Summer Story Camp 2027: 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 climbing across the rooftops of Paris, flying off to Neverland, and meeting a mysterious giant made of iron. We'll explore stories of courage and curiosity, of finding your way home, and of the surprising adventures that can begin when something unexpected crosses our path. Through these literary-inspired journeys, you'll gather ingredients to weave into your own unique creations while discovering 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. (Some perfect summer holiday reading, perhaps? 📚)

Story Camps are suitable for ages 8–14. 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:

✨ MONDAY 18 JANUARY

10am – 12pm: Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell

As a baby, Sophie was found floating in a cello case in the middle of the English Channel. Everyone says her mother must be gone, but Sophie never stops believing she's alive. Her search leads her to Paris, and to a secret world of children who live high above the city on its rooftops. In this workshop, we'll explore how to write adventure stories full of daring and atmosphere. Where is the secret world above (or below) your city? Who lives there? What stories occur in the shadows, or right out in the open when no one is looking?

1 – 3pm: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

One night, a boy who refuses to grow up flies through the Darling children's window, and Wendy, John and Michael follow him to Neverland: a land of Lost Boys, mermaids, fairies and the fearsome Captain Hook. In this workshop, we'll take inspiration from this timeless classic to imagine our own Neverland. What would never change in this place? What adventures would wait for you? Who would you take with you, and would you ever want to come home? You'll map your own magical island and write the adventure that unfolds there.

✨ TUESDAY 19 JANUARY

10am – 12pm: Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Ten-year-old Hà and her family flee Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War and begin a new life in America, where everything feels strange - from the language to the food to the playground. Written in short, powerful poems, this award-winning verse novel is about loss, courage, and finding your feet in a new place. In this workshop, we'll explore how to tell a whole story through a series of small poems. Perfect for poetry lovers, and for anyone curious to try a different way of telling stories!

1 – 3pm: Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Damian and his brother Anthony have just moved house, and they're still missing their mum. Then a bag stuffed with money lands right at Damian's feet. Is it a miracle? Is it stolen? And what should you do with a fortune when you only have a few days to spend it? In this funny and heartfelt workshop, we'll write stories about characters who stumble upon something they were never meant to have.

✨ WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY

10am – 12pm: The Iron Man by Ted Hughes

A giant made of iron appears on the edge of a cliff. No one knows where he came from or what he wants, and the farmers are terrified. But a boy called Hogarth wonders if the Iron Man might be a friend. Then something even bigger arrives from outer space, and the whole world needs help. In this workshop, inspired by this classic tale by one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, we'll explore stories of robots, aliens and the unknown.

1 – 3pm: The Goodbye Year by Emily Gale

It's 2020, and Harper is starting her final year of primary school. With her parents working overseas, she moves in with Lolly, a grandmother she hardly knows, and then strange things start happening. She wakes up in places she doesn't remember going. An old army badge seems to have a will of its own. And is that a ghost in the school library? In this final workshop of Story Camp, we'll explore how to write gentle, mysterious stories where the past reaches into the present, and the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye. What object might hold a secret in your story?

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

"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

✏️ $55 per workshop / $100 per day / $270 for the full Story Camp (3 days)

✏️ Young writers staying for both workshops in a day are welcome to remain with us during the lunch break at no extra charge.

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

✏️ Please let us know of any medical conditions, special requirements, or fun facts we should be aware of when 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 facilitators

Amy Han is a writer, the founder of Words of a Feather, and the author of The Yard Sale at Story House and A Field of Stars. She has spent over a decade creating spaces where young writers can discover the power of their own stories — and the joy of telling them. You can read more about her here.

Helani Munidasa has completed a Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing at the University of Melbourne. She writes poetry, fantasy, and coming-of-age fiction. She also enjoys making playlists and painting.

✨ Also these holidays: Short Story and Mini-Book Making workshop ✨

Can't get enough? Join Amy for a Short Story and Mini-Book Making workshop as part of the Greythorn Community Hub school holiday program, at the same location as Story Camp. You'll write a short story and turn it into a little handmade book to take home.

Thursday 21 January, 10:30am – 12:30pm, at 2 Centre Way, Balwyn North.

This workshop is booked separately through the Greythorn Community Hub: book here.