Young Writers Summer Camp

Is lunch or snacks provided?

Campers should be sent with lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to keep them satiated throughout the day. Campers are not permitted to leave the building and buy lunch offsite during break. Similarly, we ask that food not be sent via delivery (GrubHub, Doordash, etc) on their behalf during lunch break. Parents or guardians may drop off lunch during break, if they wish.

What should my child bring with them?

Campers don’t need to bring a notebook or writing utensils as those will be provided but a laptop/tablet is welcome if they prefer to type. Campers should bring a water bottle and a lunch. We recommend comfortable clothing suitable for a full day of creative activities. 

Can parents observe or participate?

To create a focused and supportive environment for young writers, parents do not observe or participate in daily camp sessions. However, families may be invited to a final reading or sharing session at the end of the week, depending on the program.

Will there be opportunities to share my child’s work?

Yes. Campers will have opportunities to share their writing through peer workshops and group discussions. Our camp concludes with a celebratory reading or showcase where students can share excerpts of their work with classmates—and sometimes with family members. Their story will be printed and published, then added to the Mechanics’ Institute library collection.

What is the camp’s teaching style?

The camp combines short lessons on story craft with hands-on writing time, guided exercises, peer feedback, and creativity-boosting games. The emphasis is on building confidence, fostering imagination, and helping each camper develop their own voice in a supportive, collaborative setting.

What happens if my child needs extra support?

We strive to create an inclusive, supportive environment for all campers. If your child has learning differences or needs additional support, we encourage parents to reach out in advance so we can work together to ensure a positive experience.

Who do I contact for more information?

For questions about the camp, registration, or policies, please contact the Mechanics’ Institute Programs team using the form below!

What is the drop-off and pick-up procedure like? 

An authorized pick-up is expected to sign students in and out of the camp by coming to the 4th floor chess room and checking in on the roster.

For those driving, we recommend parking at the Sutter-Stockton Garage which is close by and more reliable than street parking.

We are located just steps from the Montgomery Muni and BART station, and a stop on the Muni 2 line for those traveling by public transit.

With parent permission, older students may sign themselves in and out of the camp. Please email programs@milibrary.org with the name of the student and your permission.

Do you allow early drop-off or late pick-up?

We do not offer late pick-up or early drop-off.

Campers will not be able to enter the chess room before 9am on camp days, and they are expected to be picked up promptly.

Parents who are routinely or excessively late (over 15 minutes) will be charged $25 for every 5 minutes they are late.

How many students do you need to run a camp? Is there a minimum number?

All camps need a minimum of 7 campers to hold the camp. Decisions to cancel the camp in case of under-enrollment will be made three weeks before.

Please register ahead of time to make sure we can plan accordingly.

Are we able to get a refund if we need to withdraw from the camp?

We offer refunds of the full price, minus the credit card processing fees, 30 days before the camp starts. Refunds minus a $75 administrative fee are available 7 days before the camp starts.

To request a refund, please email programs@milibrary.org.

Disruptive Behavior or Language

• Bullying, threatening, abusive, derogatory, aggressive, or harassing language or behavior is not allowed. 
• Speaking in loud voices or engaging in prolonged conversation that disturbs other users in non-designated areas is prohibited. 
• Students must be fully clothed, including wearing footwear, at all times. 

Mechanics’ Institute Property

• Intentional damage, misuse, or theft of Mechanics’ Institute’s property, materials, and equipment is prohibited and may be punishable by law. 
• Property of Mechanics’ Institute, including equipment and library materials, must be used in the building only, unless checked out per Institute policy.
• Using furniture or other Institute property for purposes other than intended use is prohibited. This includes sleeping on desks, propping feet on the tables, or using chairs as a step stool.

Personal Property

• Personal items are not the responsibility of Institute staff.
• Personal items such as backpacks, shopping bags, and electronic device cables may not be placed in a way that obstructs aisles, stairs, or exits. 

Technology

• Cell phones may be used sparingly to communicate with family or caregivers during break times but should be silenced and put away during camp activities, unless required for health/accessibility reasons (diabetes monitoring, language access programs, etc). 
• Laptops, tablets, or other devices are not required for camp activities and should not be brought to camp unless required for health/accessibility reasons.

Library

• Eating and/or drinking anything in a paper or plastic disposable cup or open top container is prohibited in the library (outside of the classroom space). Beverages in closed top, resealable containers is acceptable.

Building

• Students must follow proper check in and check out procedures when entering and leaving the building. Students must notify the instructor/staff member before leaving the classroom for any reason. 
• Students are not allowed to leave the building during breaks - a packed lunch, snacks, and drinks must be brought with them. 
• The presence of animals, other than certified service animals, is prohibited.
• Photographing, filming, or audio/video recording on Institute property by students or guests is prohibited without prior written approval from the CEO or Director of Operations.
• Unreasonable use of restrooms, including laundering and bathing, is not allowed.
• Full size bicycles or other similarly sized modes of transportation are not allowed in the building. Skateboards, folding bicycles, collapsible scooters, roller skates, or other smaller devices may be carried into the building but should not be rolled. These devices  must remain folded and in the classroom at all times.

Compliance

• Students, parents, and guardians must leave the premises at the direction of a staff student.
• Students experiencing bouts of cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or other similar symptoms related to the possible spreading of germs may be asked to wear a mask during visits or parents may be called to pick up the student.
• Violations of the rules of conduct may result in the suspension and possible expulsion from camp.