Unleashing Creativity at PAW’s Story Slam Camp

When school is out and the sun is shining, the last thing any kid wants to do is more academics! They want to be out with their friends, forget about school, and have a memorable summer. As a parent, you want those same things for your child, but you also know how important it is for them to build on the momentum from the past school year and gain an edge for the next school term. Wanting the best for your child means having to create the perfect balance of time over the summer months . . . down time for them to recuperate and rest, as well as mixing in time and opportunities for them to promote growth, build confidence, and express themselves. Learning how to write short stories, scripts and poetry at a young age has a profound impact on a child’s ability to express their emotions, thoughts, and feelings in a healthy way. It not only helps them communicate better but also empowers them to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and creativity. Creative writing nurtures a child’s overall growth, making it a valuable activity during these formative years. Even for children who may be more reserved, developing these skills offers a multitude of benefits:

• Enhanced Communication Skills: Creative writing encourages children to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively. This skill is invaluable in both academic and social settings.
• Improved Critical Thinking: Developing a story requires thoughtful consideration of plot, characters, and narrative structure, honing your child’s problem-solving abilities.
• Boosted Confidence: Sharing their stories with peers and receiving positive feedback helps children build self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
• Fostering Imagination: Creative writing allows kids to explore their imaginations, fostering unique ideas and perspectives that extend beyond storytelling.
• Emotional Expression: Writing provides an outlet for children to express their emotions and experiences, promoting emotional intelligence and well-being.

You may be wondering how a summer camp can turn a subject like creative writing into a fun summer activity that your child will enjoy and blossom in? Just like how parents have learned how to sneak in a serving of vegetables without their kids noticing, here at Performing Arts Workshops (PAW) we have achieved the same with academics through our Story Slam Camp. Our teachers provide a safe and nurturing space where your child can discover the magic of storytelling and unlock their creative potential. Whether they’re an aspiring author, writer, or are simply looking to build confidence, our camp provides a solid foundation for a lifetime of creative expression and self-assurance.

Here, our young writers will draw inspiration from their personal experiences, issues they are passionate about, and even current events… Paw’s Story Slam Camp will help them find their voice in the ultimate artistic form of self-expression. Our campers (ages 9-14) will learn how to create and write short stories, scripts & poems which are compelling, moving, and impactful! PAW’s Story Slam allows our young writers to express themselves in the most memorable way!

They will learn the essential elements that are necessary to create an amazing short story including character, plot, setting and theme. By balancing these principles along with powerful literary elements including rhyme, alliteration, onomatopoeias, similes, metaphors, repetition, personification, hyperboles, symbolism, tone, and mood our campers will take their poetry to another level as well!

Our curriculum will promote the development of self-confidence through the medium of storytelling. Within each one-week session, our campers will give their written work a voice as they expand upon their public speaking skills through a series of fun vocal exercises and breathing games to enhance their diction, enunciation, projection, intent and directness while speaking!

Finally, our campers can share their stories and poems with each other at their group finale…the “Open Mic Party!” This activity is an elective where each child may take the opportunity to express their poems in a spoken style with intentional body language, meaningful tone and diction, as well as personal stylistic touches.

Because PAW allows only up to 10 children in each session, each child receives a lot of individual attention. If you want more information about camp, our office staff is always there to help you at (310) 827-8827 or just visit their website - PerformingArtsWorkshops.com.

By Rosalyn Skinner

Administrative Manager of Performing Arts Workshops, winner of BEST SUMMER CAMP in LA Parent Magazine.

With 8 camp locations to choose from, PAW is local to families near El Segundo, Northridge, Pasadena, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Studio City, Torrance and West LA. To learn more about Performing Arts Workshops, call (310) 827-8827 for more information or visit https://performingartsworkshops.com/

PAW’s 2025 camp offerings of award-winning camps provide a well-rounded arts experience for children including : Musical Theater Camp, Actor’s Sizzle Reel, Stage FX Makeup, Guitar, Story Slam, Top Pop Choir, Photography, Debate Club, and LOL Stand Up Comedy!

At PAW, kids ages 5 ½ to 14 just need a curiosity and a passion for performing, whether they are novices or seasoned thespians. Pick your favorite activity or try them all! Your child will shine on stage for the ultimate arts experience from rehearsal to performance, where each session ends with a FREE creative performance enjoyed by the families of PAW campers. This summer the Musical Theater kids can perform in children’s adaptations of WICKED, HOGWARTS SCHOOL MUSICAL, ALICE IN WONDERLAND or BARBlE DREAM MUSICAL. PAW teachers are nurturing, skilled instructors who are dedicated to fostering a safe, non-competitive environment, where children can use the arts as a medium with which to learn communication, compassion, collaboration, and creativity. They work together to bring out the best in each child and create a summer experience where kids will make friends and lifelong memories.

Performing Arts Workshops ~ the ultimate ARTS experience.

Part Art…Part Play…ALL FUN!