First Week of Creative Writing Camp in Review

Young Writers Build Big Worlds (Week 1)

The McGinnis Reading Center and Third Coast Writing Project Camp for Young Writers have teamed up this year to put on a MEGA reading and writing camp! We had our first week this past week with Middle Schoolers focusing on WorldBuilding: Taking the Scenic Route. Students started to create the elements of their own worlds focusing on character, setting, plot, and conflict. Here is the lesson breakdown:

The McGinnis Reading Center and Third Coast Writing Project Camp for Young Writers have teamed up this year to put on a MEGA reading and writing camp! We had our first week this past week with Middle Schoolers focusing on WorldBuilding: Taking the Scenic Route. Students started to create the elements of their own worlds focusing on character, setting, plot, and conflict. Here is the lesson breakdown:

Introductory Teaching Videos Days 1-3:

Introductory Teaching Pictures Day 4:

The only writer to whom you should compare yourself is the writer you were yesterday
— David Schlosser

Students used the following pictures to create scenes. A good scene contains dialogue, a thoughtshot, and a snapshot. 

Day 5 Teaching Videos:

One drop of ink can make a million think
— Lord Byron

The following videos were used to discuss the different types of conflict in literature. Students then discussed what makes each conflict interesting and what writing strategies have to be used for each one. 

Overview of Conflicts

Person Vs. Self

Person vs. Society

Person vs. God/Fate/Time/Supernatural (Stopped at 1:30)

Person vs. Technology

Person vs. Nature

Writing Mindset Reflection: What are the first skills you choose to teach when you look at narrative writing? How would you design a camp for young writers?


creative writing camp


Stephanie Hampton

A dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in public education, specializing in English Language Arts, writing instruction, and using mentor texts in the classroom. Stephanie currently works as an educational consultant. When she isn’t talking about teaching, she is with her family, spending time journaling, and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee.

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Second Week of Creative Writing Camp in Review

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Last Project of the Year: Students Design Their Own ELA Class