8th Annual Camp Conroy

May 1, 2025May 5, 2025 Beaufort Lifestyle 49 Views

June 9-13 and June 23-27

photos courtesy of THE PAT CONROY LITERARY CENTER

Entering into its eighth year, Camp Conroy is now TWO one-week day camps for young writers and artists. Camp #1 for campers ages 9 to 12 will be held on June 9 to 13 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Camp #2 for campers ages 13 to 16 will be held on June 23 to 27 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Hosted by the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center, both camps will be held at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy.

This year’s camp theme, Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors, honors the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, who developed her metaphor as a way of describing how books can help readers to see themselves, see others, and enter new experiences and understanding. During each of the two camps, participants will build a book together by creating — individually and collaboratively — the writing and art for an anthology, then critiquing, editing, and designing work in preparation for publication. The two age groups will be contributing to a special collaborative project together as well.

Campers can explore a range of writing genres, from poetry to short stories to micro-memoirs; as well as multiple forms of self-expression in the visual arts, including drawing, painting, and photography. They will be guided through their creative endeavors by Camp Conroy’s talented counselors, full-time adult instructors, and special guest presenters and instructors. A final reading and presentation of camper creations will conclude the experience.

The $250 registration fee for Camp Conroy includes one week of instruction, camp activities, and healthy daily snacks. Students must bring their own lunches and drinks each day. (This is a day camp; overnight lodging and meals are not included.) After the camp, participants will each receive a copy of their published anthology. Registration closes on May 20.

Scholarships: A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. To apply, interested students should submit a sample of their work (story, essay, poem, artwork, or photography) with a brief letter about their interest by May 10, to the Pat Conroy Literary Center, Attention: Camp Conroy, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort, SC 29902. Please specify the age of the camper. Recipients will be contacted in early June.

Sponsorships: The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center welcomes sponsorships of campers, camp counselors, camp instructors, and guest presenters, all of which makes possible this immersive creative experience honoring Pat Conroy’s legacy as educator, writer, and lifelong mentor.