Creative Writing Camp is spending its second summer at Eastern Illinois University teaching high school kids how to enhance their poetry and fiction writing skills.

From June 22 until June 26 students, ages 14 to 18, work from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day completing exercises to develop their own stories.

According to Beth Craig, who works in the Office of Academic and Professional Development, “students will be writing their own stories and poetry ideas and learn how to pursue a career after high school.”

This program is also supported by the Coles County Arts Council, which awarded two scholarships to participants who handed in a short story or poetry sample with their registration.

Participants Sydney Hastings and Kelly Nicholson won the full ride scholarships for the camp.

The camp fee was $85.

Assistant professor of English, Letitia Moffitt, taught the camp last year and is looking forward to teaching again this year.

“I did not know what to expect last year, but this is one of the best teaching experiences I’ve ever had,” Moffitt said.

Moffitt has the kids perform different methods for crafting stories like how to create characters and conflict within a story.

Four Eastern English majors with a focus in creative writing are there to help Moffitt as well.

Moffitt said the students who come to the camp all want to be there.

The first day they are nervous, but she hopes by the last day they leave with the eagerness to continue writing.

Two kids returned to the writing camp after attending last year.

“For most kids writing is associated with bad things like homework,” said Moffitt.

Success for Moffitt is to have the kids walk away from the camp with the excitement and urge to write.

On Friday, June 26, students will give a public reading of their favorite story at 11:00 a.m. in room 2103 at Blair Hall.

Craig said the program was developed last year from a request in the English Department.

Kaitlyn can be reached at 581-7943 or kdpeters@eiu.edu.