2010 Summer Writing Retreat:
Our Point of Inspiration

From dinner on Monday, July 12 through lunch on Friday, July 16

Register Now!

It’s time to start thinking about participating in this year’s annual writing retreat at the beautiful and serene Camp N-Sid-Sen on the banks of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

This year, Bill Woolum will be our visiting writer. Bill teaches in the English department at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. He writes a daily blog where you can "read how a whole range of poetry, book reviews, movie reviews, stories, brief essays, and reflections grow out of a life begun in Kellogg, Idaho, in the Silver Valley of North Idaho."  To learn more about our writer visit his blog.

So, what do you do at a writing retreat?
This is your uninterrupted time to read and write. You are free to join other writers for as many or few group activities as you choose. Activities offered include morning workshops, afternoon conference time, readings, evening campfires, small discussion groups, a walk, water sports . . . Or you can set yourself up in a quiet corner with a pile of books and writing materials, and spend uninterrupted quality time alone. Previous participants have worked on poetry, drama, memoir, short fiction, revising a novel, professional writing for publication, writing letters to their loved ones, completing a master’s thesis, rewriting a curriculum, or recharging their batteries through time spent in reflection and reading. Participants sometimes take time to bike, run or hike, or to take a swim or fish in Lake Coeur d’Alene. Previous participants have commented that time at the retreat leaves them refreshed, invigorated and excited about writing.

What is the cost? Cost for the full retreat is $400 for NIWP members, $425 for non-NIWP teachers, and $450 for the general public.  This covers lodging, all meals and break service, and workshops/conference time with our visiting writer.   Bring a friend and share the cost.  Take $100 off each registration when you share a room.  We also have a one day option for $40 for Wednesday, July 14.

Is financial assistance available?
$100 stipends are available for active NIWP Teacher Consultants and Summer Institute fellows who have not yet received a stipend. You can also check out your school/ local education authority for available professional development funding to help cover your costs. Online registration will be available soon. Registration is due by June 15, 2010. After June 15, all fees will be non-refundable. University of Idaho credit and Washington State clock hours will be offered for those interested.

For more information, contact Bev Wolff