Overview
Throughout the week, participants will read and discuss examples of great short fiction, learn key techniques for crafting vivid scenes and authentic dialogue, and gain experience giving and receiving constructive feedback. By the end of the program, each student will complete and polish a short story suitable for inclusion in a creative portfolio or college application.
At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
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A finished short story you’ll be proud to share
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Practical tools for creating strong characters, settings, and plots
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A deeper understanding of story structure and revision techniques
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Experience in a professional-style writers’ workshop
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Greater confidence in your voice as a storyteller
Program Dates
July 27, 2026 - July 31, 2026
Sample Daily Schedule: This is only a sample schedule and is subject to change due to a variety of factors.
| Day |
Theme |
Activities |
| 9 a.m. |
Morning Meeting and Craft Lesson |
Each morning begins with an introduction to a key element of fiction—such as character development, point of view, plot structure, or dialogue—through mini-lessons, examples, and discussion. |
| 10 a.m. |
Writing Workshop |
Participants write and share their work in a supportive, collaborative environment. Faculty guide students through prompts and exercises designed to spark creativity and deepen storytelling skills. |
| Noon |
Lunch Break |
All meals are included for students staying on campus. |
| 1 p.m. |
Independent Writing and One-on-One Conferences |
Students apply what they’ve learned by drafting or revising their stories. Faculty provide individualized feedback and guidance through one-on-one meetings. |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Peer Review and Group Discussion |
Participants exchange stories, give constructive feedback, and discuss how to strengthen their writing through revision and reflection. |
| 4 p.m. |
Break |
Open activities and a break for participants. |
Participation Requirements
Participants must be current high school students. Typically, participants are between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age at the start of the program.
Equipment and Materials
Quinnipiac University will provide all required materials, including laptops, for students within this program. Students are welcome to bring their own laptops or other devices for use outside of instruction periods or with the approval of their instructor.
Program Costs
Option 1: 1-week overnight program from Sunday to Saturday. Includes full room and board as well as evening and weekend activities: $1,800
Option 2: 1-week on-campus commuter program from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Includes lunch daily: $1,500
All options include:
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One week of faculty-designed and delivered programming, administered online or on campus with educational support staff and program materials
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Technology and software support
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A Quinnipiac T-shirt
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A digital badge for use on social media, resumes or portfolios
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Access to special Quinnipiac Admissions events
How to Register for Summer Programs
We've recently launched a new application and registration system for summer programs, camps and courses. Each new student must create an account in order to access this system. If you already have an account and are a returning student, please sign in using your credentials from the main page. If you plan to attend multiple programs, please use the same account, although courses will need to be purchased individually.
Take the Next Step
Students must declare if they plan to attend for either the residential (overnight) experience or the commuter experience at the time of registration.
Register and Pay: Residential
Register and Pay: Commuter
Minimum Required Deposits
If you are not paying in full at the time of registration, you must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit to reserve your spot for 30 days. Any student who places the non-refundable deposit must pay the full remaining cost of the program within 30 days from the date of deposit to be enrolled in the program.
Deposit Only: Residential
Deposit Only: Commuter
Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy
Discounts and Financial Aid
Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.
We are pleased to offer a 15% discount on all summer camps and experiences to current Quinnipiac employees, Quinnipiac alumni and employees of our corporate partners. Please contact summerprograms@qu.edu to request your discount code.
Registration Guide
Having trouble registering? Not sure how to take the next step? Follow this step-by-step guide to finish the process or email us at summerprograms@qu.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions among prospective students and families regarding our summer programs. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us and we'd be happy to chat.
Review all FAQ's
Accommodations
Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.
Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.
Rules & Regulations
Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies
