To a Michigan State
Spartan fan, what could be better than football? Here in Northern Michigan there is a writing
camp trying to make it at least in the top five of favorites for Michigan State
lovers! Since 2006, youngsters from the Charlevoix/Emmet school
districts have been participating in the Spartan Writing Camp North sessions,
which run for a full day, five days a week.
There are two sessions of elementary camp and one session of middle
school, all meeting at North Central Michigan College.
In 2013, Spartan Writing Camps North expanded its offerings by creating a writing camp for younger writers. Mini Spartan Writing Camp was added to the weeklong choices for students and parents looking for a mix of author studies and creative writing, with a little science and nature mixed in as well. A bit shorter than the others on length, running only in the mornings for a week rather than the full six hours like the elementary and middle school camps, it gives primary students a chance to explore their creative side without running out of energy.
All campers explore many styles of writing, often based on “mentor texts,” reflecting on stories read to them and using the author’s unique style of text or illustrations to mimic their own. “It’s all about getting students to listen to the craft, to figure out their own writing style, and explore the genre they most enjoy writing,” says Suzanne Nayback, Camp Director.
There is also one day each week that students from the elementary camp visit downtown Petoskey businesses to interview owners and their assistants. Students then return to the college to publish a piece about their research. The student compositions are often based on a theme from their studies as well as what they learned from their interviews. Past participant businesses included: Kilwins, Murdicks, Roast and Toast, Grand Traverse Pie Company, McLean and Eakin Booksellers, Mighty Fine Pizza, and Ruff Life.
Many campers return year after year for the chance to participate in writing camp. In response to a survey distributed by Nayback, one repeat parent commented, “Spartan writing camp has been a wonderful opportunity for my children over the past four years. They love to attend and enjoy the laid back approach instructors have and the friendships they make. Writing camp allows kids time to be creative all while having fun. It has been an enjoyable experience for my kids as well as me to see them excited to write!”
Other endorsing comments included parent Kevin V. who said, "The best summer learning experience that your child will love and not know they are learning,” and an anonymous parent stating, "This is learning at its best...when kids just think they're having fun! This was just the encouragement our daughter needed to explore a variety of writing styles, share her work with peers, and see herself as an author."
The elementary camps are taught by Red Cedar Teacher Consultants with the National Writing Project. Assistants to the younger camps are middle and high schools students.
Spartan Writing Camps North are part of “Top-of-the-Mitt,” a site of the National Writing Project (www.nwp.org), hosted each summer at North Central Michigan College, in collaboration with Michigan State University.
In 2013, Spartan Writing Camps North expanded its offerings by creating a writing camp for younger writers. Mini Spartan Writing Camp was added to the weeklong choices for students and parents looking for a mix of author studies and creative writing, with a little science and nature mixed in as well. A bit shorter than the others on length, running only in the mornings for a week rather than the full six hours like the elementary and middle school camps, it gives primary students a chance to explore their creative side without running out of energy.
All campers explore many styles of writing, often based on “mentor texts,” reflecting on stories read to them and using the author’s unique style of text or illustrations to mimic their own. “It’s all about getting students to listen to the craft, to figure out their own writing style, and explore the genre they most enjoy writing,” says Suzanne Nayback, Camp Director.
There is also one day each week that students from the elementary camp visit downtown Petoskey businesses to interview owners and their assistants. Students then return to the college to publish a piece about their research. The student compositions are often based on a theme from their studies as well as what they learned from their interviews. Past participant businesses included: Kilwins, Murdicks, Roast and Toast, Grand Traverse Pie Company, McLean and Eakin Booksellers, Mighty Fine Pizza, and Ruff Life.
Many campers return year after year for the chance to participate in writing camp. In response to a survey distributed by Nayback, one repeat parent commented, “Spartan writing camp has been a wonderful opportunity for my children over the past four years. They love to attend and enjoy the laid back approach instructors have and the friendships they make. Writing camp allows kids time to be creative all while having fun. It has been an enjoyable experience for my kids as well as me to see them excited to write!”
Other endorsing comments included parent Kevin V. who said, "The best summer learning experience that your child will love and not know they are learning,” and an anonymous parent stating, "This is learning at its best...when kids just think they're having fun! This was just the encouragement our daughter needed to explore a variety of writing styles, share her work with peers, and see herself as an author."
The elementary camps are taught by Red Cedar Teacher Consultants with the National Writing Project. Assistants to the younger camps are middle and high schools students.
Spartan Writing Camps North are part of “Top-of-the-Mitt,” a site of the National Writing Project (www.nwp.org), hosted each summer at North Central Michigan College, in collaboration with Michigan State University.
