July 27 – July 31, 2026
Wooster, Ohio
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 4:00pm
First Presbyterian Church 621 College Ave, Wooster, OH 44691
Tuition $180.00
Before and after care available 8:00am – 5:00pm
No Additional Cost
Click Here for restaurants and places to stay in Wooster.
Introducing the Buckeye Book Camp, a transformative week-long experience tailored for students in 3rd through 8th grades. Our camp combines the intensity of a “Boot Camp” with the creative process of making books, empowering young minds to unleash their literary potential.
During the camp, students will immerse themselves in the world of character development and storytelling, working closely with an author, editor, illustrator, and agent. Through a series of workshops and hands-on activities, they will learn to imagine, design, write, and edit their very own stories from start to finish.
Each day, from 9am to 4pm, students will dive into the creative process, refining their ideas and honing their storytelling skills under the guidance of our expert instructors. Students will have ample time to collaborate, brainstorm, and bring their stories to life….and games….there will be lots of creative games to play.
By the end of the week, students will emerge with a basic portfolio showcasing their story idea. Our goal is to equip students with the tools and confidence they need to pursue their passion for writing and storytelling.
Please note that students will need to bring their own lunches, and before and after care will be available from 8am to 5pm for added convenience.
The Ulimate Summer Adventure!
Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure at Buckeye Book Camp, where creativity knows no bounds! Join us as we journey through the magical world of storytelling with our incredible staff leading the way. Jerzy Drozd, the comic book maestro from Columbus, Ohio, will have students dreaming up superheroes and epic adventures in no time. Sami Tripi, an art educator from Bowling Green State University, will inspire young minds through illustration, visual storytelling, and creative expression, helping campers bring their ideas to life on the page and beyond. Lillian Mazeika, the agent with a heart of gold, guiding budding authors and illustrators toward success, there’s truly no limit to what they can achieve. From comic workshops to storytelling sessions and everything in between, Buckeye Book Camp promises a summer filled with imagination, inspiration, and endless fun for your little bookworms!
Here’s The Buckeye Book Camp’s Summer Teaching Staff
Jerzy Drozd
Author + Illustrator
Jerzy Drozd is from Columbus, Ohio. Jerzy is a teaching artist who leads comics workshops throughout Ohio. Jerzy co-authored Science Comics: Rockets, a comics documentary that explores the history and science of comics as told by the animals who participated in rocket history. Social media: Instagram: @JerzyDrozd
Sami Tripi
Editor
Sami Tripi is an art educator from Bowling Green State University whose teaching blends creativity, strategy, and real-world application. With a background that spans digital marketing, traditional art, illustration, and painting, Sami brings a multidisciplinary approach to the classroom, encouraging students to think visually, experiment boldly, and communicate ideas with confidence. Her work reflects a belief that strong art education builds both technical skill and personal voice, preparing students to thrive across creative industries.
Kimberly Crislip Jarvis
Director
Kimberly Crislip Jarvis is an educator, choreographer, and administrator known for her exceptional contributions to the creative arts. With an impressive educational background, Kimberly holds degrees from the Scandinavian Institute for Physical Culture in Denmark, Malone University, and The University of Akron. Kimberly has an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, educational playfulness, and community engagement.
Lillian Mazieka
Agent
Lillian Mazeika has worked as a literary agent with Tugeau 2 Art and Literary Agency, where she represented a diverse roster of picture book creators. Now based in Cleveland, Ohio, she is a writer and painter whose work explores surrealism and historical influences. She is currently pursuing a degree in Art Education at Kent State University, bringing her industry experience into her artistic practice. When she’s not painting, she enjoys exploring antique malls and attending local concerts.
Unlock Your Creativity
Gather ’round, brave adventurers of the written word, for the grand finale of the Buckeye Book Camp! Students will learn about navigating the treacherous waters of the publishing industry as we embark on a quest to unravel its mysteries. From agents to publishers, we’ll share a few pro-tips of the submission process! Tweaks and adjustments will prepare students to shine like the brightest stars in the literary sky! And then, as the hour of destiny approaches, we’ll gather for one last hurrah: a grand presentation to parents and friends. With hearts pounding and poised, students will present their ideas to each other (and parents), hoping to win favor and secure thier story’s place in the hearts and minds of the community. And as the sun sets on our epic adventure, we’ll enjoy a joyous celebration and closing ceremony, where we’ll raise our quills in triumph, recognizing our achievements and setting our sights on future quests yet to come!
Here’s what’s in our action-packed days of literary exploration at Buckeye Book Camp! Each morning, students will plunge into the world of storytelling with daily classes led by our dynamic staff members. From crafting comics to exploring the art of fiction, every session promises to spark imagination and ignite creativity. After a well-deserved lunch break, our campers will be treated to special workshops led by guest teaching artists, where they’ll discover new techniques and perspectives to enhance their storytelling skills. But the adventure doesn’t end there! In our afternoon lab sessions, students will have the unique opportunity to work closely with our staff in short rotations, receiving personalized guidance and feedback to bring their stories to life. Buckeye Book Camp isn’t just a camp—it’s a journey of discovery, inspiration, and endless possibilities for young storytellers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if Buckeye Book Camp is the right choice for my child?
A: Buckeye Book Camp ensures quality programs, skilled personnel, and excellent administrative practices. Our diverse range of camp activities caters to every interest, from character development adventures to creative drawing and brainstorming. This ensures that every child can find something they’re passionate about at our day camp.
Q: What will you do if some kids get bored or rowdy at the book camp?
A: We will be “all in” with character development through movement and play. In addition, our camp location is filled with opportunities for foozeball, games, and recess.
Q: Will there be nerds at the Buckeye Book Camp?
A: We hope so.
Q: Will I have fun if I’m not a nerd?
A: Yes.
Q: How does Buckeye Book Camp prioritize the safety of campers?
A: The safety and well-being of our campers are our top priorities. We have a certified medical assistant on staff to attend to any health needs promptly. Additionally, our staff consists of experienced educators who are passionate about providing a memorable and enriching experience for every day camper. They undergo background checks, training in safety procedures.
Special Thanks
The Buckeye Book Camp was started by a generous grant from Wayne County Community Foundation. Our students, community, and staff are grateful. Thank you.