WriCampia 2025

Join Writopia Lab at our creative, fun, and productive sleepaway camp at Camp Danbee! Camp will run from Monday, August 11th through Friday, August 22nd!

At WriCampia, writers spend their mornings in intimate writing workshops led by published authors and produced playwrights, their afternoons participating in their choice of over 20 artistic and active electives, and their evenings at campfires, scavenger hunts, readings, and more. Read articles about camp by our campers and enjoy photos on our Facebook page.

Registration

WriCampia 2025 is currently accepting enrollments! Secure your spot today!

Tuition

$4,200 (limited financial aid is available)

Open House

To learn more about WriCampia, watch our 2023 Open House below!

Ages

We welcome rising 5th graders through rising 12th graders. Bunks and workshops are organized by grade.

Rising 12th graders have the option of being Counselors-In-Training (CITs). CITs take part in camp as campers and also receive leadership opportunities that prepare them for professional experiences in the future.

Transportation

We will provide buses to and from WriCampia for all campers. Buses will leave from and return to Manhattan; Brooklyn; West Orange, NJ; Hartsdale, NY; and Washington, DC.

Review our Frequently Asked Questions.

A Typical Camp Day

7:45 AM	Wake Up Call
8:15 AM to 9 AM	Breakfast
9 AM to 12 PM	Writing Workshop
12 PM to 12:50 PM	Lunch
12:45 PM to 1:50 PM	Daily Electives
2:25 PM to 3 PM	Waterfront
3 PM to 4 PM	Rest Hour
4:15 PM to 5:35 PM	Elective Track
5:45 PM to 6:30 PM	Dinner
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM	Shower Hour & Free Time
7:30 PM to 9 PM	Evening Activity
9 PM	Lower Camp Curfew
9 PM to 10 PM	Late Night Electives
10 PM	Middle Camp Curfew (lights out 10:30 PM)
10 PM	Upper/Senior Camp Curfew (lights out 11:00 PM)

Elective Tracks

Campers individualize their experience by committing to a culminating project in one creative arts track from the list below!

Filmmaking
Songwriting
Page 2 Stage
Newspaper
Portfolio Writing
Role-Playing Games
Visual Arts*
Sports**

*Visual Arts Track includes Graphic Novels, Illustration, Fashion/Costume Design, and Set Design for Page 2 Stage.
**Sports Track includes team sports, gymnastics, fitness, climbing, and sailing/water skiing.

After lunch, the campers have the freedom to choose their own electives from a long list including horseback riding, zinemaking, poetry hikes, illustration, theater, tie-dye, memoir, novel writing, sports/ basketball/ volleyball, woodworking, DND, zipline, ceramic, and all Tracks, and more.

Waterfront

Evening Activities include: Scavenger hunts, campfires, dance parties, Track showcases, and more.

Night Electives include: all tracks, games pavilion, art center, scary stories, and affinity groups.

Click here to see the final projects from WriCampia 2024!

Refund Policy

If you withdraw before the Withdrawal Deadline (April 15th, 2025), you will be eligible for a 50% refund. After April 15th, 2025, we will not be able to offer any refunds.

WriCampia FAQs

What are the dates?: Monday, August 11th through Friday, August 22nd, 2025.; *If these dates conflict with your child's commitments to sports, contact us at sleepaway@writopialab.org. Our host camp, Camp Danbee, has strong coaches—including some Division One athletic instructors—who will be available to work with serious athletes during WriCampia.
Where is WriCampia?: This year WriCampia will be returning to Camp Danbee in Peru, MA.


Is financial aid available?: Yes, we have limited financial aid available.

How do I apply for financial aid?: This all happens in CampMinder, where you will apply for camp. To apply, fill out your WriCampia application, indicate that you are applying for financial aid, and submit your complete financials via CampMinder. If you are applying for financial aid, you will not be required to pay a deposit. However, we will only be able to hold your spot for two weeks if you have not submitted your financials. Please do not email financial data to sleepaway@writopialab.org.

Payment Schedule: A $900 deposit is due upon enrollment. This deposit will increase incrementally as we get closer to WriCampia. Following enrollment, parents will have the option to pay in full or set up a payment plan in CampMinder. This payment plan will set up equal monthly installments, with the last installment paid the first week of April 2025.


Will Writopia provide transportation?: Yes! We will provide buses to and from WriCampia for all campers. Buses will leave from and return to Manhattan; Brooklyn; Hartsdale, NY; and Washington, DC.

When does enrollment close?: When camp fills up. We will accept registrations onto a waiting list, but we cannot make any guarantee about a spot opening up. Returning families, please be aware that the early enrollment period is only two weeks long, and after that, we cannot hold a spot for your camper.

How many writers are attending?: The exact number of campers varies from year to year. For WriCampia 2025, we anticipate hosting about 225 campers.

How can I see what my child is working on?: Your camper will write their stories using Google Documents, so they can save them and share them with you when they come back from camp! We post daily photos to our Facebook page and record videos of performances and showcases to share with families.

Where are most of the campers from?: The majority of our campers come from New York City and its suburbs and from the greater Washington, DC area. Other campers come from all over the east coast, and from as far away as Chicago, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and even Europe.

What is the camper-to-adult ratio?: Three to one—not including kitchen, grounds, and support staff.

How many campers will be sleeping in each bunk?: There will be 8 to 14 campers and two counselors in each bunk.

Can I send my camper a package?: No. WriCampia is a no-package camp. Letters and cards will be delivered to campers. Other items will be held at the camp office. If your camper forgot something they need, please reach out to the camp directors and we will make arrangements to help you get things to your camper.
Can my child bring their own food?: The kitchen staff on camp is very accommodating, always providing vegetarian and gluten-free options. If your child needs (because of allergies or dietary restrictions) to bring their own meals or snacks, please let us know ahead of time. All food must be stored in the kitchen. No food may be kept in the bunks.

How are the workshops organized? What is the atmosphere of the workshops?: Morning workshops will have a ratio of eight writers to one instructor. All workshop leaders are published writers or produced playwrights who are experts in helping young writers understand and implement elements of plot and key literary tools. Sessions are peppered with original and fun writing exercises, but focus primarily on writing—and completing—creative pieces.

Are the campers allowed phones or other electronics?: Every writer will be given a Writopia laptop for workshop and writing. No personal laptops will be allowed at camp. Personal devices that can play music are allowed but not if they are capable of playing video.


Will I be able to speak with my child during camp?: Writers can, and are encouraged to, email home every day. Campers will be calling home approximately halfway through camp. They will call the phone numbers you supply when you register for camp.

Will there be swimming?: There is optional swimming every day except the first and last day of camp. In addition to a swimming pool, Camp Danbee also offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, and climbing activities on the lake. Pool and lake activities are only permitted when lifeguards are on duty.

Does my child have to bring their own bedding?: Yes. Campers must bring their own sleeping bags, blankets, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and towels.

Have any further questions?: Watch the video of our 2023 Open House (above) or email us at sleepaway@writopialab.org to learn more.

"I've been with Wricampia since the first year it existed, nearly nine years ago. A little shy kid who was very closed off. I was dropped off at the Nature Lodge ( the location at the time) and spent a week writing. Although it was more than just writing. I spent the week laughing, exploring, and making the best of friends. My favorite memories were made that summer. When My mother came to pick me up I cried the whole way home. The home I just created had come to an end. Since then I've come back every summer. Now I am a proud counselor, mentor, and camp mother to many children who remind me of myself. If you see me in action at camp I am not the same kid from year one! Wricampia is an escape from our realities at home. It is a safe place for all who attend. Not only for the campers but the staff and counselors as well. The 10 years that I've been attending the camp I've grown to be someone that I am proud of. I hope that as a counselor I can provide that safe community feeling for the future campers that attend. Wricampia has become my home that I look forward to returning to EVERY SUMMER....Every year is a gift and I can't wait for more!"

--Cameron Dickerson

After being a camper for 3 years, one of which I was a CIT, it was extremely rewarding to finally be a counselor at WriCampia 2021. I absolutely loved coming to camp every year as a camper to make friends and do something I love. Getting to inspire younger minds and helping them achieve their writing goals was an amazing and valuable experience!

--Jessica Zhao

I want to express my appreciation for all the work, love, learning and fun that you poured into the hearts and minds of your campers during this wonderful summer camp. My daughter had a wonderful experience. She will cherish the memories of this camp for many years to come!!!
Nadine, WriCampia parent

Thank you WriCampia. I want to let you know that my camper returned back home happier and more confident. His self-esteem has improved as well. It is unbelievable how two weeks has changed his personality
Parent of first-time WriCampian

I can not express my gratitude. I haven't seen this boy look so filled with joy, love and security. WriCampia allowed my son to find his voice, face his demons and commune with some of the kindest, open-hearted and talented people he may ever meet. He finally felt a part of something wonderful.
Parent of a three-year WriCampia veteran

Writopia sleepaway camp was the best experience of my daughter's life. It changed her. She had never done sleepaway camp before, so we didn't know if she would like being away from home for a week. She said had never been with a group of kids where she felt like she could be completely herself.
S.E., WriCampia Parent

I would like to thank you for what was probably the best week of my summer. I had such an amazing time working and creating with my fellow writers, young and old, male and female... I loved the amount of professionalism among the staff, but also the positive and loving attitudes of all the counselors. Thank you, especially my workshop leader, for helping me so much with writing a story with an extremely mature topic that I was hesitant to explore. You exude a vibe that lets all campers know how okay it is to write from the heart, and to not hold back. So, once again, thanks to everyone for an awesome experience.
Ben R., age 16, Camper

This week has been one of the best weeks of my life. Wricampia is amazing not just because of all the writing and the awesome location, the churros and the cool electives mostly because of my fellow campers and counselors. My fellow campmates are some of the coolest, smartest, nicest people I have ever met in my life. It's a well-known fact that writers, nerds and geeks are fabulous people to be around, but upon coming to this camp, I was astounded at how friendly and accepting everyone was and still is .... I've made more friends than I have in well, ever. Not just my new sisters in Cabin 27 other campers: young or old, boy or girl very the counselors too. Everyone here is unfailingly sweet and caring. They are all so friendly to me and I couldn't be happier that I signed up for this camp one lazy June morning.
Caroline V., Five-Year Camper

What's Hot?

School Year Programs

Enroll now in Fall, Winter, and/or Spring Trimester workshops.

Summer Programs

Upcoming Events

January 25th, 2025: Teen Open Mic in NYC!

Winter Retreat

Enrollment for our 2025 Winter Retreat is open!
- Saturday, February 15th to Tuesday, February 18th, 2025
- @ Camp Mariah in Fishkill, NY

Enroll Now!

Weekly Trimester-Long Workshops

Check out the Weekly Trimester-Long Schedule.

Holiday & School Break Workshops

Check out the Half-Day and Full-Day schedules.

Overnight Programs