Summer Camps
The Cabin’s Summer Writing Camps help kids cultivate a lifelong love of writing through fun, week-long literary adventures. Campers explore community spaces like the Idaho Botanical Garden, Birds of Prey, and The Cabin as they build tools to creatively express themselves.
Teaching-writers share their expertise in poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, speculative fiction, and more to help your child build confidence in their writing.
To inquire about accommodations for campers with disabilities, contact Hillary Colton at hillaryc@thecabinidaho.org or 208-331-8000.
Register for a camp by grade level or camp theme below. We can’t wait for you to join us!
- All Events
- Writing Workshops
- Readings, Lectures and More
- Summer Camps for Kids
“Thank you for making writing fun for both of my kids. They loved it! I also admired their confidence in reading their own writing — presenting is not easy but you prepared them for success! Can't wait for them to do another camp! Thank you!
— Summer Camp Parent
All Summer Camps
“My kiddo had an incredible time working with Natalie and Ameerah. He felt so incredibly proud of his work. The gallery at the end of the week was so solidifying for my son. I appreciate you all so much. What an incredible gift you all are, and the services you share with our community.”
– Summer Camp Parent
Need to know how arrival and dismissal works? Planning for the weather? What to bring? Cancellation and safety guidelines?
Download our handy Parent Handbook to find answers for all your questions.
Summer Camp Parent Handbook
Questions?
Contact The Cabin’s Education Programs Manager Hillary Colton at hillaryc@thecabinidaho.org or reach us at 208-331-8000.
“Heidi did an awesome job of guiding the kids through the writing process. Our son came home inspired each day. She provided the kids with thoughtful and helpful comments, encouraging them on their writing journey. It was a wonderful experience. Thank you!”
— Summer Camp Parent
Summer Camp Policies
Enrollment
Your camper should be enrolled at the grade level they will enter in the fall. Campers are only eligible to enroll in camps that match their grade level. If your camper ends up in a camp meant for younger or older campers, we will work with you to find a grade-level appropriate camp.
We recommend enrolling as early as possible to give your teaching-writer lots of opportunity to plan. If you are signing up more than one child for the same camp, please process one at a time in order to give us correct camper information.
Arrival & Dismissal
Please arrive at your camp venue (check your email confirmation for details!) at least 10 minutes before the start of camp each day. We ask that you pick up your camper promptly at the end of camp each day as we have no childcare available. We will only release campers to adults who are designated by name at the time of registration. Campers will not be free to leave camp on their own unless a designated adult has given The Cabin explicit permission to release them.
What to Bring
At the beginning of each camp week, The Cabin will provide each student with a notebook, a pencil, a string backpack, a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer, and an inspiring teaching-writer. It’s been known to get hot on late July afternoons so it would be great if you could remind your camper to dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend wearing sunscreen, a hat, and good walking shoes. Most camps will spend the bulk of camp time outdoors exploring surrounding parks and city areas. Each camper should also bring a water bottle and a snack. We cannot provide refrigeration.
Cancelation for Low Enrollment
The maximum enrollment for each camp is 10 campers. A minimum number of 6 students are needed for The Cabin to run each camp. If this enrollment minimum isn’t reached by 5 days in advance of the first class, enrolled students will be notified of cancellation by email and phone call. Students enrolled in canceled camps will receive a refund for the full registration fee within one week of cancellation.
Illness Policy
If you are feeling ill — particularly if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms — please stay home from camp! Read more about our Health & Safety Guidelines below.
If you need to cancel because of illness, contact The Cabin’s Education Programs Manager at hillaryc@thecabinidaho.org or 208-331-8000 to make arrangements.
Cancelations by Camper
If you need to cancel your registration for reasons other than illness, the following refund schedule applies:
More than 5 days before a camp, a full refund will be issued either back to your original form of payment, or as a credit for a future camp.
5 days or less before a camp, 50% of your tuition will be refunded by check
Refunds will not be issued for cancellation requests received after camp has begun.
Student Absence
We cannot refund students for missed classes, but your teaching-writer will make every effort to share class materials with you if you are absent.
Health & Safety Guidelines
Your camper's safety is of the utmost importance to us! We appreciate your help in keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Camps will be capped at 10 campers and campers will stay with their designated groups.
If you are feeling ill, please stay home! Let us know at 208-331-8000 or gen@thecabinidaho.org so we can arrange for you to attend another camp when you're feeling better.
We will provide a KN-95 mask for campers if they would like to wear one for any reason.
Campers will be encouraged to wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after camp and after transitioning from one activity to another.
Friday camp readings will be held outdoors at Julia Davis Park.
