October 1, 2026 - October 4, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat
To write for children, we need to reconnect with the clever, imaginative, and curious core of our childhood selves. Join celebrated middle-grade authors Erin Entrada Kelly and Laurel Snyder for a four-day retreat focused on generative writing inspired by the sleepaway camps of our youth (or the ones we dreamed about!)
This retreat is designed for middle-grade writers at all levels, from beginners to published authors. You are welcome to bring your work-in-progress and/or blank pages from stories you have yet to write.
- This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with engaging discussions, writing exercises, and one-to-one consultations.
- We include ample time to relax, retreat, and work on your own writing.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
- Ends with lunch at 12:00pm Eastern on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Why This Retreat?
Middle-grade novels are clever and imaginative, yet grounded. Some of the very best ones find a way to weave plot and emotional arcs into one impressive narrative that ignites a passion for reading.
One way to write authentic stories is to connect with the emotional truth of the middle-grade reader.
Join celebrated middle-grade authors Erin Entrada Kelly and Laurel Snyder to discover new ways to start and grow your middle-grade narrative, with a retreat focused on generative writing and key middle-grade topics like character, plot, and voice!
Please note that a small portion of the workshop is set to involve outdoor exploration and/or hands-on craft activities. We request that you make note during your registration of any accommodations that can help support you during these happenings.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are just starting to write for a middle-grade audience. You’ll get a broad overview of the landscape of today’s best middle-grade novels.
- You are a middle-grade novelist wishing to deepen your community and revision. This workshop is centered on the middle-grade novel with craft-focused sessions.
- You enjoy discussing stories and your journey with fellow storytellers. You’ll gather ideas and informal feedback about your story in a supportive environment.
- You’d like a retreat where you can get to work. This retreat is not based on lecture. It’s time to work on your own projects, with the added immersive experience of presentations, generative writing exercises, and time to connect with fellow MG novelists over meals and informal gatherings.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
- You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
- We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, and polish your work during independent time. This retreat is not filled with lecture. At its heart, this retreat is time to work on your project.
Day One: Thursday, October 1, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Welcome & Introductions via your favorite middle-grade titles
Day Two: Friday, October 2, 2026
- Breakfast
- Discussion #1 with Laurel and Erin
- Hands-on writing exercise, followed by sharing
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing & retreat time
- 1:1 consultation with Erin or Laurel (ideas, revisions, and questions; no written feedback)
- Social Hour
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Stories around the Campfire
Day Three: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Discussion #2 with Laurel and Erin
- Hands-on writing exercise, followed by sharing
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing & retreat time
- Social Hour
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Campfire Q & A
Day Four: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Discussion #3 with Erin & Laurel
- Retreat Time: packing, writing, book browse, and social hour
Afternoon
- Lunch & Farewells
About Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
- Each novelist will meet with one of the faculty members for a consultation about their work(s)-in-progress. This consultation will not have written feedback or review, and is structured as a discussion for the needs of your project and publishing based questions.
If you’d like to learn more, see our note on feedback in our programs.
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat?
As an in-person event at our Retreat Center, you’ll have a chance to move away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Middle Grade novels ignite a passion for reading and spark a child’s imagination. This workshop highlights the many ways to craft a middle-grade novel that will satisfy readers.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat?
You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), prior to the event.
