Writing the City is a unique writing camp that challenges young writers to use the city of Lancaster as inspiration for short works of fiction and non-fiction. Open to current fifth through eighth grade students, each weeklong camp session is limited to six participants and runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily. Session dates are June 9 to 13, June 16 to 20, June 23 to 27 and July 21 to 25.

Led by Steve Carlson, who teaches English and social studies the New School of Lancaster, each day begins with a warm-up writing exercise and the introduction of a writing concept. Afterwards, students write in locations around the city, drawing on personal experience, overheard dialog, characters they see and the city’s history, art and culture. Students share work and receive instructor feedback.

Carlson has supported students to regional and national awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing contest. He is the creator of several “World’s Smallest” interactive projects designed to enliven the Lancaster streetscape.

Cost per session: $125; discounts available for multi-session registrants and same-session siblings. Meeting locations vary throughout the week. For preregistration (required) and more information, call 717-279-1878 or email [email protected].