Writing Programs at Great Books
For Middle School and High School Students
Residential, day, & online. One-week and multi-week programs.
Strong writing skills are an advantage in school, career, and life. Led and inspired by an expert faculty of professional writers and university writing instructors in a welcoming environment, students gain the techniques and skills to shape their voice and write with confidence, clarity, and impact.
2026 Programs, Locations, and Dates
Writer’s Workshops for Middle School
For rising grades 6-8.
Middle school students explore various genres while learning and practicing key writing techniques. They have the opportunity to play with language to make their writing more powerful, and cultivate their voice as a writer.
Supportive and encouraging workshops provide an environment to open their minds to help students embrace the creative possibilities within each piece of their work. While the focus is generally on creative writing, the writing skills learned carry forward into the classroom too. Learn more.
On the campus of Stanford University
June 28 – July 4, 2026
Online USA
July 5 – July 10, 2026
On the campus of Amherst College
July 19 – July 25, 2026
Online Asia
July 26 – July 31, 2026
Writer’s Workshops for High School
For rising grades 9-12 & gap year.
Whether writing their novel, preparing for admissions essays, or still a beginner, high school students expand their skills and refine their voice. in our Writer’s Workshops. In addition to building core skills, students select a creative focus in one of our powerful writing tracks: Fiction, Personal Essays, Screenwriting, Poetry, Effective Writing, Journalism, and Writing for Video Games. (Tracks vary by campus.)
In the high school program, workshopping is emphasized, and students learn how to give and receive critical feedback to bring power to their writing. Students come away with fresh new skills and a brimming portfolio. Learn more.
On the campus of Stanford University
June 28 – July 4, 2026
Online USA
July 5 – July 10, 2026
On the campus of Amherst College
July 12 – July 18, 2026
July 19 – July 25, 2026
Online Asia
July 26 – July 31, 2026
Berkshires Writer’s Adventure
For rising grades 9-12 & gap year.
EXPERIENTIAL WRITING
Immersed in the serene and majestic Berkshires and surrounding areas, students enjoy an abundance of writing time and inspiration to create original works. Together they explore the techniques, texts, and favorite writing spots of local authors. And they will have the opportunity to relax and write in iconic literary settings like Edith Wharton’s estate, The Mount, and Herman Melville’s home, Arrowhead.
Experiential and fun, this program sharpens skills, cultivates imagination, and spurs creation. Of course, there is plenty of time built in for hangouts with new friends and summer fun too! Learn more.
Based on the campus of Amherst College
July 5 – July 11, 2026
Dublin Writer’s Program
For rising grades 9-12 & gap year.
Students traveling with us to the magical Emerald Isle will dive into Irish storytelling. From their base residence at Trinity College, Dublin, student explore the city’s literary treasures like the James Joyce Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, Sweny’s Pharmacy, and others. Immersed in the heart of Dublin, students can’t help but gain inspiration to craft original stories. Creativity soars in this extraordinary setting! Learn more.
On the campus of Trinity College, Dublin
July 12 – July 19, 2026
Rising grades 9-12 & gap year
Oxford Writer’s Program
For rising grades 9-12 & gap year.
From their base residence at University of Oxford, students enjoy phenomenal week of writing in the stories halls and haunts of literary giants! The rich history of British literature never fails to inspire creativity! Students follow in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis and discover the door that unlocked the world of Narnia; enjoy the bone chilling (and hilarious) tales of the famed Oxford Ghost Tour; and punt on the Thames where Lewis Carroll first imagined Alice. Learn more.
On the campus of University of Oxford, England
July 19 – July 25, 2026
Great Books & Big Ideas Programs
For rising grades 6-8, 9-12 & gap year.
Good writing starts with strong critical thinking and reasoning skills. In our flagship program, Great Books & Big Ideas (GBBI), students gain skills in close and reflective reading while they learn to identify key concepts and build arguments supported by evidence – foundational skills for effective writing. In addition, each week of GBBI includes a creative writing elective where students can let their creativity soar in a welcoming and encouraging environment. GBBI delivers excellent preparation for the SAT Reading and Writing section. Learn more.
On the campus of Stanford University
July 5 – July 11, 2026
July 12 – July 18, 2026
On the campus of Amherst College
July 5 – July 11, 2026
July 12 – July 18, 2026
On the campus of Haverford College
July 26 – August 1, 2026
August 2 – August 8, 2026
Give Your Child an Exceptional Writing Experience!
Let us help you explore and choose.
We are invested in your child’s success. We are educators, camp enthusiasts, and, yes, we are parents too. We believe that every student deserves an enriching summer experience full of challenge, fun, and friendship.
Call: 203-612-9470
Email: info@greatbookssummer.com
