Kids looking for a break from the traditional marshmallows-and-mosquitoes summer camp experience may be interested in Plymouth State University's day camp for young writers.

The Summer Youth Writing Project offers programs like nature writing, poetry and prose, creative writing and others throughout the summer. Courses are available in Plymouth, Laconia and Sanbornton for a variety of ages.

"The objective is to make it fun," said Jennifer Larochelle, co-facilitator of the Plymouth program and an eighth-grade literacy teacher at Newfound Middle School. "We're able to really focus on the writing process, sharing ideas and thinking that helps (kids) express themselves and from the inside out."

Many courses offer time with professional authors and illustrators, giving kids a sense of what to look forward to when they write. "I think one of the draws of the camp is to talk to real authors and hear about the problems that real authors face," Larochelle said. "It's really about helping kids see that they can be real authors."

She said kids can expect to walk away with a focus on how to take control of their work and be comfortable with it, instead of always writing for the teacher. "Unlike in schools, where we are so focused on the result, the camp really gives kids an opportunity to own their writing and know that they have those choices to write for themselves, and that's really important," Larochelle said.

The programs run from late June through August, with costs ranging from $110 to $125 per week. For more information, visit plymouth.edu/pwp/summercamps.html.

Amy Augustine