The Writers' Express at Simmons College
While making masks, playing frisbee, and investigating some of Boston's unique neighborhoods, intense adventures with The Writers' Express spark the campers' imaginations and ideas as they write about them. Energetic and curious middle school students (going into grades 5,6,7,8 and 9) who are looking for an adventure worth writing about should apply.
The Writers' Express invites students going into grades 5-9 to participate in the flagship WEX Summer Program at Simmons College. In two or four-week sessions, fun and challenging athletic endeavors-- rock climbing, squash, ultimate frisbee, and canoeing -- will provide the inspiration to write. Campers will also participate in creative and hands-on art projects like glass blowing and mud painting—all of which help inspire students in their writing. Campers will learn new writing, artistic, and athletic skills and refine old ones with the guidance of engaging counselors and experienced teachers.
SAMPLE TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Rock climbing in Hammond Reservation
Canoeing on the Charles River
Kung Fu in Boston
Glass Blowing at Diablo Glass in Dorchester
WHO:
Students of all interests and abilities going into grades 5-9.
WHERE:
Simmons College, 300 The Fenway. The camp is easily accessible by public transportation (MBTA Green Line, Orange Line, and a variety of buses) to children from all over the area.
WHEN:
Camp meets daily from 8:30-4:30pm. Parents can drop-off campers starting at 8am.
Session #1 (two weeks): July 14 - July 25
Session #2: (two weeks): July 28 - Aug 8
COST:
$885.00 per two- week session. The fee includes all day trips, writing and art supplies, and sports equipment, for one session (2 wks). Financial Assistance is available to qualified families. Applying early will increase your chance of receiving aid. (To apply for financial aid, fill out STEP 6 of the general application.)
STAFF:
The student/teacher ratio is 6:1. The directors hire instructors for their energy, warmth and talents—in writing, in the arts and in athletics. Each group of 25 students is led by a certified teacher, 3-4 student teachers, and three high school students (alumni of The Writers’ Express).
Patrick Sheridan, Senior Program Manager and Camp Director, oversees the camp.
Patrick received his B.A. in Spanish from UMass Boston and his M.Ed from Boston College. 
His experience in education includes tutoring college students in Spanish and teaching English to adults in El Salvador. In addition, he coordinated Somerville Head Start’s Family Literacy Program for 4 years. Most recently, he taught fifth and first grades in the Boston Public School system for 5 years. At The Writers' Express, he currently works as a teacher trainer, assists in developing WEX’s primary curriculum, and directs the Summer Program at Simmons College.
Application
Below you will find all the materials you will need in order to register your child for camp next summer. Though we make every effort to accommodate all interested campers, due to the high demand for our summer programming, we cannot guarantee placement. Therefore, registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. The earlier you apply the better. Financial Assistance is available to qualified families. Applying early will increase your chance of receiving aid. (To apply for financial aid, fill out STEP 6 of the general application)
Questions?
Please contact Krista Daly, Program Coordinator, at kdaly@wex.org or 617 844 1003, ext 307.
