YWER 2026 Details

RETREAT DATES: 4:00pm Friday, June 12th, 2026 - 4:00pm Sunday, June 14th, 2026

 

DETAILS: At this weekend overnight camp young writers will participate in writing workshops,

nature activities, outdoor adventures, and creative challenges. All meals, workshops, and

activities are included.

 

WHO can participate: Open to rising 6-8 th grade students enrolled in a Waldorf school (students

who will be entering 6th 7th or 8th grade for the 2026-2027 school year)

 

LOCATION: YMCA Camp Duncan, 32405 N Hwy12, Ingleside, IL 60041.

Just one hour from Chicago, Rockford, and Milwaukee, YMCA’s Camp Duncan has offered

summer adventures for youth for more than 100 years. YMCA Camp Duncan’s 340 acres on Fish

lake is accredited by the American Camp Association.

 

INSTRUCTORS:

The Youth Writers Educational Retreat will be led by experienced, current Waldorf teachers from

Da Vinci Waldorf School in Wauconda, Il.

Libby Weston is the current second and third grade combo Class Teacher and Grades Chair at

Da Vinci. She holds a degree in K-8 Education and is also a professional puppeteer specializing

in writing original theatrical productions.

Kevin Kane is the current fifth and sixth grade combo Class Teacher at Da Vinci Waldorf. He

received his Bachelor's Degree in English from Western Michigan University and his Master of Fine

Arts in writing from Columbia College Chicago.

 

COST:

The cost of the retreat is $250. YWER is thrilled to announce, thanks to a generous grant from

the Midstates Shared Gifting, YWER is able to offer full scholarships to promising young writers.

Scholarships are awarded by request (just indicate you are applying for a scholarship on your

form). Scholarships will be awarded based on the quality of the student essay, the teacher

recommendation, timely submission of the application.