2015 Writing Camp Testimonials

Satisfied parents recommend the Writings Camps:

“This camp has equipped my son with an expansion of tools to increase his confidence and enjoyment in writing.”  —Michelle Reynolds, mom to a 2015 Thesis Camp student

“Great experience! Jen Hartenburg is a superb teacher with a very engaging method of instruction.”  —Dr. George Eapen, dad to a 2015 Creative Writing Camp student

“When my daughter came home from Creative Writing Camp, she brought me a book she’d never read and said, ‘Mom, look! The back of the book describes the setting and characters, but not the plot!’ She then began to read ravenously. I credit writing camp with this new eagerness to understand other writers!”  —Rachel Motte, 2015 mom

“My daughter really enjoyed the camp—studying with other students and being creative in a group setting. She had fun! She is starting to understand how to stylistically dress up a story she writes.”  —Susan Alai, mom to a 2015 Creative Writing student

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to have our students learn from an accomplished writing instructor such as yourself. Thank you for allowing them to attend. I would highly recommend the writing camp over and over again!”  —Mona Cook, mom to two 2015 Thesis Camp students

“My student was stretched,” writes another mom, “I think it was a great opportunity for him. Thank you for adding enjoyment to a process that doesn’t come naturally to him.”

 

Students agree that Writing Camp activities helped improve their writing:

“I liked the camp a lot. I now have many more tools to make my writing winsome. I especially enjoyed learning the different kinds of sentence openers.”  —Cole R.

Creative Writing students enjoyed “writing stories and key word outlines,” “writing warm-ups,” and “meeting new friends.”

“I like my classmates and it was fun!” writes Charis A.

“Thesis Camp was very beneficial,” writes a student, “especially the ‘dress-ups’ and group editing; I enjoyed Mrs. Hartenburg’s teaching.”

“The class was helpful overall, and it was very enjoyable.”  —Jadon H.

“The assignments were difficult but very helpful in improving my writing technique. Learning how to include citations was especially helpful.”  —Hannah K.

“It was a great experience and an excellent way to spend the summer,” writes another student; “I enjoyed learning how to write an introduction.”

“It was good practice writing and using ‘Dress Ups.’ I enjoyed the camp,” a satisfied student says.

“I enjoyed the Thesis Camp,” says another, “and the reminder of the importance of grammar.”

“I enjoyed ‘Writing Warm-Ups” and brainstorming with others. The small-group critiques were also helpful. It has been an encouraging experience to meet with others who are thinking about the same topics and discussing with them.”

“It was fun! I liked the games and learning how to write an anecdote. I liked how we students talked and looked at each other’s papers.”  —Camille B.

“The Thesis Camp was challenging, but I learned how to do the thesis statement. The grammar exercises and games were the most enjoyable and helpful parts.”  —Esther B.

 

2015 Creative Writing for Grades 4-6

When: July 20-24, Monday through Friday, 9:15-11:45 a.m.
Where: Houston Baptist University, Co-hosted by The Academy at HBU in the Smith College Suite, Bradshaw Center classrooms, 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX, 77074
group of students talking and writing at school

Creative writing students will participate in activities aimed to inspire a love of words, sentences, and word-play. In addition to building an awareness of sentence structure and style, students will construct key word outlines, write stories, and exercise public speaking skills through oral story retelling. Students will articulate stories in their own words using pictures and a variety of fables, myths, and fairy tales as springboards. Throughout the week, students will learn how to incorporate style and literary devices into their writing.

To receive the full benefit of the writing camp, students will need sufficient time and a handful of supplies. In addition to two and a half hours of class time each day, plan to spend another hour completing assignments at home. Please secure the following supplies before the start of class:
  • Dictionary & Thesaurus—Consider apps such as the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and the English Thesaurus.
  • Pack of 6 different colored pencils: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, & purple
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Eraser
  • 3-ring binder with 5 or more dividers and lined notebook paper

Space is limited! Enroll now.

Camp tuition is $250/student. Enrollment will be confirmed and your spot reserved once payment is received.

ENROLLMENT UPDATE: This camp has met the minimum enrollment and is a go! Enroll now to reserve a seat before they fill up!

2015 Thesis Essays & Descriptive Writing for Grades 7-12

When: July 6-10, 2015, 9:15-12:15 p.m., Monday through Friday,
Where: Houston Baptist University, Co-hosted by The Academy at HBU in the Smith College Suite, Bradshaw Center classrooms, 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, TX, 77074

Students at classes

Students will learn a five-step process for developing a thoughtful thesis statement that interacts with the great conversation of ideas. By attending to sources and engaging in group discussion, students will be able to find their own voice as they search for the truth through their reading and writing. Incorporating both report-style and descriptive writing, students will learn the structure and style of a compelling essay. An intensive overview of style elements will assist students in developing vivid vocabulary and sophisticated sentence variety. This class is ideal for students with some previous experience with writing multiple-paragraph compositions who are ready to advance to the thesis essay.

To receive the full benefit of the writing camp, students will need sufficient time and a handful of supplies. In addition to the three hours of class time, students should plan to spend another hour or two each day completing homework. Students should secure the following supplies before the start of class:

  • Dictionary & Thesaurus—Consider apps such as the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and the English Thesaurus.
  • Pack of 6 different colored pencils: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, & purple
  • Pens/Pencils
  • 3-ring binder with 5 or more dividers and lined notebook paper
  • Composition book

Students in the Thesis Essays camp will also need to be able to type, print, and email assignments using a sharable word processing program such as Microsoft Word.

Camp tuition is $250/student. Enrollment will be confirmed and your spot reserved once payment is received.

ENROLLMENT UPDATE: This camp is now full! You may add your name to the waiting list, and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up.