When I was about 15, I started attending writing programs at my local library. I was very lucky to live in Saskatchewan, a province with a long history of mentoring young writers. I learned a lot from teen writing camps and had the opportunity to meet other teens who liked to read and write as much as I did. I learned a lot from these experiences and they helped me become a writer. I have always enjoyed mentoring younger writers.
When I moved to Edmonton, I had the opportunity to lead a teen writers group for about two years. My students inspired me, and we put together a chapbook full of their writing. I am still in touch with many of my former students through social media. They are wonderfully creative and talented and I am proud to have been their teacher and see how they grow creatively and as people.
Last year, I taught journalist at Wordsworth teen writing camp, which was a COMPLETE BLAST. I loved the kids, laughed hard every day, and learned a lot from the other instructors, the teens and through teaching. The camp runs at Kamp Kiwanis near Bragg Creek in the summer each year.
Here are some testimonies given by the instructors, campers and parents,