Summer Story Camp: Creative Writing Workshops for Young Writers

Join us in the studio for creative writing workshops to help your inner storyteller shine!

This summer, we're exploring adventures under vast skies, hidden worlds within ordinary places, and stories of courage that spark the imagination. We'll dive into tales of daring journeys, magical discoveries, and the power of curiosity. Through these literary inspired journeys, you'll gather ingredients to weave into your own unique creations while developing your writer's voice!

It is not a requirement to have read any of these books before attending, but it will be helpful to get the most out of each workshop. (Perhaps some perfect summer holiday reading? :))

Story Camps are suitable for ages 8 - 13. All workshops are held at our Balwyn North studio.

If you'd like to know more about any of these workshops before booking, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to writing with you soon!

Program Schedule:

✨ TUESDAY 20 JANUARY

10am - 12pm: The Midwatch by Judith Rossell

Banished to the Midwatch Institute for Orphans, Runaways and Unwanted Girls, Maggie Fishbone is sure she's in for a life of drudgery. But she quickly discovers there's more to the Midwatch than meets the eye... In this workshop, we'll explore how to write mystery stories that keep readers guessing. How do you plant clues without giving everything away? What makes a satisfying reveal? You'll craft your own mystery tale, learning to weave suspense, create puzzles to be solved, and build tension in stories your readers won't be able to put down!

1 - 3pm: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie Bucket's life changes forever when he finds a golden ticket and enters Willy Wonka's extraordinary chocolate factory - a place where imagination has no limits and every room holds a new wonder (or danger!). In this workshop, we'll explore how to create fantastical spaces filled with sensory details and unexpected twists. What would your impossible factory or magical place contain? What rules would it follow - or break? You'll design your own extraordinary world and craft a story where curiosity leads to amazing discoveries.

✨ WEDNESDAY 21 JANUARY

10am - 12pm: A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr

Meixing and her family have arrived at the New House in the New Land. Everything feels vast, unknown, scary and difficult. Her only solace is a mysterious glasshouse in the garden that holds the sun, the moon, and all the secrets of her memory and imagination. In this workshop, we'll explore themes of home and belonging. What does home feel like? Is it possible to belong in a place that feels unfamiliar? You'll create a story that - like Glasshouse - involves a character finding themselves in a new land, and how they might navigate this with a little touch of bravery and magic.

1 - 3pm: The Yard Sale at Story House by Amy Han

When twelve-year-old Thomas discovers Story House at the end of a quiet street, he finds a mysterious yard sale where everything - the objects, the people, the house itself - holds a story. As Thomas befriends Mila and listens to her tell the stories of the house, he begins to understand his own story too. In this workshop, we'll explore how stories live in everything around us. What hidden tales might everyday things reveal? You'll craft a story about an object, place, or character that is much more than meets the eye!

✨ THURSDAY 22 JANUARY

10am - 12pm: Northern Lights (His Dark Materials, Book 1) by Philip Pullman

Lyra's epic journey takes her from the halls of Oxford to the frozen Arctic as she searches for her missing friend and uncovers a dangerous secret. In Lyra's world, every person has a 'daemon' - an animal companion that is part of their very soul. With her daemon Pantalaimon by her side, Lyra faces impossible challenges and discovers courage she never knew she had. In this workshop, we'll explore the concept of daemons and inseparable companions. What animal would be your daemon, and what would it reveal about you? You'll create your own character-and-daemon pair and craft an adventure story about the unique bond between them.

1 - 3pm: The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

A tornado sweeps Dorothy from Kansas to the magical land of Oz, where she must journey down the yellow brick road with unlikely friends to find her way home. This timeless tale shows us that we often already possess the qualities we're searching for. In this workshop, we'll learn about the classic hero's journey story structure to write our very own Oz-inspired story. What quest will your character embark on? What companions will they meet along the way? How will they be forever changed?

Feedback from past participants & parents:

"I loved all the amazing book topics and ideas everyone thought of, and especially the wonderful teachers that made writing more than just writing on books. We kept brainstorming ideas that we all loved. I would definitely recommend this to other families!" - Chloe, 12

"He absolutely loved the program!! Can't stop talking about it." - Parent of Pacifico, 8

"It was SO FUN!" - Sarina, 13

"I want to express my sincere gratitude for your helpful and comprehensive feedback on my daughter's participation in your workshops. Your observations and insights are truly valuable. Delnaz thoroughly enjoyed her time with you and had a great experience in your workshops. She felt comfortable, engaged, and had fun with the activities. Once again, thank you for your feedback and support!" - Parent of Delnaz, 8

"Thank you so much for having Ramona last Tuesday. She had so much fun and really enjoyed the writing program!" - Parent of Ramona, 10

Important Information

✏️ $45 per workshop / $80 per day / or $210 for the full Story Camp (3 days)! (Tuesday - Thursday)

✏️ Young writers who are staying for 2 workshops in one day are welcome to stay with us during the 1 hour lunch break (no extra charge).

✏️ Please bring a snack and/or packed lunch and a water bottle.

✏️ Please let us know any medical conditions, special requirements, or fun facts we should be aware of when making your booking. We'll do everything we can to make our space as comfortable, safe, and fun as possible for all young writers!

✏️ Before booking, please be sure to read our Terms & Conditions.

About your facilitator

Amy Han is a writer and the founder of Words of a Feather. You can read more about her here!