Writers’ Community and Mentorship Program (CAMP)

“IF you don’t have the time or money to get a Masters in Creative Writing, then go to CAMP!
It has been invaluable in my development as a poet.” --M.A. Puttonen

What is Writers’ CAMP?

Writers’ CAMP is a flexible, creative writing program developed by The Writer’s Garret for writers who want to
be part of a growing literary community and are ready to receive serious, intensive study in poetry, fiction,
creative nonfiction, or playwriting.

How is Writers’ CAMP different from a university-based Creative Writing program?

The ultimate goal of university programs is to obtain an accredited degree. CAMP is unaccredited with the
focus on developing a writers’ community, with writers of varying experience sharing knowledge, challenges,
and support. CAMP students develop self-discipline though a structured, semi-informal environment designed
to encourage students to develop the independent work habits of professional writers. At advanced levels,
CAMP students receive one-on-one mentorship training with several different writers and the flexibility of
completing the program on their own schedules. CAMP students may also “pay” for their training through
community service to The Writer’s Garret and its outreach program. With a focus on developing community,
CAMP is very sensitive to the quality of students’ attitudes towards learning and working with others.

Who are the mentors?

For 2nd-3rd year Artist Level, mentors may be advanced writers finishing up CAMP or accomplished
graduate/post-graduate students of Creative Writing. At advanced levels, mentors are professional writers,
editors, and professors of creative writing and literature.

How do I pay for this?

You can exchange community service hours, sometimes by teaching what you learn to young students through
The Writer’s Garret, or you can pay cash tuition. Tuition varies by program level.

What if I have time-constraints?

CAMP is designed for people with busy lives, children, and full-time work who want to purse their love of
writing. Most work is conducted from home according to your schedule within the program.

What are the different levels of study?

There are two paths for completion in the Writers’ CAMP program: Artist Study and Professional Study. Artist
Study is similar to an undergraduate level with a generalized course of study that cultivates your identity as an
artist. Study includes an overview of the workshop method, elements of craft, teaching techniques, and more.
Professional Study is the next step up for people of unusual discipline and talent, or for writers who have been
practicing artists for many years and seriously pursuing publication. Professional level offers advanced
techniques and in-depth study with highly experienced / degreed professional writers.

What if I just want a one-time consultation?

We have manuscript-consultations called Clinics and intensives called Camp-Outs. The Writer’s Garret also
offers a wide array of other programs such as weekend workshops or peer editing groups where you can self-
direct your course of study.

How long is the program?

Rather than following a restrictive curriculum, you develop your own study-plan within the program. The Artist
Study usually takes about 3 years with an option of an additional year if you need flex-time to complete it.
Professional level is usually 2 years with an optional extra year if needed.

How do I apply?
Applications can be obtained at The Writer’s Garret by calling 214-828-1715 or on-line: www.writersgarret.org
Your application is reviewed by a committee and placed in the suitable program and level based on merit and
need. You will be notified within 45 days. If you are accepted into the program, you will be assigned to a
CAMP counselor who will meet with you to help design your course of study.
 Writers’ Community and Mentorship Program (CAMP)
Artist Study – a 3-year curriculum designed to orient the student to the literary community, past and present, and to
engage preparation for eventual one-on-one study. Every student will meet twice a year with a CAMP Counselor.

Artist Study Curriculum

Introductory:
Boot Camp, an intensive 10-week orientation workshop to learn common terminology, techniques, key texts,
etc.; Boot Camp II expands study into an intermediate workshop / class designed to make the most of
classes, workshops, seminars, readings, mentorships, and literature classes; Boot CAMP I, II, or both are
required as orientation for all entering students. For Professional Level students, Boot CAMP is optional.

Beginning Level, first year:

First Semester: Boot CAMP I Second Semester: Boot CAMP II
2 live readings 2 live readings
2 seminars/ 2 seminars/ discussions /
discussions / panels panels
1 Non-Writer’s Garret 1 Non-Writer’s Garret
Literary event Literary event
Minimum of 8 Tuesday Minimum of 8 Tuesday night
night Stone Soups (or Stone Soups
equivalent)
Intermediate Level, second year:
First Semester: 2 seminars/ discussions Second Semester: 2 seminars/ discussions
2 classes/ workshops 2 classes/ workshops
2 live readings 2 live readings
1 Non-Writer’s Garret 1 Non-Writer’s Garret
Literary event Literary event
1 elective 1 elective
Minimum of 8 Tuesday night Minimum of 8 Tuesday
Stone Soups night Stone Soups
2 hours of mentorship
Advanced Level, third year:
First Semester: 2 seminars/ discussions Second Semester: 2 seminars/ discussions
2 classes/ workshops 2 classes/workshops with
4 hours of mentorship visiting writers
1 Non-Writer’s Garret 4 hours of mentorship
Literary event 1 Non-Writer’s Garret
1 performance (of your own) Literary event
2 live readings 1 performance (of your own)
2 live readings
ƒ It is suggested that you keep a literary journal to maintain notes on technique, the creative process, revisions, issues of craft and
theory, books read, and feedback on readings and conferences.
ƒ Completion consists of a polished senior thesis of 20 poems, 60 pages of fiction, or one full 2-3 act play script. This
will be reviewed by published professionals and recommended on a pass / fail basis.
ƒ Review of Progress: Mid-point towards completing requirements, the student’s former advisers will communicate
briefly to estimate the student’s general progress, and/or to report any significant difficulties. It is at this point that a
joint decision by the advisers and Outreach Coordinator will be made whether to pass, warn, or dismiss the student.
You will be given a progress sheet for admittance to programs and your review period.
Tuition:
First year--100 hours of community service/teaching experience or $500 per semester / $1000 per year
Second year--100 hours of community service/teaching experience or $650 per semester / $1300 per year
Third year-- 100 hours of community service/teaching experience or $1000 per semester / $2000 per year
All third level students will be expected to serve as a mentor for 3 hours regardless of chosen method of payment.
This does not count towards community service payments.
Note: the # of community hours do not vary as the level of community service will increase in time.
 Writers’ Community and Mentorship Program (CAMP)
Professional Study is a 2-year curriculum designed for advanced students ready for extended and in-depth
mentorship training.
Professional Study Curriculum
Introductory
Mentor-Student Training and Orientation (or, BOOT CAMP Optional)
Professional Level: First year and Second Year
First Semester: 2 classes / workshops
10 hours of mentor conferences
2 live readings
2 writers blocks/seminars/discussions
1 Non-Writer’s Garret event
1 performance credit
Second Semester: 2 classes / workshops
10 hours of mentor conferences
2 live readings
2 writers blocks/seminars/discussions
1 Non-Writer’s Garret event
1 performance credit
Professional Level: Second year
Upon completion you will submit a publishable manuscript (e.g., a collection of poems, novel, full-
length play, or collection of short stories) and present a professional reading / talk for The Garret.
It is suggested you keep a literary journal containing notes on technique, the creative process, revisions,
issues of craft and theory, books read, and feedback on readings, events, and conferencing. Your CAMP
Counselor can better evaluate your progress utilizing these tools as well.
More than one mentor can fulfill Mentor conferences during one semester. Long distance includes a
minimum of 2 manuscript exchanges, e-mails, tapes, or prepaid phone calls.
Review of Progress
Mentors will complete an evaluation to be submitted to the Outreach Coordinator, focusing on the quality and
quantity of work accomplished, scheduling, student/teacher working relationship, description of student’s actual
or potential problem areas, and suggestions for further development. Students will be given a progress sheet
for admission to programs.

Tuition
First year--100 hours of community service/teaching experience or $1500 per semester
Second year—100 hours of community service/teaching experience or $1500 per semester

All CAMP Professional Students must agree to serve as a mentor for 4 hours regardless of payment type.
This does not count towards community service payments.

NOTE: If you complete extra hours during a given year, they may be applied to the following year.