Summer 2025
Teen Writing Camps
Clarion West is holding three summer camps for teens in 2025! This is our first year hosting in-person summer camps and we’re so pleased to have the experienced help of instructors Tara Campbell, Rachel Kessler, Karen Finneyfrock, and MK Reed, all organized by Amy Hirayama.
These week-long camps will be held at partner locations Hugo House and yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective.
The camps are highlighted below and for students entering 9th grade through 12th grade. If you have questions about the accessibility of the camp locations, format, or content, please contact .
Worldbuilding Summer Camp for BIPOC Teen Writers
July 7-11 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Daily
Join us for five days of exploration in various facets of speculative fiction such as worldbuilding, defamiliarization, science fiction, urban fantasy, the supernatural, horror, and hermit crab fiction (stories told in unusual formats like transcripts and reports).
Location: yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective
This Camp is Free Upon Acceptance — Interested applicants must apply through the survey form by May 30th.
Speculative Fiction Summer Camp for Teens
July 28-August 1 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Daily
Join us for the Clarion West Speculative Fiction Summer Camp. Over one week, campers will explore genres like science fiction and fantasy and forms like flash fiction and short story while practicing tools including world-building, voice, and character development. Bond with other campers as you engage with the playful aspects of creative work. Whether you’re interested in creating magical realms, futuristic societies, or otherworldly creatures, this camp is your chance to push the boundaries of your imagination.
Location: Hugo House Seattle
Speculative Fiction Comics for Teens
August 4-August 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Daily
For kids who think about adventures and quests, we’ll be making short comics that are big on imagination. What’s your typical day as a space traveler look like? How did we get stuck in a time loop? How are we handling that kaiju battle / zombie apocalypse / wizard school test? Once we make our stories, how do we share them with others? We’ll tackle all these big questions, and level up our storytelling skills during this week of camp.
Location: Hugo House Seattle
More information about Clarion West’s Teen Camps
What’s the refund policy?
Clarion West will refund all camp fees if the request is made 30 days before the camp start date. Refund requests made within 30 days of the camp start will be honored if we can fill the seat. Any exceptions are subject to approval by our workshop staff. Please email .
I want to register more than one child or pay for another child to attend camp.
You may pay for up to two students at a time. You can contact the Clarion West team if you’d like to register more than two students at . The parent or legal guardian will need to complete a separate Teen Camp Agreement for each participant.
What is your harassment policy and code of conduct?
We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who attends. Our instructors are carefully selected and vetted and they are dedicated to creating a positive learning opportunity for every student.
By participating in any Clarion West activity, you are agreeing to our Code of Conduct and the Clarion West Harassment Policy. Our instructors are all asked to sign the same agreements.
Will you serve lunch?
No. We are asking all students to bring a packed lunch and a bottle of water.
Who can attend?
The Clarion West Summer Camps for teens are open to students entering grades 9-12. Students interested in worldbuilding, speculative fiction, and creative writing will have an opportunity to learn more and meet others who love the same subjects.