A short, laid-back writing retreat in central Pennsylvania.
Barrelhouse Writer Camp
Note we are currently closed for applications for 2024 Camp!
JUNE CAMP: Thursday, June 27-Sunday, June 30
Four days, three nights
AUGUST CAMP: Wednesday, July 31-Sunday, August 4
Five days, four nights
Writer Camp is a laid-back mini-vacation with plenty of time for writing. No readings, no mandatory sessions, no schedules: you decide when it’s time to write, read, or nap in a hammock. Each participant also has the option of receiving detailed feedback from a Barrelhouse editor or visiting writer on their work.
About Writer Camp
Your registration fee includes lodging, meals, group activities, plenty of time to write, and campfires every night.
Writing time
There will be plenty of time for writing. Most of the time, really, will be open writing time. We keep things simple and won’t pack your days full of readings or ice breakers or workshops on how to negotiate the movie rights to your memoir. Meals and outings are the only things on the schedule, and even those are optional.
Meals
Meals are served buffet-style. Brunch and dinner will be provided. Our hosts at Godspeed Events and Lodging are accustomed to working with dietary restrictions. Just let us know in your application if you need accommodation.
Editor meetings
Like most of camp, we try to make these optional sessions fit your needs. If you have a specific piece that you’d like to work on, that’s great! If you’d rather sit by the creek and talk craft, or learn what an editor looks for in a submission, that’s great too!
New writer pals
Make some new friends in an environment where you can say “I’m writing a YA sci-fi novel about a teenage alien spy and…” and not feel like a complete weirdo.
There’s a campfires. There are movies. There have been dance parties. There has been fishing. And there are usually fireflies.
Lodging
Writer Camp is hosted by Godspeed Events and Lodging in Port Matilda, PA. A family-run business hand-built to model Central American hostels, Godspeed offers single, shared, bunkhouse, and tent camping options.
Activities
There’s usually an optional group activity each afternoon, like hiking, kayaking, a visit from the goat bus, laser tag, cute local cafes, and ice cream. Join an activity if you’d like a mental break, or stay and write if you’re on a roll.
Camp Rules
Don’t be a jerk: That’s kind of what our whole thing boils down to. Have fun, relax, and enjoy yourself. Have some beer around the fire. Have spirited conversations if that’s your thing, but know when to drop it. Just remember that there are other people who are taking time off for this and want to recharge and get writing done.
Quiet hours: start at 10:00 p.m. in the residential area, which is everything west of the office (bathroom and shower buildings, bunkhouse, private rooms).
If you choose to drink: know your limits. Remember that others are sleeping nearby, sharing bathroom facilities, and didn’t sign up to babysit.
Safety: If your behavior infringes on the safety or enjoyment of other campers, either before or during camp, Barrelhouse and Team Godspeed may expel you from camp. No refunds will be given, and Barrelhouse and Team Godspeed are not responsible for any costs accrued.
You must be over 21 years of age.
No pets.
Writer Camp does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability (including HIV status), veteran status, military obligations, or marital status.
NOTE FOR 2024: vaccinations will be required for Writer Camp 2024. If you’re accepted to camp, we’ll ask for a photo of your vaccination card. DOB and location information can be edited out if you’re worried about sharing personal information.
I hadn’t written in years and was just wanting to re-spark my love of and devotion to writing and Writer Camp Did That. It’s cheaper than any vacation I’ve ever been on and it did so much more for my spirit than a few days at the beach or whatever. Giving myself the gift of time and space to write was hands-down the best thing I’ve done for myself in years.
-Katie O, 2019