Teen Summer Writing Intensive
Grades 10-12
Join us for a transformative two-week journey into the art of writing! Designed for rising 10th-12th grade students, the Thurber House Teen Summer Writing Intensive offers a dynamic blend of informative instruction and creative exploration. Whether you're a budding novelist, a future journalist, or simply love playing with words, this camp will sharpen your skills, broaden your perspective, and boost your confidence as a writer.
Led by experienced educators and professional writers, each day is packed with engaging workshops, peer feedback sessions, and out-of-the-box thinking to grow your skills. We will explore a variety of genres—including fiction, poetry, personal narrative, and even humor—and even explore what you can do with your passion for writing after high school (hint: there’s a lot)!
But it’s not all pens and paper! With creative prompts, writing games, guest speakers, and collaborative projects, the camp fosters a supportive community where ideas flourish and friendships grow. By the end of the program, you will leave with a portfolio of original work—and a deeper appreciation for the power of your own voice.
Spaces are limited. Bring your imagination—and get ready to write your story.
Registration deadline is July 6.
Intensive Overview
Who: rising 10th-12th graders
Dates: the intensive is a two week program from July 20–July 24 and July 27–July 31
Registration Deadline: Monday, July 6, 2026
Location: Carriage House, 65 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Time: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Cost: $895 (includes all fees, snacks, journal, and t-shirt)
Payment plans are available upon request. Email Meg Brown at megbrown@thurberhouse.org.
All supplies and a mid-afternoon snack will be provided. You only need to bring a sack lunch.
A very limited number of scholarships are available through a lottery; please fill out the online registration and click on “applying for a scholarship.” You will pay the $25 registration fee and nothing else at that time. We will announce scholarships by July 4.
Questions? Please contact Meg Brown at megbrown@thurberhouse.org.
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—The intensive is held at the Carriage House (65 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215). We will also walk over and use Thurber House (77 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215).
—Grade levels refer to the grade that the student is entering in fall 2026.
—Teens bring their own lunch each day; Thurber House provides an afternoon snack.
—Tuition covers all supplies, a t-shirt, a journal, and daily snack.
Full payment must be received to confirm each registration. We will be confirming receipt of online registrations via email. If you are unable to register online, please contact Meg Brown at megbrown@thurberhouse.org to register.
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Camp will be held at Carriage House (65 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215). We will also walk over and use Thurber House (77 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215).
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—If you’re a parent/guardian dropping off your teen:
Easy street parking is available all along the Jefferson Avenue oval. Parking is free, with a three-hour limit. Note: only the spots along the one-way oval are free; the spots along the two-way ends of Jefferson Avenue (near Broad Street and Long Street) are not free.
—If you’re a teen driving yourself:
Park in the private lot directly behind Thurber House, accessible off N. 11th Street and located here. There is no time limit. All other parking lots do not belong to Thurber House and you may be towed. Do not park on Jefferson Avenue, as there is a time limit.
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We encourage the involvement of all students and will do our best to make accommodations. Contact Meg Brown at megbrown@thurberhouse.org to discuss any accessibility needs.
The first floor of Thurber Center is handicap/wheelchair accessible, including the first floor restrooms.
How to reach the wheelchair ramp:
—If you park on Jefferson Avenue: There is a slight curb (some wheelchairs can navigate this). The closest “ramp” cut is the entrance to the large parking lot on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Long Street (here). Follow the sidewalk through the Thurber Center front gate. Take the sidewalk around the porch on the right side of the building. The entrance to the wheelchair ramp will appear on your left, past the porch.
—If you park in the Thurber House rear parking lot: Follow the sidewalk between the handicap parking signs (here). The sidewalk will take you around the north side of our multipurpose building, Thurber Center. The ramp will appear on your right and leads up to the front porch.
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A very limited number of scholarships are available through a lottery; please fill out the online registration and click on “applying for a scholarship.” You will pay the $25 registration fee and nothing else at that time. We will announce scholarships by July 4.
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The registration cost includes a non-refundable administration fee of $25. If the intensive is full or is canceled by Thurber House, a full refund minus the administration fee will be given. Tuition is 70% refundable for cancelations received no later than June 30, 2026.
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Disclaimer: Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by event and program speakers in all mediums are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thurber House, its affiliates, or its staff/board.
