ART
Painting & Drawing (Grades 2-12)
This Major includes the fundamental ingredients to any visual artist’s education, taught by experienced art educators and professional artists. Explore your individual interests and develop your own creative style as you learn traditional and contemporary techniques and concepts in two-dimensional art through media such as acrylic, watercolor, ink, graphite, and more. Create your own life drawings, landscapes, portraits, and abstract works all while gaining exposure to a variety of artists and practices. Classes are tailored to the level and interests of the group.
Painting & Drawing Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome.
“We get to be creative, have freedom, and we learned a lot about painting!”
-Ella
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Sewing & Fashion Design (Grades 5-8)
Create your own personal style and wearable art from concept to construction under the guidance of experienced arts educators and professional seamstresses and designers. Students are grouped based on past sewing experience. Our Level I group introduces you to sewing machine operation and patterns; Level II offers advanced techniques and free design.
Sewing & Fashion Design Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. All levels welcome. Placement is based on a short questionnaire at the time of enrollment.
We were so expressive in our pieces and were able to accomplish so much.
-AaliyahI enjoyed learning to sew quickly and confidently so I can sew things on my own in the future.
-Gari
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Comic Art (Grades 3-12)
Graphic novels and comics—and the mythology behind them—are heavily ingrained in pop culture. Learn cartooning and graphic novel story development while sharing resources that inspire you. Develop and design your own creative comics with characters and stories from conception to finished product, while practicing graphic design techniques, using color theory and design.
Comic Art Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional comic artists, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome.
“We learned techniques and were also free to work on our own stuff.”
-Anya
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Sculpture (Grades 2-12)
Sculptors create three-dimensional art with wood, plaster, wire, metal, and more. Inspiration is all around as students experiment with new materials and imagery—both representational and abstract—and work together with classmates to produce large scale installations and sculptures.
Sculpture Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional sculptors, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. They have opportunities to work with faculty other than their lead teacher to add variety and new skills to their learning. All levels welcome.
“In this class you can use different materials to create cool sculptures. I LOVED working with mixed media.”
-Emile
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Art Adventure (Grades 2-4)
An exploratory experience for young artists led by experienced art educators and professional artists. Investigate the full spectrum of Usdan’s art offerings, including drawing, painting, and sculpture for a comprehensive and immersive summer arts experience. Both traditional and contemporary media and practices are explored.
Art Adventure Majors spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. All levels welcome.
“You do a lot of fun things, and you have amazing teachers, friends, and things to do!”
-Penina“You get to experience all kinds of art in just one class.”
-Sara
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Metalsmithing (Grades 5-8)
Learn to design and create art from metal with basic metalsmithing skills and techniques under the guidance of an experienced arts educator and metalsmith. Create your own unique sculptures, jewelry, mobiles, and more using hammering, raising, chasing, soldering, acid etching, bezel stone setting, and bead stringing. Metalsmithing Majors spend their days engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. All levels welcome.
“Metalsmithing is a class where you can experiment, and it's really fun. I liked the whole atmosphere of the class and that you have a lot of freedom to try new things.”
-Madison“There are few limitations, lots of freedom, lots of variety of projects....and blowtorches.”
-Margot“You can’t do this at home!”
-Samuel
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Photography (Grades 5-8)
Dive deep into the fundamental principles of composition and lighting with Usdan’s woodland campus as your backdrop. Photography Majors spend their days in the studio and around campus engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced arts educators and professional photographers, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. Mac computers are used in this Major for imaging, photo enhancement, printing, and digital presentation.
Campers are asked to supply their own digital camera, though limited cameras are available to lend out if necessary. All levels welcome.
“...all the fun projects we did, the fun photo walks, and how much I learned. Teachers were amazing too.”
-Sophie
“My favorite part of photography was the collaborations between students and other classes.”
-Danielle
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
CHESS
Chess (Grades 2-12)
Whether you are a new or experienced chess player, Usdan’s Chess Major is uniquely designed to meet the needs of each student no matter their experience level. The Usdan Chess Ladder groups students in varying levels, from absolute novices to advanced players. New players learn rules, notation, and the opening, middle, and end games. Advanced players develop a vast repertoire of complex strategies and the ability to apply them in-game. Chess players benefit from improved problem solving, critical thinking, and concentration. Students hone their skills through game-play and tutoring in competitive chess tournaments and exciting team competitions. Instruction is conducted in the well ventilated Maurice B. Hexter Center by highly-ranked tournament players with decades of experience.
“What I like most was that I got to play many different people with no pressure.”
-Dylan
“I was able to play a lot of chess and learn from my mistakes”
-Noah
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
DANCE
Dance Adventure (Grades 2-4)
Dance Adventure is an exploratory dance experience for our littlest dancers, offering a fun and supportive space for you to try a variety of dance genres. In open-air studios, students are taught by experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers with a variety of expertise. Dance forms explored in this Major may include ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and/or tap. All levels welcome.
“What I liked most was that I got to be myself.”
-Ahuva
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Rhythm Studies: Tap & Hip Hop (Grades 2-12)
Expand your knowledge of percussive dance forms that challenge you to tap, step, pop and lock it out. Under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers, each day campers spend one period in tap, another in hip hop, and a third collaborating and creating their own dances. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome. If you have two or more years of experience in percussive dance (hip hop, jazz, tap, or step), we recommend taking our Rhythm Studies II Major.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Rhythm Studies II: Tap & Hip Hop (Grades 3-7, for experienced dancers)
Advance your knowledge of percussive dance forms that challenge you to tap, step, pop and lock it out. Under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers, each day, campers spend one period in tap, another in hip hop, and a third collaborating and creating their own dances. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. Two or more years of percussive dance (hip hop, jazz, tap, or step) required. In order to ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Musical Theater Dance: Jazz & Tap (Grades 3-12)
Immerse yourself in the world of musical theater dance and design under the expertise of dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. Study jazz and tap dance, while also learning about historical works and imagining your own sets and costumes. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Let’s Get Vertical: Ballet & Contemporary (Grades 3-7)
Focus on building your dynamic alignment with one period of ballet and one period of contemporary dance each day. Under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers, students have opportunities to collaborate and create their own dances, as well as perform for one another and learn ways of giving feedback. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Classical Studies: Ballet (Grades 6-12, for experienced dancers)
Under the expertise of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers, this is an opportunity for experienced ballet dancers to continue their training and learn new repertoire. Taking place in open-air studios, a two-hour ballet class in the morning is followed by an afternoon learning and collaborating on choreographed works. Three or more years of ballet is required. In order to ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Next Generation Dance: Hip Hop & Contemporary (Grades 4-12)
Build skills in contemporary, modern, and hip hop techniques under the instruction of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. Dancers in this course experience forms that are on the cutting edge, ready to work with choreographers who combine traditions and create works that are reflective of today. Dance studios are open-air with at least one side exposed to the natural environment. All levels welcome.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
DISCOVERY
Discovery (Grades K-1)
The Discovery program provides a fun and exciting exploration of the arts for students currently in Kindergarten or 1st grade. Surrounded by Usdan’s woodland campus, and with the Discovery Center as a base, students are placed in small groups of 12.
Children have experiences in Music, Art, Dance, Nature & Sustainability, and Recreational Arts led by professional artists and educators. Two college-age counselors help guide each group throughout their adventurous day, while also creating diverse and engaging activities that are tailored to students’ interests, fostering a safe, nurturing, and positive atmosphere.
After completing their 1st grade summer at camp, children from the Discovery program head into Usdan’s Classic program feeling confident and excited for every incredible opportunity that awaits them at Usdan, because they have spent their summer experiencing many of them.
The Discovery Center is open-air with many sides exposed to the wooded campus allowing for plenty of ventilation.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
MUSIC
Instrumental Ensemble (Grades 5-12)
Enhance your ability to listen, blend, make musical decisions, and think critically by playing in a small ensemble setting led by professional musicians and music educators. Strengthen your skills as both a soloist and an ensemble player simultaneously.
Each day, musicians join a two-hour ensemble rehearsal that includes a combination of warm ups, technical exercises, sound and breathing exercises, balancing and listening exercises, as well as learning and rehearsing repertoire. Varied repertoire is selected from different genres and time periods. In addition to ensemble rehearsal, students have the opportunity to learn new skills such as music theory, composition, beginner piano, beginner ukulele, and music appreciation. Music Majors take place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.
Lead faculty in our advanced ensembles guide musicians in a true conductor-less chamber music experience. Beginner groups will receive the technical support needed as their lead faculty takes a conductor position most days.
Ensembles may include string, guitar, wind, brass, piano, and percussion groups, as well as mixed instrumental groups. Students will be asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience and instrumentation. At least one year of playing an instrument and an ability to read music is required. An ability to perform independently is highly recommended.
“The teacher creates a safe and fun environment and is very encouraging.”
-Noelani
“I like the people I got placed with, we all became good friends.”
-Sophia
“I liked how the teacher actually helped me become a better violinist.”
-Alexa
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Vocal Ensemble (Grades 6-12)
Foster your love for music and community in Usdan’s Vocal Ensemble. Led by professional music educators, vocalists in this Major focus on vocal technique, diction, solo and ensemble singing. Music repertoire is chosen from varied genres, composers, and time periods. In addition to learning and rehearsing vocal repertoire, students have the opportunity to learn a secondary skill, such as sight-singing, basic piano skills, solo/NYSSMA preparation, and beginner ukulele. Music Majors take place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.
“We learn in a great environment!”
-Anthony
“We sing and perform a very wide range of music that is amazing to sing. I enjoyed the whole process of learning the music...and seeing it all come together is an amazing thing”
-Kennedy
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Vocal Ensemble (Grade 2-5)
If you love to sing and want to expand your passion for music, join Usdan’s Vocal Ensemble. Led by professional music educators, students learn varied repertoire from composers around the world all while connecting, making friends, and having fun. Focus on your use of correct diction, breathing techniques, blending and balance. In addition to learning and rehearsing vocal repertoire, students have the opportunity to develop other musical skills such as sight-singing, African drumming, folk dancing, basic piano skills, and more. Music Majors take place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.
“We learn in a great environment!”
-Anthony
“We sing and perform a very wide range of music that is amazing to sing. I enjoyed the whole process of learning the music...and seeing it all come together is an amazing thing”
-Kennedy
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Jazz Ensemble (Grades 7-12)
Digging deep into the most American of music forms, students in the Usdan Jazz Ensemble play and learn together with an emphasis on improvisation and collaboration. Repertoire reflects the many styles and eras of jazz, from the earliest forms to the contemporary. Led by a professional music educator and professional jazz musician, this Major covers topics such as music theory and ear training, jazz harmony, improvisation, and jazz history. Music Majors take place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.
Available for saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar, piano, and bass. Students are accepted based on an audition video, which they are asked to submit shortly after enrollmentt. At least three years of experience playing an instrument is strongly recommended.
“I liked learning how to improvise. Great atmosphere and great teacher.”
-Daniel
“The best part was the ability to play jazz and learn music theory.”
-Jose
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NATURE
Nature, Ecology & Design (Grades 2-6)
Usdan’s amazing woodland setting provides an ideal habitat to explore Long Island’s vibrant ecosystems. Through the lens of creativity and sustainability, get your hands dirty as you gain an appreciation for the natural world. Connect to nature through learning, mindfulness, observation, and reflection under the guidance of experienced nature educators. Learn about flora and fauna, wildlife, sustainable practices, and more with daily activities in gardening, art-making, forest exploration, and caring for the Nature Department's pets. Nature classes will rotate nature educators and therefore have an opportunity to learn from their different areas of expertise. Students remain outdoors except for when it rains when they will continue their projects in a well ventilated studio with plenty of windows and doors open.
“You get to see animals, do crafts, go on hikes, and make new friends.”
-Jayden
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
Organic Gardening & Sustainability (Grades 5-8)
Be a part of the miracle of growing plants and connect with other nature enthusiasts. Led by an experienced nature educator, in the garden, you get to plant, care for, and harvest food from Usdan’s fruit and vegetable gardens, as well as eggs from Usdan’s chickens. Learn about sustainable practices and how to use unconventional and found materials to create sustainable solutions and environmentally-focused art and design. Students remain outdoors except for when it rains when they will continue their projects in a well ventilated studio with plenty of windows and doors open.
“It's a nice experience learning how to garden.”
-Marcus
“My favorite part was that we got to grow our garden, and make sustainable sculptures.”
-Benjamin
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
THEATER
Musical Theater Performance (Grades 4-8)
This Major is an amazing opportunity to study musical theater through the entire cycle of a production, including audition, rehearsal, blocking, staging, choreography, ensemble-work, and performance. Over the course of four weeks, students audition for roles and learn how casting decisions are made, discover the joys of collaboration, and develop responsibility as they work together to put on their show. Usdan’s Musical Theater productions are directed by professional theater educators specializing in directing and musical directing. Rehearsals take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
“The show, rehearsal, and auditions are very professional. My favorite part was the way the company becomes a family and the way the show comes together.”
-Myla
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Musical Theater Skills: Singing the American Songbook (Grades 4-6)
In Singing the American Songbook you will learn and be coached to perform songs from the heart and soul of 20th century American musical theater. The works of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, and Stephen Spondheim will be a focus. Under the instruction of professional theater educators and performers, camp days in this singing studio include a combination of vocal warm ups and exercises, working on individual song choices and duets, and sharing and receiving feedback from fellow singers. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Musical Theater Skills: Songs from Contemporary Theater (Grades 4-6)
The new century has brought exciting and different styles of song and performance to the American stage. In Singing Contemporary Theater you will learn and be coached to perform the musical theater songs of today. Think Rent, Hamilton, Come From Away, Jagged Little Pill, and Prom. Under the instruction of a professional theater educator and performer, camp days in this singing studio include a combination of vocal warm ups and exercises, working on individual song choices and duets, and sharing and receiving feedback from fellow singers. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Musical Theater Skills: Acting Monologues & Dialogues (Grades 4-6)
Focus on strengthening audition monologue pieces and develop the crucial interactions between stage actors. Under the instruction of a professional theater educator and performer, camp days in this acting studio include a combination of warm ups and exercises, working on individual pieces and small group scenes, and sharing and receiving feedback from fellow actors and your director. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Musical Theater Skills: Comic Acting & Storytelling (Grades 5-8)
Make an audience laugh, make them wonder. Sharpen your comic timing and learn to tell a story that will have them begging for more. Under the instruction of a professional theater educator and performer, camp days in this acting studio include warm ups and exercises, working on individual and small group pieces, and sharing and receiving feedback from fellow actors and your comedy coach. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Advanced Musical Theater: Directing & Designing (Grades 8-12)
One of the best ways to improve as a performer is to learn about performance from the other side of the mirror. Learn how directors and designers integrate and achieve their visions through performance. Working under the instruction of an experienced director/designer, you will have the chance to direct your friends and design your own scenes. Some theater experience is recommended. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Musical Theater Adventure: Songs & Improv (Grades 2-3)
This unforgettable experience provides foundational instruction for our youngest musical theater performers. Songs & Improv allows young campers with stage door dreams to explore improvisation through curated song selection and scene performance. Led by an experienced theater educator, both singing and acting skills are nurtured in this Major. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
NEW - Musical Theater Adventure: Games & Scenes (Grades 2-3)
Specifically tailored to the beginning actor, this eye-opening and fun-filled exploratory experience introduces you to acting, singing, and dancing for musical theater under the instruction of an experienced theater educator. Through the use of theater learning games and age-appropriate scene scripts, students are coached in developing self-awareness and performer’s responsibility to both scene-work and on-stage partnerships. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
The Usdan Troupe (Grades 8-12, for experienced performers)
Our most sophisticated student performers are invited to participate from audition to performance in the entire process of making live musical theater. Former company members describe The Troupe experience as “summer stock theater for teens.” Recent shows include Finian’s Rainbow, Grand Hotel, Sunday in the Park with George, Carousel, and Singing in the Rain. The Troupe presents a fully staged musical production at the end of the summer. Rehearsals take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to the natural environment.
Usdan will provide guidelines for a required pre-recorded audition at the time of enrollment.
Admission to the Usdan Troupe will be limited and open to qualified applicants who submit an audition recording, until capacity is reached. Students will be asked to submit their recording shortly after enrollment. Students who have taken this Major previously do not need to audition again.
“My favorite part was everything! The students...teacher... their talent...how much I learned and the overall experience changed my view on performing.”
-Alaina
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.
CREATIVE WRITING
Creative Writing (Grades 6-12)
Our open-air writing studios provide an open environment for young storytellers to write poetry, short fiction, and playwriting individually and in small collaborative groups. Use your imagination and find your creative voice, while developing concrete elements of storytelling like structure, point of view, and conflict, and resolution. You will also collaborate with peers from other artistic disciplines and use the creative nature at Usdan to inspire and make connections within your writing. Under the instruction of an experienced writing educator and practicing writer and poet, spend your days playing writing and word games, writing, revising, sharing, collaborating, and drawing inspiration from Usdan’s campus and other art forms. The summer culminates with the publication of your work in Usdan’s student-authored Literary Journal.
“It encouraged me to be more creative than I thought I could be.”
- Rina
“It's a writer's dream. My ideas couldn't flow until I went there. My favorite part was the way every student and the teacher supported each other.”
-Soleil
For information on COVID procedures in this Department, please visit our COVID Updates page.
In addition to their three-period Major, students enjoy a rotating one-period Recreational Activity every day with their group. Visit our Recreational Activity page for more information.