2025 Virtual Creative Writing Summer Camp for Teens

6 days: Monday-Saturday, July 28-August 2, 2025

Speak Up Creative Writing Summer Camp will immerse creative teens (ages 13+) in brainstorming activities, craft exercises, and engaging workshops with established teaching poets and prose writers.

No experience necessary. Designed and powered by Miami Dade College’s Miami Book Fair team of writing and book experts.

Application Deadline: May 11, 2025

Resources to sharpen your skills

This fully online program includes:

  • Masterclasses and live Q&A sessions with critically acclaimed authors
  • Live interactive workshops on creative writing and performance with established teaching artists
  • One-on-one mentorship sessions to provide in-depth feedback
  • Virtual activities
Masterclasses and Instructors in:

Comics/Graphic Novels
Collaborative Writing
Poetry/Spoken Word
Sci-Fi/ Fantasy
Young Adult/Middle Grade

Application Deadline: May 11, 2025

Miami Book Fair’s Speak Up creative writing and performance workshops help teens hone creative writing and public speaking to build confidence, make connections, and actualize their creative dreams. Miami Book Fair can provide certificates of completion that high school students can include in portfolios and college applications.

Supply List

Students can use pen and pencil, but they will be sharing virtually, so a computer or tablet with stable WiFi is recommended.

Time Commitment

3 hours online for live workshops every day, and at least 1 hour offline. A 30-minute one-on-one mentorship meeting will also be scheduled during the week for each student.

Basic Schedule Breakdown

July 28 – August 2 Schedule (subject to change)
  • Daily masterclass video—30 minutes to be viewed before workshop
  • Live author Q&A session—12:45-1:30 p.m. EST
  • Live workshop—1:30-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Daily meditation exercise—5 minutes to be viewed any time
  • One (1) 30-minute mentorship with an experienced teaching artist to be scheduled during the week between 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. EST

*As part of the virtual activities, there may be additional virtual engagement throughout the week.

Summer Camp FAQ

How much is the Virtual Summer Camp?

It’s completely free, but students must apply and be accepted into the summer camp.

Do I have to apply for the Virtual Summer Camp?

Yes, applications are open through May 11. Students will be notified of acceptance to the program by June 13.

Students must confirm participation in Summer Camp by June 20.

Is prior experience needed for the Virtual Summer Camp?

No, prior experience is not needed for this camp.

Do I need access to the internet?

Yes, this is a fully virtual program.