Grades: Rising 7th - 8th

Dates: June 15 - June 25, 2026

Meets: Monday - Thursday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Cost: $995 early bird (through March 31); $1040 regular registration. Lunch included at both price levels.

Instructor: Christine Childress

Course Description:  Explore the exciting world of creative writing designed for rising 7th and 8th graders. Dive into a variety of genres — poetry, fiction, drama, and more — and unleash your imagination! Each day, students will read, write, and share their creations in a supportive workshop environment. Guided by specific writing instruction, you'll learn to craft compelling narratives, develop rich characters, and use vivid language to bring your stories to life. By the end of the course, you’ll have a portfolio of your own creative work to share with friends, family, and even the world through digital publishing.

Instructor Bio: Christine Childress has taught middle and high school English for over 20 years.  She holds a Master of Education degree in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, as well as a certificate in college counseling from University of California, Los Angeles.  She has taught every level of English from 6th-12th grade including college preparatory, honors, and AP Literature classes.  Beyond supporting adolescents in their reading, writing, and thinking skills, she enjoys woodworking and being in nature. Currently, Christine is an English Teacher at Del Mar Middle School.