Writers Camp Day 1 Night Activities

After a day of creativity our campers still had the energy for some night activities. Their writing and acting talents were put to the test during a performance of Fractured Fairy Tales. Very impressive results for limited preparation time! I am trying to capture everyone on film, but some of our students are a little elusive and camera shy…

Writers Camp 2015 – Student Eco-Mysteries

During writers camp last week, students composed eco-mystery stories using iPads and an app called Book Creator.

We were so impressed with their use of technology as well as the creative writing skills that emerged. A big thank you to Danielle Chew from Barnier Public School who facilitated these workshops.

Here is a sample of some of the works produced in a PDF format. Well done to all the young writers involved!

The case of the ringtail possum

The Fungus

The great eco mystery

The Legend Of The Kangawullafox

The Poisonous Berries

The Scarlet Fox

The Three Big Mistakes

What I Saw

WHERE ARE THE BIRDS

A Snap into Life

An Eco Mystery

Bloodwood

Deep Scratches

Do Birds Eat Paint

Eco Mystery (1)

Eco mystery EED

Eco Detective No Birds

Into the dark

Mr Walter ‘s evil plan

Mysterious disappearance of the blue wren

Mystery Spirit of the Sea

The Black Widow

The Bushland Telegraph

Writers Camp Day 3 – Aboriginal Culture and Eco Mysteries.

After an intense day 2 of all things literary, we all headed up to our local oval to use up some energy. Students tried to master the art of throwing boomerangs, spears and woomera’s. The day was finished off with some games of soccer and cricket.

After a hearty breakfast and another good nights sleep (amazing!), students enjoyed an Aboriginal Cultural talk from Wiradjuri Man – James Stephens. James is one of our regular Aboriginal Educators and we were all very privileged to soak up his knowledge and stories of Aboriginal culture.

After morning tea, students continued their writing journey with Simon French and Danielle Chew. I managed to capture some writing on film for you to read below. The stories from the iPads will be published next week after we troubleshoot some technical issues! Thank you to all our budding young authors for attending camp and good luck in the future!

Writers Camp Day 2 – Here come the authors…

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We are so fortunate every year to entice some brilliant children’s authors out to Brewongle to pass on their talents to the students. This year is no exception with Suzanne Gervay sharing her compassion, passion and exceptional skills in connecting with students during her workshops.

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Richard Tulloch last visited us three years ago and it is such a pleasure to have him back. He is a world traveller and apart from his excellent books he also writes a great blog that is well worth a read. Richard had the students madly writing and sharing in his workshop today.

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Pamela Freeman has also returned to Brewongle this year and the students were enjoying her expressive style and  creating a story that involved a unicorn when I popped into the workshop for a look. Pamela also showcased her percussive talents during a music session at recess.

This impromptu music session had us all clapping and tapping. Thanks to the students who joined in and tried out their guitar and drumming skills!

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Writers Camp Day 1 Evening Shenanigans

The creativity was flowing into the evening of our annual Writers Camp. Our talented group of year six students created some “Fractured Fairytales” and performed them for everone’s amusement.

We were so impressed with the acting talents of all these young writers. After much grinning and giggling, We devoured some supper and headed to cabins before the rain began. Many stories were told into the night – especially by the boys cabin, but most were snoring and dreaming by 11pm. This is very impressive for first night of camp!

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Enjoy the photos and there will be more to come – as Day 2 is our famous author day with Suzanne Gervay, Pamela Freeman and RIchard Tulloch. Even as I write, students are ensconced in workshops and soaking up the creativity!

Writers Camp 2015 is underway!

Our annual “Writers in the Environment Camp” for year 6 writers is into its 25th year and our 2015 students are in camp and busy exercising their creative juices already. We hope to have a few ‘Eco Mystery’ stories ready to publish on this blog by Friday as our young authors try to marry technology (iPads and iBooks) with their creative writing skills.

Students are currently engaged in workshops with our Writer in Residence – Simon French. Simon has been to every one of the 25 Writers Camps and we are so grateful to him for supporting this camp and giving up his time to share his skills with the students. Danielle Chew from Barnier Public Schools is also leading the students on the path to creating an eco-mystery by Friday. We hope they are all up to the challenge!

Our day begun with some ‘get to know you games’ that allowed students from so many different schools to begin forming some friendships and bonds.

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More updates to follow – so stay tuned!

Writers in the Environment Camp 2014 photo journal

48 budding young authors have descended on Brewongle for 3 days of creativity and fun. Schools have sent their best literary types to meet famous authors, complete writing workshops, write aplenty and enjoy the usual array of awesome camp activities.

As I am feeling distinctly average as a wordsmith amongst this fine company, today I will post a photo journal. I may post some of the writing that emerges from the students over the following days.

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