Menu of Youth Camps 2023

We have three camps this summer.

Dates are the following:

Camp 1 - FACE-to-FACE - June 5-9, 8:30-11:30 a.m. AGE: 9-12

Camp 2 - FACE-to-FACE - June 12-16, 8:30-11:30 a.m. AGE: 13-16

Camp 3 - ONLINE - June 12-23, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. AGE 12-17

Description of Camps 1 and 2 - FACE-to-FACE

Michelle Crowell, Instructor

Writing with Nature

Just as some of the great writers experienced nature and created great literary works, writers at these camps will create their own literary works as they are inspired by various outdoor locations around the beautiful Texas State University campus and adjoining parks.

Young authors will be the scientist, journalist, poet, artist, and ultimately the writer who can grow from this experience. Writers are encouraged to bring their own journals, pens/pencils, colored pens/pencils/markers, binoculars (some will be provided, too), phone/camera, hat, water bottle, sunscreen/bug spray, comfortable walking shoes (there will be lots of walking).

Possible places we will visit:

1) Purgatory Creek

2) Meadows Center

3) Atrium area

4) Local nature artist visit

5) Sewell Park

6) San Marcos Greenbelt area

7) Free Art exhibits on or near campus

The goal is to create a book of youth writing for the camp. Campers will be encouraged to submit some of their works for student-writing contests and publications.

Description of Camp 3 - ONLINE

Allison Dunsmore, Instructor

Book Study for Writers

This year, we will explore and apply the invaluable advice from books written specifically to guide the budding writer. We will be taking activities and tips from two sources - Crafting the Personal Essay: A Guide for Writing and Publishing Creative Nonfiction by Dinty W. Moore and (my personal favorite!) True Stories: Guides for Writing from Your Life by Rebecca Rule & Susan Wheeler. Don’t worry! You won’t need to order these books unless you want to. Your host will supply all of the passages she thinks will benefit you most. We hope you’ll join this book study writing experiment!

Payment Instructions

Camp 1: one week- June 5-9 - $150

Camp 2: one week - June 12-16 - $150

Camp 3: two weeks June 12-23 - $300

Payment can be made by checks, money orders, cash, or online. Checks and money orders should be made payable to CTWP and received three days before the start of each camp. Registration is confirmed when payment is received and processed. No refunds are available after May 31.

If payment is by check or money order, please mail it to

Diane Osborne

Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction - CTWP

Texas State University

601 University Dr.

San Marcos, TX 78666

How do I register?

You will need to complete ONE of the two registration forms below.

If you are paying by check or money order, please complete this registration form.

If you are paying by credit card, please complete this registration form.

Be sure to complete one registration form for EACH child/adolescent.

We will email more information regarding camp details, university required forms, and online payment procedures.