Steven Said:

Interlochen creative writing class?

We Answered:

I can't tell you about Intermediate specifically, but I'm sure it's a lot like High School CR. True, Intermediates didn't have to submit a portfolio to get in, but on the first day we all read together and I thought the younger set was quite outstanding.

In high school, we had two classes a day, one from 9-11 and one from 2-4. There were about 8 kids in each class, and the same group met both times with the same teacher (they changed the program a bit for this summer, but I'm sure it'll be the same general schedule).

During class, we did a variety of really cool exercises. Off the top of my head, I remember freewriting (writing whatever comes into your head for up to ten minutes straight), playing lots of word games, walking around campus to brainstorm ideas, writing ekphrastic poetry using the visual art majors' projects...and plenty more.

We had homework after every class, so we'd have some stuff to do before lunch and some stuff to do at night. Homework generally consisted of reading a collection of short stories, doing a long freewrite, reading a series of similar poetry and writing our own poems to match, writing narratives, borrowing a book of poetry from the teacher and reporting back to the class, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting.

By the end of the three weeks, we had a huge collection of writing generated at camp--I think our class average was 20 poems and 5 pieces of prose--and we took the last couple days of camp to focus on editing and presenting our work. On the last night, there was a huge public reading that took place at the Writing House. Lots of non-writing major campers (and many parents) attended.

That's about all I can think of to say. Oh, and did I tell you the Writing House is really amazing? :)

Bill Said:

what are the best summer precollege programs for high schoolers?

We Answered:

they have study hall

Karl Said:

How do you apply to Choate?

We Answered:

Contact Choate to find out when they will post their 2010 application. In the meantime, read the information here http://www.choate.edu/summerprograms/onc… It is likely that the 2010 application will be very similar to their 2009 application.

Valerie Said:

What is the uniform policy for interlochen summer arts camp?

We Answered:

At Interlochen you have to wear the blue polo shirt with an Interlochen logo on it Tues-Sat. On Sunday you wear the white logo polo and on Mondays you can choose between a blue or white polo. You can wear your own navy blue shorts/capris/pants but the shorts can't be rediculously short. In the high school division girls wear light blue socks. You will need a pair of knickers that you rent when you get there (you wear them for performances-- like when you have readings) and a red sweater. You will get a lanyard ID when you get there that you always have to wear. You do need to bring some regular clothes. You can wear them while you are in division or for mixers and co recs.

You can buy everything you need at the Scholar Shop if you want. Shirts you have to get there, but the sweater, shorts, socks etc you can bring from home.