Who can attend Inkspire camp?
Students entering third grade and finishing twelfth grade. All attitudes are welcome--love writing, dislike writing, meh about writing.
What happens during a day at Inkspire Camp?
FUN designed to make learning stick.
Every year we plan activities around a theme that influences our stories, our speakers, our art, our literary feast. Our 2023 theme: MOBY INK--along with the ocean commotion found in sea treasures.
We are a mindset camp that provides oodles of fun experiences. Everything we do primes the pump of when students do let their words flow. Yearly traditions include:
using a motivating writing journal;
listening to great stories
singing magical music;
wearing great camp t-shirt (check out home page for a reveal about our special back);
making author posters that students create about themselves;
painting canvas art project -- this year "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai;
enjoying a literary feast -- food & writing;
playing fun games -- including Family Feud on the final day;
participating in a closing program with awards.
Because listening is our most used communication skill, but the one least taught, we also share a special program we designed--Glisten! Make your brain sparkle by listening.
We also are known for teaching students how to write "the world's best thank you letters." We have many testimonials to that fact.
Parents sign a release of liability form upon Monday registration. This will be sent via email a few days before camp. Registered families are also sent a one-page list of reminders about the camp as a handy reference.
When & Where are Inkspire Camps? (2023)
LEXINGTON: June 12-16 (Monday-Friday). Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church, 180 E. Maxwell St., Lexington.
HOURS: M-F 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday drop off begins at 8:30 a.m. with a signed release of liability form. Families also bring a one-time contribution of water and snacks for canteen breaks.
Drop off for other camp days begins no earlier than 15 minutes before camp starts.
Closing program is Friday at 2:45 p.m. Family & friends welcome.
WINCHESTER: July 31-August 4 (Monday-Friday). Central Baptist Church, 101 W. Lexington Ave., Winchester
HOURS: M, T, W, F 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday drop off begins at 8:30 a.m. with a signed release of liability form. They also bring water and snack contribution for canteen.
TH — 1:45 to 7 p.m. Families participate in Poetry in Flight -- release of sky lanterns.
Closing program is Friday at 2:45 p.m. Family & friends welcome.
Lexington Camp Location
Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church 180 E. Maxwell St.
Lexington, KY 40508
Winchester Camp Location
Central Baptist Church
101 W. Lexington Ave.
Winchester, KY. 40391
Why Inkspire Camp?
Inkspire summer camps is the first mission of Why We Write Inc.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a member of Kentucky Nonprofit Network.
Why We Write Inc. also brings free programs to schools that are focused on writing and listening. We will even custom tailor experiences--just by asking! To schedule a program for students and teachers email Jacqueline Hamilton, executive director at jaccqueline@whywrite.org
Our experience statement: When students have fun, motivation to learn zooms--and learning sticks.
How do we sign up and pay for Inkspire Camp?
Navigate to the Apply for Camp page to complete a virtual application. Families will receive an email notifying families of space availability. Families then pay via mail with a check.
What is your refund policy?
A 30 percent refund is available for Lexington camp with a cancellation in writing by May 25, 2023. A 30 percent refund is available for Winchester camp with a cancellation in writing by July 1, 2023. Cancellation requests are made to: jacqueline@whywrite.org
There are no refunds if students are dismissed for cause. Students will be given all supplies.
What about food during Inkspire Camp?
Each student brings a lunch or dinner with drink in a bag with first/last name plainly marked. No soft drinks, please. Refrigeration or microwave not available. On the first day of camp, camp families bring a required contribution for the camp canteen: one dozen water bottles and a minimum of 18 non-sugary or limited sugar snacks to share with others. Snacks should be individually wrapped such as chips, popcorn, cheese/crackers, fruit gummies, granola bars. No cookies or candies, please.
What about personal property and clothing?
Students will have art lessons with acrylic paints and should dress appropriately.
Each non-rain day includes outdoor recreational times.
The camp is not responsible for the loss of personal property. Cell phones can be a distraction and should not be out except in an emergency or involving pick up. Teachers follow these rules the same as students. Teachers do have their cell phones with them to check to respond to any parent messages, but not for personal business. Parents will have the cell phone # of their children's small group teacher the first day of camp.
We value your commitment to your child’s enrichment and want to make every second count.