FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I have to be an exceptional writing to be accepted to the YWC?
A: No, students of varying abilities are accepted. However, this is not a remediation camp and only those who are very interested in writing should apply.
A: Click here to print an application to fill out and mail.
A: Much of the cost of camp is offset by a grant from the National Writing Project. The cost may change from year-to-year depending on the number of campers accepted and the amount of grant money received. Cost for the 2008 camp is $75. Scholarships are available based on need.
Q: What are the dates and times of camp?
A: The 2008 camp will be held June 16th-27th from 9 am to 12 pm.
Q: What if I can only attend one week?
A: Only students who are able to attend both weeks should apply.
Q: Do you provide transportation?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to provide transportation to or from camp.
A: We always take a field trip the first day of camp, usually to Downtown Greenville, to have a writing marathon. The remaining days we meet at the University Center on Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville.
Q: How do you decide who is accepted?
A: Each spring our staff meets and makes its acceptance decisions based on your writing sample, teacher recommendation, and demonstrated interest in writing.
Q: When will I know if I was accepted?
A: After our staff meets, you will receive a letter in the mail letting you know if you are accepted. If you have not heard anything by early May, you should contact Kelly Tracy.
Q: Why is your staff qualified to teach me writing?
A: Everyone on our staff is an experienced educator, as well as an UWP Teacher Consultant. They have attended the Upstate Writing Project's Summer Institute, an intense research-based 4-week course that has teachers reflect on and improve their writing and writing instruction. Teachers must apply and be recommended for the institute. To learn more about our staff, click here.
Q: How is the YWC affiliated with Clemson University?
A: The YWC is part of the Upstate Writing Project, a local affiliate of the National Writing Project. The UWP is overseen by Clemson University and directed by CU professor Dr. Rebecca Kaminski. The YWC is partially funded through a grant from the National Writing Project.
Q: What exactly do you do at the Young Writers' Camp?
A: Write! You'll write with the group and work with a small mentoring group. You'll hear great read-alouds and meet with published authors. You'll blog about your writing and get feedback. You'll also create a web page to display your writing. You'll make friends with kids your own age who also love to write!
Q: Do you have to go to school in Greenville County to attend?
A: No, any student from the upstate is welcome to apply. Students can be from public, private, or home schools.
Q: Can you reapply to the YWC if you have already attended?
A: Yes, but space is limited for both new and returning students, so you are not guaranteed a space.
Q: I've been accepted, but who do I make my check payable to?
A: Checks should be made out to "Upstate Writing Project" and mailed to "Upstate Writing Project, ATTN: Kelly Tracy, YWC Director, University Center, PO Box 5616, Greenville, SC 29606" upon acceptance.
Don't see your question answered here? Please email!