Summer program on Huguenot Street inspires young writers through history and nature
The Hudson Valley Writing Project (HVWP) returns to New Paltz’s Historic Huguenot Street for a third consecutive summer, to host a writing workshop program guiding writers age 12-16 as they record their experiences exploring one of the most iconic locations in the Hudson Valley.
Registration is now open for “Exploring New Paltz Then and Now – Nature and History on Huguenot Street,” an innovative week-long workshop at which young writers will draw inspiration from interactive, expert-led tours of Historic Huguenot Street’s iconic stone houses, a guided walk through the magical Nyquist Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary, and a hands-on experience learning about the bounty of the Huguenot Street Farm.
The students will also be introduced to primary source documents, written by Huguenot descendants of New Paltz’ founders, to inspire and influence their own works. The week’s schedule will feature daily writing exercises and will culminate in the creation of an anthology and a final celebratory reading before family and friends.
“This combination of history and its living stories creates unforgettable experiences,” said Diane Rawson, Coordinating Director of Youth Programs for the HVWP. “Each year, we see students complete this program with a renewed confidence in their writing. Many are quite proud of the pieces that they draft and share. Frankly, I am, too!”
“Exploring New Paltz Then and Now – Nature and History on Huguenot Street” will take place July 25 -29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily beginning at Deyo Hall (6 Broadhead Avenue, New Paltz). Registration is $295, and scholarships are available. The workshop is made possible through a partnership between the Hudson Valley Writing Project, the Wallkill Valley Land Trust, Historic Huguenot Street, the Nyquist Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary and the Huguenot Street Farm.
This week-long session is just one of a number of interactive HVWP summer camps designed and led by some of the region’s finest teachers and dedicated to developing the writing and critical thinking skills of students from elementary to high school ages. For more information, visit newpaltz.edu/hvwp/summercamps or contact Diane Rawson at (845) 943-8437.
About the Hudson Valley Writing Project
The Hudson Valley Writing Project at SUNY New Paltz, founded in 2001, is a professional development organization whose purpose is to improve the teaching of writing and to promote literacy development in all disciplines and at all levels of education, pre-kindergarten through college. HVWP teachers help students become successful writers, learners, and participants in their communities. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu/hvwp.