A summer breeze bustles through the grid of cars, on its way to somewhere important. It wafts through my blue BYU shirt in hesitant waves, and it’s the temperature of a dilapidated blow dryer. I drink in the sunlight for a decadent moment, but the solstitial heat starts to get at me, so my feet hit the asphalt at a light jog. I beeline for the Harman Building’s doors. The building’s steel-and-glass facade is big, but my excitement eclipses it. It’s July 28; The Magic of Writing camp is about to begin.
Chances are that if you aspire to the wizardhood that is writing, Brandon Sanderson and Orson Scott Card are household names. Stephanie Meyer, Shannon Hale, and James Dashner ring a bell. You may have even been to one of Brandon Mull’s famous book signings. These names and more form a pantheon of novelists unmatched in skill, imagination, and commercial success. Here’s the catch; they also all have connections to BYU.
It is said that words are magic; they can enchant, hex, and bind. If words are magic, then authors are wizards and witches. BYU’s The Magic of Writing camp is a wizarding school for young mages being trained in the magic of prose.
For youth entering third to sixth grade, the camp is a space where ideas become reality. Young writers dive into fantastical worlds of fairies and spaceships, honing their writing skills with the guidance of experts. Participants are sorted into their wizarding family, competing for the Golden Cup and even receiving their very own wand! They’ll learn to channel the power of writing and craft enchanting tales, exploring a wide range of genres to expand their catalogue of expertise.
This year, the camp will feature two sessions, both held on BYU campus. For students entering third and fourth grade, the camp will take place July 21–25, and for students going into fifth and sixth grade, the camp runs July 28–August 1.
A day at The Magic of Writing camp starts at 9:30 a.m. with time to scribble some ideas down. From 9:30 to 10:15, students are treated to a mini-lesson, focusing on a mentor text. Participants get a fifteen-minute break, followed by an hour of writing time from 10:30 to 11:30. Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.. After lunch, attendees have time to write, share, and revise until 2:00, when the day comes to a close.
Students will have a designated classroom as their home base, but they’ll move to a variety of spots on campus to keep the inspiration flowing. Engaging games and guest speakers inject the schedule with a healthy dose of true magic. For budding authors, The Magic of Writing is a can’t-miss experience.
Parents have said the following about The Magic of Writing:
“I loved the focus; my son really related to it. This was the first camp that he was excited about.”
“Our daughter said the instructors were awesome! She enjoyed meeting other kids who also love to create stories.”
“She really had a great time and was super enthusiastic to share her camp experience at home every day!”
The camp’s outcomes aren’t limited to increased proficiency as authors. Participants build lifelong friendships, experience the spiritual nourishment of a BYU program, and gain newfound confidence that applies to all areas of their lives. It’s a truly magical way to kickstart any young writer’s journey, and it equips them with spellbinding skills that will help them make their dreams reality.
Registration details can be found at writingcamps.byu.edu.
