a magical space of imagination for eight years. Join us and grow the witch or wizard within.

 

 

Image generated by Google Gemini

The Storyteller’s Toolkit

Instructors: Lori VanHoesen and Betsy Hubbard
Grade level: Students entering 6th-8th grade

Dates & Times: June 15 – 18, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM                            

Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 20

 

Ready to unlock your imagination? Leave the classroom behind and explore MSU’s campus through the eyes of a writer. We’ll hunt for inspiration in hidden gardens, museums, and unexpected corners of campus. Using maker-space tools, you will craft a one-of-a-kind, mixed-media “Idea Map” to house your characters and plot twists. Come build your toolkit and tell the story only you can tell.

 

 

Photo by Connor Coyne on Unsplash

Sports Writing

Instructor: Savannah Harris
Grade level: Students entering 9th–12th grade
Dates & Times: June 15 – 18, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Whether you are a sports-enjoyer or an athlete yourself, sports writing is a phenomenal way to express your love for sports! Describing high energy games with details on stats and player knowledge can help prove your favorite team to be the best team of all time. Between writing sessions, we will spend time touring various sporting complexes on Michigan State’s campus, and participate in high energy games on breaks throughout the day. Grab a pencil, and bring your A-game!



June 15 - 18, 2026: Half Day AM - 9:00 AM-Noon at Michigan State University

Photo by Bruno Guerrero on Unsplash

Exploring Stories with Animals and Insects

Instructors: Tracy Grennell and Lindsey Ryan
Grade level: Students entering 1st–3rd grade
Dates & Times: June 15 – 18, 
Half Day AM 9:00 AM – Noon
Cost: $150
Enrollment cutoff: 16

Welcome to Exploring Stories with Animals and Insects, an immersive experience designed for budding young writers in grades 1–3! This session offers a unique blend of creative writing exploration and hands-on animal encounters that will ignite your child’s imagination. Throughout the program, students will embark on a thrilling journey to discover the wonders of the animal kingdom through various field trips around MSU’s campus, getting up close and personal with a variety of fascinating creatures. In addition to animal adventures, students will explore a diverse range of writing genres, allowing them to express their thoughts and stories in captivating ways. Join us for a week filled with creativity, discovery, and the joy of writing at Spartan Writing Camp!



June 15 - 18, 2026: Half Day PM - 12:30-3:30 PM at Michigan State University

Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash

Creative Writing with STEM

Instructors: Tracy Grennell and Lindsey Ryan
Grade level: Students entering 1st-3rd grade

Dates & Times: June 15 – 18, Half Day PM 12:30 – 3:30 PM                            

Cost: $150
Enrollment cutoff: 16

 

Spark your child’s imagination this summer! In this exciting camp, young learners will blend storytelling with science as they explore the wonders of our world. Through hands-on activities and creative writing projects, campers will design paper airplanes while crafting adventure stories, investigate animal habitats and write from a creature’s perspective, explore states of matter with a special trip to the MSU Dairy Store to see how milk transforms into delicious ice cream, and journey through earth and space while creating their own cosmic narratives. Each day combines engaging STEM activities with age-appropriate writing exercises that build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Perfect for curious minds entering grades 1-3 who love to learn, create, and have fun!

 

Photo by Ramon Buçard on Unsplash

Fanfiction

Instructor: Tania de Sostoa-McCue
Grade level: Students entering 9th-12th grade

Dates & Times:
June 15 – 18, Half Day PM 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost:
$150
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Have you ever loved a story so much you wish it didn’t end? Had a favorite character you don’t want to let go of? Fanfiction offers so many exciting opportunities to build your own worlds or expand on the ones that already exist. Unleash your creativity and take your favorites on a brand new, no-limits adventure. Take a modern-day character and put them in a world of dragons, turn them into a wizard, write the sequel that doesn’t exist. The hero in your favorite story can experience a new life in another world.



WEEK TWO:



June 22 - 25, 2026: Full Day - 9:00 AM-3:30 PM at Michigan State University

Mysteries and Clues

Instructor: Annette Kelly
Grade level: Students entering 3rd–5th grade
Dates & Times: June 22 – 25, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Calling all amateur detectives! Do you love mysteries, CSI investigations, treasure maps? If you answered yes, this is the camp for you. Unleash your inner detective to solve mysteries and embark on several thrilling adventures. Writers in this camp will grow their observation skills, solve puzzles, participate in a CSI investigation and of course write! We will explore the Michigan State University campus to help us with our clue finding. This Spartan Writing Camp is taught by Annette Kelly, a Red Cedar Writing Project consultant.

 

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Twisted Tales and Other Writing Fun

Instructor: Mary Wilkinson
Grade level: Students entering 3rd–5th grade
Dates & Times: June 22 – 25, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Have you ever wanted to change a story? Most people write in first person, but have you ever tried another perspective or view? Twisted Tales: Maybe the Big Bad Wolf isn’t so bad- just misunderstood, maybe Goldilocks accidentally arrived at the wrong address, maybe there is a better ending to your favorite story, it’s all up to you and the perspective or view you want to write. Other Writing Fun: As a camper in this session you will take daily field trips on the MSU Campus, write sidewalk poetry, become an ice cream detective, find history mysteries, hug a tree, take a scavenger hunt and more. Come have fun seeing the world in a different way and write about what you discover. You will be led by Mrs. Mary Wilkinson, a National Writing Consultant. This is a full day, so campers should bring snacks, water, and lunch each day of camp.

 

Photo by Nikon on Unsplash

Graphic Novel Writing

Instructors: Amy Huntley and Dawn Reed
Grade level: Students entering 6th – 8th grade 
Dates & Times: June 22 – 25, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 20

Stories and images come alive when they tell a story together through graphic novels. Writers in this camp will explore cartooning, illustrating, and storytelling. In this camp, we will be inspired by exploring the genre and elements of graphic novels, with inspiration from the Michigan State University campus, fellow writers, and so much more! Come create stories with words and images connecting on the page.

 

Photo by Ramon Buçard on Unsplash

Fanfiction

Instructor: Tania de Sostoa-McCue
Grade level: Students entering 6th-8th grade

Dates & Times:
June 22 – 25, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost:
$150
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Have you ever loved a story so much you wish it didn’t end? Had a favorite character you don’t want to let go of? Fanfiction offers so many exciting opportunities to build your own worlds or expand on the ones that already exist. Unleash your creativity and take your favorites on a brand new, no-limits adventure. Take a modern-day character and put them in a world of dragons, turn them into a wizard, write the sequel that doesn’t exist. The hero in your favorite story can experience a new life in another world.

Photo by Connor Coyne on Unsplash

Sports Writing

Instructor: Savannah Harris
Grade level: 
Students entering 6th-8th grade
Dates & Times: 
June 22 – 25, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost:
 $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

At Sports Writing Camp, you will be able to recreate incredible sports moments, like buzzer-beaters, big plays, and unforgettable last minute wins in your very own Sports Column! You will be able to identify your favorite athlete of all time––even represent your favorite team. At this camp, every moment is action-packed, blending Sports Writing with mini games for brain breaks. Grab your pencils, and a pair of tennis shoes, and join the fun!

 

The Multiverse Writing Lab

Instructor: Rachel Kenney
Grade level: 
Students entering 9th -12th grade
Dates & Times:
June 22 – 25, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost:
$280
Enrollment cutoff: 1
0

Create your original characters, create your original universe, and create a unique story. The possibilities are endless…with one story-bending catch! What happens to those characters and stories if the universe and its rules shift? This week is your chance to find the answer to that queTstion and to create characters, build worlds, and explore possibilities. In this camp, writers will have a chance to create unique characters and tell their stories, while also experimenting with the fantasy, science fiction, horror, and realistic genres. This camp week is for writers of all levels, and at the end of this week, you will have a diverse writing portfolio full of interesting stories and a supportive community of fellow writers.



June 22 - 25, 2026: Half Day AM - 9:00-Noon at Michigan State University

Our Wonderful World

Instructors: Tracy Grennell and Elana Waugh
Grade level: Students entering 1st or 2nd grade

Dates & Times: 
June 22 – 25, Half Day AM 9:00 AM – Noon
Cost:
$150
Enrollment cutoff: 16

Get ready to explore the amazing planet we call home! In this exciting writing adventure, incoming first and second graders will discover the wonders all around them while exploring the Michigan State campus. Through fun stories, colorful poems, and hands-on projects, campers will write about the incredible world they see every day. We’ll go on imagination journeys to faraway places, create our own nature notebooks, and share stories that celebrate everything that makes our Earth so special. Perfect for curious rising 1st and 2nd graders who love to write, explore, draw, and discover!



June 22 - 25, 2026: Half Day PM - 12:30-3:30 PM at Michigan State University

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

Planet Protectors

Instructors: Tracy Grennell and Elana Waugh
Grade level: Students entering 1st or 2nd grade

Dates & Times: 
June 22 – 25, Half Day PM 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost:
$150
Enrollment cutoff: 16

Calling all young heroes! Join us for an exciting writing adventure where your words have the power to protect our planet. In this fun-filled camp, young writers will explore nature, learn about caring for the Earth, and create their own stories, poems, and projects about animals, trees, oceans, and much more! Through games, art, and creative writing activities, campers will discover how even the smallest actions can make a big difference. Get ready to become a Planet Protector and use your imagination to help save the world—one story at a time!



WEEK THREE:


June 29 - July 2, 2026: Full Day - 9:00 AM-3:30 PM at Michigan State University


Photo by Alex Preusser on Unsplash

Write on the Wild Side

Instructors: Gina Farnelli and Dawn Reed
Grade level: Students entering 3rd – 5th grade 
Dates & Times: June 29 – July 2, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 20

Come write “tails” for real, imagined, or fossilized creatures. From wildlife to beloved pets, we will roam the forest, swim the sea, and explore the jungle. Inspiration for stories may come from creating fossils and masks inspired by furry, feathered and scaly friends. As we explore the campus of Michigan State University, we’ll explore animal stories that grow based on our imaginations. This is the purr-fect camp for animal-loving writers.

 

Heroes, Monsters & Myths: A Creative Writing Journey

Instructors: Tracy Grennell and Lindsey Ryan
Grade level: Students entering 4th – 6th grade

Dates & Times: June 29 – July 2, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM                 

Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 20

 

Young writers will journey to Mount Olympus and beyond at Michigan State University’s Greek Mythology Writing Camp! Designed for students in grades 4–6, this engaging camp invites young writers to dive into the world of Greek mythology—gods, heroes, monsters, and epic adventures. Through hands-on activities campers will bring their stories to life while developing essential writing skills. Each day blends creative writing workshops with engaging crafts and collaborative storytelling games, ensuring every child finds his or her voice. Your child will leave with memories of an epic adventure worthy of the ancient Greeks themselves!

 

 

Camp Case Files

Instructor: Rachel Kenney 
Grade level: Students entering 6th – 8th grade 
Dates & Times: June 29 – July 2, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

From the moment the crime is committed to the final confession, create the thrilling mystery you’ve always wanted to write or solve. In this camp week, sleuthy writers will have a chance to explore the mystery genre, create brilliant and quirky detectives, convince their readers with clues and confound them with red herrings, and build suspense all the way to their shocking conclusions. This camp is appropriate for writers of all abilities, and writers will find a great community of fellow writers. 

 

Photo by Daniel Andrade on Unsplash

Wander & Wonder

Instructors: Sarah Prielipp and Tania de Sostoa-McCue
Grade level: Students entering 6th – 8th grade 
Dates & Times: June 29 – July 2, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 20

Calling all nature lovers! Welcome to Wander &Wonder, an interactive camp designed for writers grades 6-8. Do you love journaling, doodling and wandering around the natural world? Join us as we explore the practice of nature journaling through the lens of MSU’s beautiful trails and gardens. Together, campers will write, map, and draw, learn to observe, listen, and immerse themselves in nature,  sharing their discoveries and insights in a new way. In this camp, students will learn to take their observations and use them as inspiration for a diverse range of writing genres. 

 

Photo by Nikon on Unsplash

Graphic Novel Writing: High School Edition

Instructor: Amy Huntley 
Grade level: Students entering 8th – 10th grade 
Dates & Times: June 29 – July 2, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

Stories and images come alive when they tell a story together through graphic novels and series. Writers in this camp will explore the process of creating narrative by joining multiple aspects of the visual arts and verbal storytelling. We will inspire ourselves by exploring the elements of graphic novels, using the Michigan State University campus, learning from other authors, and finding our preferred graphic story media. Art supplies will be available, as will ipads, but students are also encouraged to bring their own tablets/ipads with their preferred drawing and/or painting software if they would like.

 

Protest Poetry Through the Decades

Instructor: Savannah Harris 
Grade level: Students entering 9th – 12th grade 
Dates & Times: June 29 – July 2, Full Day 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $280
Enrollment cutoff: 10

In our society today, it is incredibly important to find your voice. You might find yourself asking, “What do I want the world to look like in the future?” In Protest Poetry Through The Decades, we will identify why people feel the need to protest, and what people have protested through the decades. We will view songs, various art forms, and spoken poetry in order to broaden our scope of protest analysis. Our writing sessions will be broken up by a few field trips on MSU’s campus, including the MSU Main Library, MSU’s Broad Museum, and the MSU Natural History Museum to help spark inspiration. Bring your pens, and your strongest beliefs, and join us! Students with an open mind and willingness to learn from one another will greatly benefit from this camp.



June 29 - July 2, 2026: Half Day AM - 9:30-11:30 AM at Michigan State University

*Please note special drop off and pick up times*

A jar that is filled with a string of lights.

Photo by Andrew Morris on Unsplash

Creative Minds

Instructors: Elana Waugh and Lindsey Loniewski 
Grade level: Students entering 3rd – 5th grade 
Dates & Times: June 29 – July 2, Half Day AM 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Cost: $150
Enrollment cutoff: 8

Join us for a fun and supportive neurodivergent friendly writing adventure designed especially for students who think differently! Our Creative Writing Camp provides a structured, engaging environment where young writers can explore storytelling, build confidence, and celebrate their unique perspectives. Each session follows a predictable routine with clear expectations, visual schedules, and plenty of breaks. Students work with experienced instructors who understand different learning styles and communication needs. We use hands-on activities, visual supports, and multi-sensory approaches to make writing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. We celebrate all forms of expression, whether students prefer typing, writing by hand, dictating, or illustrating. Most importantly, we create an inclusive environment where every story matters and every voice deserves to be heard. To ensure the best experience for all campers, participants should be able to engage in activities independently and work within a small group setting without requiring individualized adult assistance. Our staff will provide support and accommodations as needed, but we do not have the capacity to provide dedicated paraprofessionals or one-on-one aides.



June 29 - July 2, 2026: Half Day PM - 12:30-3:30 PM at Michigan State University

Photo by sam jaisi on Unsplash

Time Travelers

Instructors: Elana Waugh and Lindsey Loniewski
Grade level: Students entering 1st or 2nd grade

Dates & Times: 
June 29 – July 2, Half Day PM 12:30 – 3:30 PM
Cost:
$150
Enrollment cutoff: 16

Pack your imagination and get ready for an adventure through time! In this exciting writing camp, young authors will journey to different eras—from the age of dinosaurs to medieval castles to the far-off future. Each day, campers will explore a new time period through stories, hands-on activities, and creative writing exercises. They’ll create their own time-traveling characters, write about exciting discoveries in the past, and imagine what life might be like in the future. Through fun prompts and collaborative storytelling, students will build confidence in their writing while developing their creativity and love of stories. No time machine required—just curiosity and a willingness to let your pencil take you anywhere in time!