Write Outside: A Creative Writing Camp in Nature

This summer I’m hosting a small creative writing camp called Write Outside.

The idea actually came from a parent who asked if I would put together a nature-based writing camp for their child and a group of friends. I loved the concept immediately. Some of the best writing and creative work happens when kids are out in the world noticing things, asking questions, and letting their imaginations run.

I’m sharing it here in case there are other kids who would love to join us.

Why write outside?

Over the years I made a habit of taking my students outside for regular writing sessions in the park. Some of the most creative and memorable work they produced came from those days. Whether it was writing, drawing, or other artistic creations, I saw again and again that something special happens when kids are seated in a natural space, noticing the world around them and letting their imaginations run.

There is something about being outdoors that seems to unlock creativity in kids.

When students step away from desks and screens, their senses wake up. They notice things they might normally overlook: the sound of wind in the trees, the patterns in a rock, the movement of birds overhead. These small observations often become the starting point for creative ideas and imaginative work.

And I’m not the only one who has seen this at work. Research on time spent in nature consistently shows benefits for focus, creativity, and cognitive flexibility. Studies have found that people perform better on creative problem-solving tasks after spending time outdoors. Other educators and researchers have consistently reported similar findings: time in natural environments often helps unlock imagination and deeper thinking—not to mention the well-documented benefits that time outdoors has for mental health and overall well-being.

What the camp will look like

Write Outside is intentionally designed as a small-group program. I’d love to fill the van with six curious, creative kids who are excited to spend their days outdoors exploring ideas and creating together.

Each morning we’ll meet in Kensington before heading out together to one of San Diego’s natural spaces. Depending on the day and weather conditions, we might explore places like the La Jolla tide pools, Balboa Park, the Tijuana River Estuary, or the Laguna Mountains.

Throughout the day we’ll explore different natural spaces and then settle in for creative time. Kids will have time to wander, observe, and take in the details of the world around them before turning those experiences into writing, drawing, and other creative work.

The rhythm of the week is intentionally balanced between movement, exploration, and time to create. By the end of the week, each child will leave with a spiral-bound book of their original writing and artwork, along with new confidence in their creative ideas.

You can explore the full details of the camp below.

👉 Click through the interactive guide to see the schedule, locations, materials, and program details.

If your child loves stories, imagination, creativity, and being outdoors, they may be a great fit. That said, I’ve often seen the opposite happen too. Sometimes kids who love being outside become excited about writing once they have something meaningful to write about, and sometimes kids who already love writing discover a new appreciation for the outdoors through experiences like this.

If you’re interested or curious to learn more, feel free to reach out.