JWR Museum Home, Creative Writing Summer Camp

Registration for both sessions of the 2026 Creative Writing Summer Camp at the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home are now open! Every year, Professor Watermelon, aka Chadwick Gillenwater, helps campers discover their creative muse as they create stories and poems. Campers confidence and writing skills will improve throughout the week, as they find inspiration in life and works of James Whitcomb Riley, as well as in the historic home and neighborhood.

There will be two sessions of camp this year, the first from June 22-26 and a second session from July 27-31. Both camps are in-person, and run from 9am to 4pm with an hour break for lunch as well a snack break in the morning and afternoon. Campers will bring their own lunch; snacks will be provided. Weather permitting, all meals will enjoyed in the Home's spacious lawns and gardens.

During the week, campers will create original works of fiction, while enjoying creative writing activities. All will have the opportunity to earn fun prizes daily by completing challenges and stories.

Chadwick Gillenwater, aka Professor Watermelon, will lead both sessions. As an experienced Creative Writing teacher and children's author, Professor Watermelon has many years of experience helping young authors find their own creative muses!

Camp Registration: $275 for the week

For additional information, please contact Chris Mize [email protected].

Campers will also get to explore the grounds and the historic neighborhood with staff to find inspiration in the most unlikely places!

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Host or Publisher James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home