2026 Teen Writing Camp
Teens Destroy Speculative Fiction
An introduction to creative writing through science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
Camp Description
This is a ten-day, in-person camp for teens geared toward students 13 – 18 who are interested in creative writing and learning more about writing speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, horror, etc). Participants will explore Seattle art spaces and museums as a means of inspiration while they write.
Camp hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. This is a small-group camp for up to 10 students, highly focused on individual attention and developing friendships!
Taught by professional author and writing instructor, Tara Campbell, this camp will include readings and discussions of published work, as well as prompts and writing time for students to work on their own stories. Writing days will alternate between Hugo House as our base and field trips to art spaces throughout the city, such as the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPop), Seattle Art Museum, and others, drawing upon Seattle as a creative muse. In addition, special guest instructors will join us to discuss other industries that rely on writers!
Participants will be introduced to workshop methods for giving and receiving feedback and hone their presentation skills for a capstone reading with an audience of their peers at the end of the program.
Topics to be covered include worldbuilding, defamiliarization, science fiction, urban fantasy, the supernatural, horror, and hermit crab fiction (stories told in unusual formats like transcripts and reports). Our subject matter will range from the depths of the ocean to the outer reaches of space, technological advances, and life beyond death.
No transportation provided, students should meet at each location, detailed information and instructions will be sent prior to the first day of camp. Students are expected to bring their own lunch, notebook, and pencil. Students should plan to bring a laptop on days at Hugo House. All admission fees are included.
Sliding Scale Pricing: $350-$850
The Supporting Tuition rate is shown for each class or workshop for folks who can pay it. Paying the Supporting Tuition rate enables us to continue to pay our staff and instructors equitably, as well as support access to classes for others who may be in a different situation.
The Helping Hands rate is available to folks under more limited economic circumstances, no matter your background.
For more information, see our financial aid policies.
Our Refund Policy:
Clarion West will refund all class fees if the request is made 30 days before the class date. Refund requests made within 30 days of the class will be honored if we can fill the seat. Any exceptions are subject to approval by our workshop staff.
Limited Scholarships Available for Financial Need:
If the cost of tuition would prevent you from attending, please email us at to request a scholarship. Please list your name, the name of your student, and why your student wants to attend the workshop. We will respond within two weeks to confirm if a scholarship is available.
More information about Clarion West’s Teen Camp
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.