Write fiction, poetry, journalism, and creative nonfiction at our camp’s summer writing program!
Every storyteller needs an adventure. Yours starts here!
Come and join our creative community at the only residential creative writing program in New Jersey, where campers can improve their writing skills while having a total blast. We believe the best writing happens when you’re having the time of your life, so between writing sessions, campers jump into a jam-packed schedule of fun activities to spark inspiration.
Craft your next great story at Appel Farm Arts Camp!
Appel Farm Arts Camp is an overnight summer camp in South Jersey where kiddos ages 8 to 16 find their unique artistic voice. We believe everyone is inherently creative, and making art is a beautiful way of celebrating people for exactly who they are. Our 110-acre campus in Elmer provides a safe, cozy space for young writers to build skills without the pressure of competition.
We prioritize the joy of the creative process in a radically supportive, gender-affirming, and neurodiverse community where every camper feels right at home. In our community, kids can focus on their craft while soaking up all the fun parts of a residential summer camp. You’ll find a no-judgment zone where every artist shines!
Your summer of storytelling: How the Creative Writing program works
Our program structure for both 2-week and 4-week campers includes Majors and Minors to help kiddos make the most of their creative summer.
Campers spend their mornings in their Major classes with professional teaching artists, while afternoon classes let them try new subjects through their chosen Minors or Free Choice subjects. This lets them either explore other writing styles or try something totally different, like Photography or Environmental Arts.
Choose Creative Writing as your Major
When campers choose Creative Writing as a Major, they spend extended daily blocks in our inspiring classrooms. They receive direct, encouraging feedback from instructors who are working professionals in their fields. This focused time allows them to move from a tiny seed of an idea to a polished piece of work!
- Fiction writing: Invent wonderful new worlds and develop super cool characters! Kiddos will learn how to structure a narrative and build exciting tension in their stories.
- Creative nonfiction writing: Learn to tell true stories with the flair and heart of a novelist. We guide campers through essays and personal narratives that reflect their one-of-a-kind perspective.
- Poetry: Campers focus on rhythm, imagery, and the incredible power of a single word. They’ll experiment with different forms and find the style that fits their message.
- Journalism: Build the skills of a curious reporter. Campers will learn how to interview subjects, gather facts, and write compelling news reports.
Explore nuanced topics with a Creative Writing Minor
Minors are shorter classes that rotate each summer based on the unique talents of our current staff. These sessions are a low-pressure, playful way to study a specific area in depth.
Examples of previous Creative Writing Minors include:
- Memoir Writing: Focus on each camper’s personal stories and turn life experiences into beautiful prose.
- Playwriting: Learn the art of dialogue and stage directions. This Minor often connects with our Theater department, making it possible to transform one camper’s words into live performances!
- RPG Game Design: Campers get to create a new world filled with their own characters and backstory as they work together to design their very own Live Action Role Play Game!
Fun writing-related opportunities beyond the page
Writing at Appel Farm extends far beyond a desk! During the session, campers can share their work in a variety of ways with the Appel Farm community.
Publish your own literary piece in our literary magazine, The Appel Core!
All writers have the opportunity to contribute to our summer newsletter and literary magazine. Campers will see their work in print and learn about the editorial process, too!
Start your own blog
We teach kiddos how to use digital tools to reach an audience. Campers can document their summer adventures and share their creative progress in real-time.
Design and test-play your own Role Playing Game campaign
For writers who love gaming, this allows campers to build a world from the ground up. They’ll create character stats, write quest lines, and lead their friends through a cool story they designed themselves!
Share your words with the world on stage in Slam Poetry!
If your child loves performance, they can bring their poems to life during our Slam Poetry events! With a supportive crowd cheering them on, campers become more confident, try out their voice and style, and connect with others through their work.
Visit Appel Farm in person or join a virtual open house to experience the spaces where young writers create, collaborate, and share their work! Meet the teaching artists and get a closer look at how Creative Writing campers spend their days finding their voice at camp.
Check out our camp dates, rates, and scholarship program (2026)
Our Creative Writing summer program at camp is designed to fit your summer while giving young writers the time and space to grow. Two-week sessions are a great introduction to storytelling, poetry, and self-expression, while four-week sessions let campers develop their voice, build a portfolio, and see larger writing projects through to completion.
Appel Farm summer 2026 camp dates
With flexible session options, young writers can choose the experience that best supports their creative goals and summer schedule.
Two-week sessions
July 5 – July 18, 2026July 19 – August 1, 2026
Four-week session
July 5 – August 1, 2026Appel Farm summer 2026 tuition rates
| Session Length | Supported Rate | True Cost Rate | Sustaining Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $3,750 | $4,000 | $4,250 |
| 4 Weeks | $6,500 | $6,750 | $7,000 |
- Supported rate: A partially subsidized option for families who need additional flexibility. This rate does not reflect the full cost of operating our summer camp programs.
- True cost rate: Reflects the actual cost of camp, including facilities, program materials, and equitable pay for staff.
- Sustaining rate: Includes a tax-deductible donation that helps support scholarships for families who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Testimonials
At Appel Farm Arts Camp, kiddos spend their time dreaming up stories, writing poems, and sharing their work in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Hear what past campers and families have to say about their experience at camp!
What can campers learn at Appel Farm’s summer Creative Writing program?
Our instructors use a process-based approach, meaning we value growth and experimentation more than a “perfect” final draft. We teach kids how to give and receive constructive feedback in a way that builds confidence and friendships.
Fiction Writing
Young writers will master the foundations of storytelling. This includes creating believable character motivations, writing effective dialogue, and understanding how setting influences a plot. They spend time in the classroom practicing free writing and editing techniques!
Creative Nonfiction Writing
Creative writers will also learn how to look more closely at their own lives. They’ll learn to identify the story in everyday moments and use sensory details to make their writing come alive. The goal is to help campers trust their own voice and realize they already have a lot worth writing about!
Poetry
We explore both traditional forms and contemporary free verse. Along the way, they’ll experiment with tools like metaphor, imagery, and alliteration to build mood, rhythm, and meaning into their work. And in our slam poetry sessions, they get to bring it all off the page, with a focus on the rhythm and vocal delivery of their work.
Journalism
Creative Writing campers will learn the ethics of reporting and the structure of a news story. We cover how to lead an interview, how to write an effective hook, and the importance of accuracy in media. We also talk about what it means to get the details right, and how careful, honest storytelling can build trust and reflect real life with care.
Join a community where every story is valued
Our campus in Elmer, NJ, is designed for creative focus. When campers aren’t writing, they’ll live in modern, air-conditioned bunks with private bathrooms. Our camp staff uses restorative practices to manage bunk life, which means we focus on healthy communication and empathy.
As the only residential Creative Writing program in New Jersey, we get to offer something pretty special: a place where young writers can build their skills while fully enjoying the fun, community, and energy of camp. Every child will find their place here, no matter their experience with writing!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What ages can join the creative writing program?
At our overnight arts camp, campers ages 8 to 16 can explore Creative Writing as a Major or Minor and spend their days immersed in storytelling and creative work. We also have a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for ages 15 to 17, where older teens begin to grow into leadership roles at camp.
Do I need prior writing experience to join Appel Farm’s Creative Writing program at camp?
Not at all! We welcome beginners who want to try something new and experienced writers looking to build a portfolio. Our small class sizes allow instructors to provide individual guidance to every camper, so everyone can grow at their own pace and find their own voice as a writer.
How is writing at camp different from a school class?
At Appel Farm, writing is immersive and inspiring. Kids won’t just be writing for a grade. Instead, they’ll be writing to get to know themselves even better and share their voice with a community that truly supports them. Young writers also get to enjoy all the fun that comes with camp, like Beach Day, evening performances, and outdoor games, which can give them tons of inspiration to write!
What should I bring for Appel Farm’s Creative Writing program?
We provide all the necessary materials for the Creative Writing classes, including Chromebooks, so there’s no need to bring a personal laptop (one less thing for you to worry about getting lost or broken!). But if your child has a specific journal or notebook they prefer to use for their work, they’re more than welcome to bring it along.
Are there scholarships available at Appel Farm Arts Camp?
Yes, we offer financial scholarships. As a nonprofit organization, we always want to make our programs accessible through a tiered tuition model and a dedicated scholarship program.
How do I sign up for Appel Farm Arts Camp?
You can register easily through our online access portal. If you’re a new family, please create a new account. Returning families may use their existing credentials. If you have any questions about the registration process, please contact our team or send an email to our camp staff!