Camper Lauren Rehbein wrote this article for the December 2023 AAUW (American Association of University Women) Newsletter:
Atsokan Island is paradise. Swimming, exploring, reading, watching sunsets, gathering around the fireplace, making new friends, paddleboarding, and of course writing, made my experience unforgettable at the Northwoods Young Writers Camp. This summer was my third time participating in the camp. I keep coming back because I can relax and have fun while also getting incredible advice from authors Margi Preus, Mary Casanova, and Erin Soderberg Downing.
Each morning, campers wake from their slumber by the ring of a large brass bell and head to breakfast in the dining hall (which is a beautiful screened in porch) with scrumptious food made by the chaperones and authors. From there, campers sign up for a one-on-one session with one of the authors to get feedback on their writings. Besides mealtimes and meeting with the authors, there is a lot of free time for campers to work on writing while also being able to take breaks to swim and get to know other people. What I love most about the island is the multitudes of different areas to write alone, or to gather with others and share projects. My favorite place to write was on a sand bar, where I would plop down on my beach towel and write while also getting some vitamin D!
So much of what I have learned about writing has come from the authors on the island. Because of this camp, I was given constructive criticism and tips that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It has allowed me to excel in my English classes. I would like to thank the AAUW for the generous grant given to me which helped cover the cost of this wonderful, life-changing experience.
Atsokan Island is paradise. Swimming, exploring, reading, watching sunsets, gathering around the fireplace, making new friends, paddleboarding, and of course writing, made my experience unforgettable at the Northwoods Young Writers Camp. This summer was my third time participating in the camp. I keep coming back because I can relax and have fun while also getting incredible advice from authors Margi Preus, Mary Casanova, and Erin Soderberg Downing.
Each morning, campers wake from their slumber by the ring of a large brass bell and head to breakfast in the dining hall (which is a beautiful screened in porch) with scrumptious food made by the chaperones and authors. From there, campers sign up for a one-on-one session with one of the authors to get feedback on their writings. Besides mealtimes and meeting with the authors, there is a lot of free time for campers to work on writing while also being able to take breaks to swim and get to know other people. What I love most about the island is the multitudes of different areas to write alone, or to gather with others and share projects. My favorite place to write was on a sand bar, where I would plop down on my beach towel and write while also getting some vitamin D!
So much of what I have learned about writing has come from the authors on the island. Because of this camp, I was given constructive criticism and tips that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It has allowed me to excel in my English classes. I would like to thank the AAUW for the generous grant given to me which helped cover the cost of this wonderful, life-changing experience.
Many of our first year campers apply for the Ann Bancroft Foundation Grant. Once you're part of the Ann Bancroft organization, they offer more grant opportunities and a network with other young women across Minnesota.
One of our 2023 campers, Syd, was featured the in the Ann Bancroft Foundation newsletter.
Elena, another 2023 camper, wrote an article about her experience in the Lake County Press. In the summer of 2022, a group of campers wrote an article for the Rainy Lake Gazette (see below for both articles).
One of our 2023 campers, Syd, was featured the in the Ann Bancroft Foundation newsletter.
Elena, another 2023 camper, wrote an article about her experience in the Lake County Press. In the summer of 2022, a group of campers wrote an article for the Rainy Lake Gazette (see below for both articles).
