W r i t i n g Workshop for…
Rising High School Seniors
JULY 9-15, 2023
If you would like to inquire about the 2023 summer trip for teens, please click to email.
Spend 6 days writing and receiving feedback with Allison and Andrea in one of the most gorgeous spots in the world. (Students leave with a completed common app essay.)
Join us in Key Largo, Florida
(pics and info below are from Guatemala. New pics and information available soon.
I expected this trip to be very stressful; I thought we were going to be working for many hours a day and that I wouldn’t do well with writing. I was never a good writer, so I thought this trip wasn't for me, but I was actually shocked in my writing skills. Allison and Andrea were wonderful teachers with a great sense of humor. Writing with them just felt normal and I am so glad I got this opportunity. I felt we had the perfect amount of time to work on things. I loved the first day of writing prompts and how everyone opened up immediately. It was crazy how we were able to do a lot of work in just a few hours. That way, we were able to take a dip in the lake, hit up town, or just talk and get to know each other more. To me, this trip was just fucking fabulous. Next time, I would like more one on one time with Allison and Andrea, but other than that, it was an incredible way to spend my time in Guatemala!
—Maggie Meltzer
Each day starts at 8am with Yoga
At first, I thought this trip was going to be hard for me in terms of not making friends and leaving without a completed essay. But I proved myself wrong! Although I did have a difficult time adjusting at first, getting to know everyone and being able to have a change of scenery was definitely worth it. I was put out of my comfort zone and am happy I was because if not, I probably wouldn’t have had the experience I had. Being alone was scary, but it has its perks.
—Lexy Banegas
Special Morning Hike to Rastro Maya
This trip exceeded my expectations. I thought it was mainly gonna be writing, but I'm so glad I got to see Guatemala as well and live in this beautiful resort with amazing food by Rosa. I loved the freedom we received and the new friends I made.
—Maya Fernandes
BREAKFAST
Meals are locally sourced, organic comida prepared by Rosa, a Mayan chef trained in Italy.
I expected this trip to be more of a serious writing activity with little to no free time, and I expected to leave with a completed essay. I thought that there was going to be lots of community service and little resources. In reality the trip had lots of free time that allowed me to get my writing done. I was allowed to do what I wanted when I wanted even if it wasn't what the group was doing. I had lots of fun and enjoyed the community service. I loved the house and the living situations though the bugs were annoying. I also finished my essay which was amazing.
—Emma O’Connor
From 10-1pm…
During the day, we’ll do community service OR write to prompts, brainstorm, workshop stories, and talk craft. Each student will have 3 hours of one-on-one time with both Andrea and Allison (after lunch) to work on and complete their common app essay. Many hours will be spent getting group feedback.
Group writing + brainstorming session with all students
I expected this trip to be a weird experiment with a bunch of strange white people, however, it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences in my life so far. I dug deep down within myself, I opened up, I ate amazing food, learned about another culture, and started to brush up on my Spanish. It definitely was life changing and if I can participate again I definitely will.
—Jazz Williams
Community Service Days (10am-1pm)
Students will spend three hours with community leaders and a family in need of electricity. They will help install solar electric systems in homes and be a part of a team helping the community of San Marcos La Laguna grow and thrive.
We are so proud of our kids who raised* enough money and then worked hard to install 15 solar kits for Mayan families who didn’t have electricity.
*ALL students will be required to raise a minimum of $200 for the solar electric system.
AFTER LUNCH….
Students will have three hours (2-5pm) to work on their essay, kayak, paddleboard, explore (chaperoned) the adorable villages filled with local markets and homemade wares, or receive one on one time with Andrea or Allison.
I expected this trip to be completely consumed by writing, with very little free time. I also didn’t think I would learn as much about myself as I did. I ended up having lots of fun, while being super productive, and finishing my common app essay in just a week. I really loved going into town, and I would’ve liked to see more excursions to the different towns around the lake.
Andrea Coscarelli
Get ready for your one-on-one…
I chose to go on this trip because it seemed like a beautiful, relaxing vacation and a designated time for me to get my essay done. I would have otherwise procrastinated. I expected to struggle writing this essay. I didn’t think I’d be able to put my words into a story. In reality, it was a lot easier and more enjoyable than I thought it would be, because I had not only a lot of free time to think and write but also a perfect amount of time to actually write with the teachers. The workshop was also a lot more helpful than I thought it was going to be, because I didn’t even realize but the exercises were extremely helpful in my format of writing, finding my story, and getting group feedback to work with.
—Ella Jaffe
After dinner…
be prepared for karaoke, s’mores by the fire, games, or 3-minute stories.
The trip was great; I made new friends and my belief on white people being rude and not worthy of getting to know truly changed. I’ve met so many nice, genuine people here. I also loved the solar panels activity. I would just want it to be more hands on. I would’ve also liked to cook with Rosa at least one time. I would’ve also wanted to have another activity to do that wasn’t yoga because I can’t keep my attention on anything for more than 15 minutes, so it was mentally challenging. I am thankful for the opportunity and would redo it.
—Sheyla Cordova
Casitas students will share with a friend or live in solo.
When I came into this trip, I certainly didn’t expect to share my secret with everybody in the group. I thought I was simply sharing my essay with Andrea and Allison instead of expressing myself to everyone here. What I experienced the very first day was nothing like I had imagined. I did not even know before how vulnerable I really could be. I’m so grateful for the writing tips I’ve learned and the support I’ve received throughout this process. I loved the meals, getting to help out in the local community, and taking in the culture. I’ll forever remember the time I spent here even if it was only 7 days out of my whole life.
—Emily Olster
$4500*
Fee includes food, lodging, writing instruction (group and 6 hours of private), community service, yoga, meditation, coffee/tea, transportation to and from airport in Guatemala with an authentic local lunch on the way to Lake Atitlan, night of karaoke and dinner out, a morning hike to Rastro Maya Volcano. *Flights excluded.
To reserve your spot or find out more, please email allison@writingclassradio.com.
To secure your spot, please send a 50% deposit (refundable before April 1, 2023) via Venmo to Allison Langer @writingclassradio. Payment in full is due by June 1, 2023.
Cancellation policy:
We do not offer refunds due to the limited number of participants. We will try to work with you if you need to cancel for emergency reasons. If you cancel and we are able to fill your spot, you will receive a full refund. Before signing up, please make sure you passport is valid for SIX months after the date of return from Guatemala.
