November 5, 2026 - November 8, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1399Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat
Gather in the woods with celebrated poets Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Irene Latham, and Charles Waters for this rare and heart-filling experience. Along with their surprise guests, your faculty will help you bring poems to the page through presentations, guided writing activities, and the magic of poetry that surrounds you at the retreat center. You’ll have time to write, wander, listen, and discuss the world and your work. In addition to group programming, you’ll meet in small groups as well as in one-to-one private consultations with faculty. For poetry lovers, this retreat is not to be missed.
- This is an in-person retreat for poets ready to write and learn more about poetry, poetry anthologies, and collections.
- No submission is required.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
- Ends after lunch on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Why This Retreat?
The words “retreat” and “palooza” might not conjure a single image, but if anyone can make the two connect it is a poet! Imagine four days of poetry-themed activities with poetry enthusiasts, alongside the lyrical guides: Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Georgia Heard, Irene Latham, Charles Waters, and their special guests. Presentations on poetry throughout the day will weave into guided writing activities. You’ll meet in informal small groups during the retreat, as well as one-to-one with one of the faculty members for discussion about your work. In addition, time is set aside for you to write, wander, and truly retreat.
Together we’ll:
- brainstorm ideas,
- generate new poems,
- share our writing, and
- discuss the life of a poet!
It’s a Great Fit If…
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You are a poet that could use some creative inspiration. There will be generative writing activities to spark ideas for children’s book poetry and stand alone poems for children and teens.
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You want to learn more about opportunities in writing poetry for children. This retreat will showcase solo collections, stand-alone poems for placement in anthologies, novels in verse, and more.
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You want to immerse yourself in the elements of craft within a community of poets. At this workshop you’ll be surrounded by words and a community of poets who love them.
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You’d like a retreat where you can work on new poems. There will be ample free time built into this course so that you can stretch and work on your own projects.
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).
- You will receive details about what to bring to the retreat for your 1:1 consultation. There are no pre-retreat submissions.
- We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, research, and polish your work during independent time.
Day One: Thursday, November 5, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together
Day Two: Friday, November 6, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Charles and Irene
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Presentation #2 with Georgia and Rebecca
- Generative poetry prompts for stand-alone poetry
- Optional Small Group Workshopping
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering and sharing fireside (weather permitting)
Day Three: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #3 with Georgia and Rebecca
- 1:1 Consultations
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Presentation #4 with Charles and Irene
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Poetry Jamboree!
Day Four: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Optional Small Group Workshopping
- Generative poetry exercise, followed by Q & A with the faculty
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
About Poetry Palooza: Our Poetry Writers Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- Informal feedback throughout the workshop via discussions and open sharing.
- A 1:1 consultation with faculty during the workshop. You will bring up to three poems, or a short sample from a novel in verse, to share during the session to read and discuss with faculty. You may bring questions and ideas to discuss with your faculty as well. Use this consultation time to move your poetry projects ahead.
- There will be optional, informal small group opportunities to share with fellow poets throughout the retreat.
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 step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that 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. Poetry brings emotion from page to the heart for kids. This retreat highlights the many ways to bring poetry into children’s lives, giving you time and space to create, in a supportive environment.
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.
