This summer, young readers, writers, and artists in our community experienced two truly inspiring literary adventures through the Buckeye Book Fair. From interactive library workshops to a full week of immersive learning at Buckeye Book Camp, the season was packed with creativity, laughter, and the joy of storytelling.
Library Workshop with Merrill Rainey
Our summer kicked off with a special event at the library featuring Ohio artist Merrill Rainey. In Color, Cut, Create!, students aged 6–12 designed their own paper toy characters, learning how to bring ideas to life through art, planning, and imagination. Merrill’s workshop combined fun, hands-on creativity with a focus on storytelling, helping each child discover how a character can tell a story even before a single word is written.
The library event was a lively and engaging experience. Students experimented with craft supplies, collaborated with peers, and shared their creations in a supportive, encouraging environment. The excitement was contagious, and it was wonderful to see children’s faces light up as their characters took shape. The Buckeye Book Fair was proud to support the workshop by providing Merrill’s books, giving students a chance to explore his work and inspiration further.
Buckeye Book Camp: The Ultimate Summer Adventure
Shortly after the library workshop, Buckeye Book Camp ran from July 28 through August 1 at First Presbyterian Church in Wooster, OH, offering students in grades 3–8 a week-long immersive journey into the world of storytelling and bookmaking. This transformative camp combined the intensity of a “boot camp” with the creative freedom of making stories, helping young writers and illustrators unlock their literary potential.
Students spent each day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. immersed in the creative process, guided by a stellar team of experts. Jerzy Drozd, a Columbus-based comic artist, led workshops on crafting comics and developing imaginative stories. Kori Frazier Morgan, an accomplished editor and author, inspired campers to refine their writing and storytelling skills. Literary agent Lillian Mazeika shared her insight into the publishing world, giving students a glimpse into how stories reach readers. Director Kimberly Jarvis ensured the week was organized, engaging, and brimming with energy and creativity.
Throughout the week, students participated in writing and illustrating labs, collaborated in brainstorming sessions, and explored special workshops led by guest teaching artists. Every activity was designed to help campers refine ideas, build confidence, and bring their stories to life. Along the way, they played creative games, practiced teamwork, and learned that storytelling is as much about the process as the final product.
By the end of the week, each camper had developed a student portfolio showcasing their story ideas and illustrations. The experience culminated in a grand finale presentation, where students shared their work with each other and their families in a celebratory ensemble performance. Every camper played an essential role, demonstrating their creativity, confidence, and the skills they had developed during the week.
Summer Highlights and Takeaways
This summer reminded us of the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and bring communities together. From the library workshop with Merrill Rainey to the comprehensive week of Buckeye Book Camp, students explored their imaginations, learned from professionals, and grew in both confidence and creative skill. Caregivers were welcomed to witness the campers’ achievements, and every moment of the week underscored the importance of fostering creativity and nurturing young voices.
We are incredibly proud of our campers, who approached each challenge with curiosity, heart, and energy. Their work, collaboration, and enthusiasm made this summer unforgettable. Whether crafting paper toys with Merrill Rainey or building entire story worlds at camp, these young writers and illustrators showed that creativity knows no bounds.
The Buckeye Book Fair remains dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to discover the joy of reading, writing, and storytelling. This summer’s workshops and camp were a testament to what can happen when passion meets guidance, imagination meets instruction, and young minds are encouraged to dream big. We can’t wait to see the stories they create in the years to come!
SAVE THE DATES FOR THE 2026 BUCKEYE BOOK CAMP July 27 – 31, 2026
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