Area 3 Writing Project

Frequently asked questions:

• What makes a child a good candidate for Young Writers’ Camp?
  Our most successful students are those who are eager to try their hand at new types of writing and who really LOVE to write! We discourage parents from enrolling children who are not interested in writing, as camp participants will spend several hours writing and learning about writing everyday. If your child is not interested in writing, this is probably not the camp for him/her.
• My child is very shy, and I am afraid she or he will not participate in Young Writers’ Camp.
  Many writers, by nature, are considered to be a bit “shy”. Writing can be a very private act, and we respect that idea in our camps while also nurturing a willingness to share. Instructors will do everything possible to make your child feel comfortable. We spend a portion of each day working to build a safe, positive community for the writers in attendance and have been told that children’s self-esteem and confidence have increased as a result of participation in the Young Writers’ Camp.
• Will there be an emphasis on conventions such as grammar and spelling?
  Students can expect to conference with their teachers on a regular basis and learn to edit their writing for conventions. The camps, however, do not include formal grammar and spelling lessons.
• Will computers and technology be available?
  Yes, students will have access to a computer lab.
• Is there homework?
  While homework is not assigned by the instructors, many camp participants choose to spend time outside of class writing and refining their work. This is entirely up to the child and not a requirement.
• Is food provided?
  For the full day camps, students will be responsible to bring their own lunch or money to buy lunch. Camp participants will have access to the eateries on the UC Davis and Sac State Campuses and will be accompanied and supervised by the camp instructors during lunch. Students attending camp at Folsom High School will need to bring their lunch. All students may also bring snacks if they wish.
• What supplies should my child bring?
  Students will be supplied with a writer’s notebook and all supplies for special projects as well as pens and pencils. Some students like to bring their own “writing stuff” which is fine. An anthology of students’ writing will be given to each student after the camp.
• What is the cost of a Young Writers’ Camp?
  Tuition is $225 for each camp. Tuition includes all writing materials and a copy of the anthology of writing which will be given to each student after the Young Writers’ Camp. Refunds will not be given for any missed days, regardless of circumstances.

• Are scholarships available?
  Partial scholarships are available to those with financial need. Please e-mail us at a3wp@ucdavis.edu if you would like an application. Scholarships are limited, however, so please inform us as soon as possible. We want to make sure Young Writer’s Camps are accessible to all interested students. Applications for partial scholarships will be accepted until May 15th.

• How do I register a student for the camp?
  Complete the registration form and mail it, with payment, to:

  Area 3 Writing Project
  CRESS Center, TB 206
  One Shields Avenue
  Davis, CA 95616

  Enrollment is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. As soon as your registration is received, a confirmation email will be sent. In mid-May, you will then receive additional information and a mandatory emergency contact form which needs to be completed and returned.

  A minimum number of students is needed to run each camp. Camps with low enrollment are subject to cancellation and a full refund.

Cancellations are subject to a $25 processing fee. No refunds for cancellations after June 1, 2009.

Additional questions can be directed to Leslie at a3wp@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-8392