A Typical Summer Day

On the surface of the water a green film slowly drifts. ... It almost seems like a huge orchestra. The bees move from leaf to leaf, almost in a straight line. The wind blows, helping them move along faster. Birds sing in the background. And the silence keeps the beat.

Mansour, ‘Ponding,’ Grade 9

Each day at WEX, campers participate in engaging experiences, both new and familiar, and writing is the thread that ties each day together.

Students arrive, make a circle

After completing a brief individual skill exercise, several students raise their hands to read from their journals. The lead teacher then teaches a writing lesson on verbs.

Fencing and writing

Campers work with a guest fencer to learn different fencing skills and moves. Each camper practices these moves with the group and then fences with other campers. After fencing, campers write about a particular moment when they felt challenged while fencing.Read about Sydney’s moment during Fencing

Writing groups, computer lab

Writing instructors conference with individual campers while the other campers get out their writing folders and look over comments on their last drafts. They strategize about how to meet their publishing deadlines, and with laptops open they focus intently on developing this draft of their polished piece.

Basketball and writing

Campers develop their basketball abilities through drills and practice. Then they apply these skills while playing a full game on the court. Afterwards they write about one moment of action from the game, describing it in slow motion. Read about Jessica’s moment during Basketball

 

Closing circle

Several students share their writing and get feedback on how their writing and use of particular skills impacts the audience. After wrapping up loose ends from the day, the lead teacher dismisses campers.