Writing makes for change during young women's summer camp

The teen's dark, fragmented poems wove a narrative of pain and isolation. "Nobody understands me," she wrote. "Nobody cares."  

It was the beginning of summer camp at Women Writing for (a) Change in Silverton, and the young woman's story was all too familiar. During camp, she kept writing. She also created art, danced and gave Pilates a try. By the fall, her mother noticed a shift in the tone and depth of her poems. She expressed confidence. She communicated a sense of belonging. She had found her voice.

Executive Director Emilie Davis hears stories about the impact of Women Writing for (a) Change every day. But in the summer camps, she sees a rare chance to open girls' eyes to the power they can wield with their words. "This is an opportunity for young women to write about what matters to them," says Emilie Davis.

This year, the leader of the 20-year-old non-profit hopes to enroll 60 girls and young women ranging in age from fourth grade and up. In half and whole-day camps, campers find safe places to explore their thoughts, their lives and their writing abilities. The focus is on encouragement, support and empowerment. "Nobody gets out a red pen here," Davis says.

An "Arts in My Own Backyard" grant from Artswave, plus support from the Haile/U.S. Bank Foundation, provides scholarships for young women from Silverton who might not otherwise be able to afford the sessions. Davis says this year one 15-year-old participant will be nine months pregnant; another is dyslexic. "Her mother says she writes beautiful poetry," Davis says. "Her teacher criticizes her spelling."

In addition to writing, young women in the camp spend time creating art and moving. From Zumba classes to artwork, the program takes a holistic approach to the summer camp experience. "It's all about making movement and exercise fun," says Davis.

She points to notes the students have written on "soul cards," or evaluation tools, as evidence of the camp's power:

"I like knowing I'm not the only one who is lost."

"I like feeling I wasn't alone. I was loved."

"This class has changed the way I think."

Do Good:
• Sign up for camp. Sessions start June 20 and run through July 22.

• Catch a podcast. Be inspired by teachers, writers and authors, including Freedom Writers' founder Erin Gruwell.

• Offer support. Donations can help provide scholarships for specific programs or provide operating funds to fuel WWf(a)C's mission.


By Elissa Yancey
Photo courtesy of WWf(a)C