July 22 – 26, 2024
Wooster, Ohio
Monday – Friday
9:00am – 4:00pm
First Presbyterian Church 621 College Ave, Wooster, OH 44691
Tution $180.00
Before and after care available 8:00am – 5:00pm
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. Kori Frazier Morgan, the wordsmith extraordinaire, will inspire young minds to weave tales as enchanting as the ones she pens herself. And with Lillian Mazeika, the agent with a heart of gold, guiding budding authors and illustrators toward success, there’s no limit to what they can achieve! From comic workshops to storytelling sessions and everything in between, Buckeye Book Camp promises a summer of 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
Kori Frazier Morgan
Editor
Kori Frazier Morgan is an author and creative. A graduate of Ohio Northern University and West Virginia University’s Master of Fine Arts program in fiction writing, she has been featured in publications such as Shenandoah, SN Review, Blanket Sea, Agape Review, Switchback, Rubbertop Review, Cantos, and Clayjar Review. She is the author of The Goodbye-Love Generation: A Novel in Stories, a work of historical fiction that centers on the members of a Kent, Ohio rock band during the Kent State shootings in May 1970. Her essay collection, Why I Dyed My Hair Purple and Other Unorthodox Stories, will be released from Calla Press Publishing later this year. Kori is the founder and Chief Literary Strategist of Inkling Creative Strategies, an author services company that helps writers reach their full creative potential so they can impact and inspire readers.
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 jas an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, educational playfulness, and community engagement.
Lillian Mazieka
Agent
Lillian Mazeika has been an agent at the Tugeau 2 Art and Literary Agency since 2021. She represents illustrators and authors in all facets of juvenile publishing. Coming from an art background herself, Lillian is thrilled to be working so closely with creatives. Aside from connecting creators with jobs, Lillian’s main goal is to help all of her clients find their voice within their work. When she’s not agenting, you can find Lillian at an antique mall, a local concert, or working on her own writing.
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!
Summer Guest Teaching Artists
Monday
July 22
Brainstorming with…
Merrill Rainey
Merrill’s magical storytelling workshop has the spell to unlock the creativity vault! Students will learn the art of conjuring story ideas and shaping them into captivating concepts. But wait, there’s more enchantment to come! Dive into the depths of narrative crafting, where Merrill will guide the campers through the mystical journey of creating a story with a beginning, middle, and end that will leave them spellbound. And here’s the cherry on top of the wizard’s hat: sprinkle some fun into your potion with creative exercises and personalized guidance straight from Merrill’s mystical realm. Unleash your inner wizard of words and join the adventure today!
Merrill Rainey, a cowboy-boot-wearing picture-book creator and paper-toy-maker, once spent his Saturdays drawing, watching monster movies, and embarking on imaginative adventures. His work champions creativity and imaginative play, with titles like Roar! I’m a Dinosaur, Oink! I’m a Pig, and the Color, Cut, Create series. His latest illustrated book, Giants Are Very Brave People, reimagines a classic tale of a little giant finding courage with a new friend’s help. Merrill’s contributions extend to children’s magazines like Highlights, Ranger Rick, and Humpty Dumpty. Explore his art at LittleRrainey.com or follow @LittleRainey
Tuesday
July 23
Revising with…
Lindsay Bonilla
Prepare to embark on a whimsical journey of revision with Lindsay Bonilla! Dive deep into the enchanted realm of the revision process, where you’ll uncover the secret treasures of your writing—spotting strengths and discovering areas for magical enhancement! But fear not, for Lindsay is here to equip you with the most powerful spells of self-editing techniques, ensuring your tales sparkle with clarity and flow like never before. Join forces with your fellow campers in the peer critique exercise, where you’ll trade potions of constructive feedback, brewing up brilliance together. And when it’s time to cast your revisions into the world, go for it! Lindsay will be your trusty guide through every incantation and enchantment, ensuring your story shines brighter than the most radiant star in the sky!
Lindsay Bonilla is from North Canton, Ohio. She is an author and professional storyteller who loves visiting schools, libraries and venues of all kinds to share her own stories and multicultural folktales with audiences of all ages. When not writing and performing, Lindsay loves reading, running, playing tennis and traveling the world with her husband and two sons. Her latest book, The Note Who Faced the Music, is a hilarious, pun-filled tale of friendship and self-worth. Perfect for music lovers, it’s sure to strike a chord with anyone who’s felt flat, ringing with reassurance that we’re all key players. Learn more about Lindsay at LindsayBonilla.com, And find her on: Facebook: @Author&StorytellerLindsayBonilla, Twitter “X”: @LindsayBonilla, and Instagram: @LindsayBonilla40
Wed
July 24
Illustration with…
Katie Mazika
Get ready to dip your quills in a rainbow of colors and unleash your inner artist with Katie Mazieka’s whimsical illustration extravaganza! Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds as Katie guides you through the enchanted forest of illustration styles and techniques. Discover the magical harmony between words and pictures as you delve into the art of visual storytelling, where every stroke of the brush adds a new layer of wonder to your narrative. But wait, there’s more enchantment to come! Roll up your sleeves and join the hands-on illustration workshop, where you’ll breathe life into characters, scenes, and fantastical elements straight from the depths of your imagination! And fear not, brave adventurer, for Katie will be by your side, offering sage advice and mystical feedback to help your illustrations soar to new heights of brilliance!
Katie Mazeika is an award-winning author and illustrator who specializes in telling stories based on real people and events and likes to highlight disabled voices in her work. Her newest book Beulah Has A Hunch is a picture book biography about prolific inventor Beulah Henry, known as “Lady Edison.” Despite not having any math or science education, Beulah became one of the most prolific female inventors. She also understood, and talked openly about her own neurodiversity in the 1930’s. Katie currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio. You can visit her online at KatieMazeika.com, Twitter “X”: @KDMAZ, and Instagram: @KDMAZART.
Thursday
July 25
Critiquing with…
Florenza Lee
Step into the vibrant world of creativity with Critiquing with Florenza Lee! Join us on an exhilarating journey where the importance of critique reigns supreme. Through lively discussions and insightful revelations, discover how feedback becomes the magic wand that transforms mere drafts into masterpieces. Picture yourself in a group critique session, surrounded by fellow artisans eager to share their works and receive pearls of wisdom from none other than Florenza Lee herself. As your manuscript and illustrations take center stage, brace yourself for the whirlwind of detailed feedback that will shape them into polished gems. Learn the art of strengthening your creations, weaving together words and images with finesse, all under the expert guidance of Florenza Lee. So, sharpen your pencils, dust off your notebooks, and prepare to embark on a transformative journey where critique isn’t just valuable—it’s the key to unlocking your true creative potential!
Florenza Lee, is a versatile and accomplished author, coach, speaker, and advocate from Chagrin Falls, Ohio. She wears many hats, including those of a publisher, radio talk show host, and Master Storyteller. Her impactful children’s books, such as Adventurous Olivia’s Alphabet Quest and Barry Bear’s Very Best, reflect her dedication to young readers. Florenza is actively involved in literary and professional organizations like SCBWI, AALBC, IPG, and InScribe, highlighting her commitment to her craft and collaborative communities. Explore her literary world online at: Florenza.org.
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!
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 has been made possible through a generous grant from Wayne County Community Foundation.
Buckeye Book Fair 