CAMP SHINE
Publishing House
Welcome to CS Publishing House
It’s natural for all of us to want to contribute in a meaningful way.
We want to know our ideas matter. That our stories are worth telling. That the things we create don’t simply end up on a piece of paper stuffed at the bottom of our backpack or simply thrown out, but rather something real that can be shared with others!
That’s what CS Publishing House is all about.
Together, our students become the writers, editors, photographers, illustrators, and creative minds behind our very own Camp SHINE Magazine!
Every child brings something different to the table, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. Maybe you love writing poetry. Maybe you’re always the first to notice a funny story unfolding on the farm. Perhaps you’d rather interview a local business, review your favorite book, draw comic strips, capture beautiful photographs, report the latest breaking news on the farm (there’s almost always some), or shine a spotlight on one of our animals.
The best magazines aren’t created because everyone is good at the same thing. They’re created because everyone brings something different.
We love the magazine concept because it can include it ALL! We aren’t limited to a topic that only interests a couple people. They get to pick a topic and run with it and even…publish it!
Over the course of the season, we’ll work together as a real editorial team—brainstorming ideas, encouraging one another, editing, designing, and watching each issue come to life. And then comes the best part…
Holding the finished magazine in your hands.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing your ideas become part of something that will be read, shared, and treasured. It’s a quiet reminder that your voice matters, your gifts have a place, and when we each contribute what we do best, we create something far more beautiful than any of us could have made alone.
All along the way, we are polishing their writing skills, inviting them to find their unique voice, expand their vocabulary to capture the reader, seek edit and look for mistakes to create a polished finished product. It includes all the makings of creating a solid writer but in a way that is fun and with purpose!
Since it takes time to curate a magazine this program is offered twice a year.
A Day at CS Publishing House
10:00 AM | Editorial Board Meeting
Every great magazine starts with a meeting. We’ll gather as an editorial team to pitch ideas, discuss upcoming articles, assign projects, and decide what we’re creating that day. Who’s covering breaking news from the farm? Who’s interviewing who? Is there a new cartoon column to consider? Every meeting is a chance for students to collaborate and help shape the next issue.
10:30 AM | Creative Work Block
Time to get to work! Students spread out to write articles, sketch cartoons, edit stories, design layouts, conduct interviews, or work on photography and illustrations. Teachers guide and mentor each student while encouraging their unique strengths and creativity.
11:30 AM | Farm Time
We head to the farm to photograph animals, gather inspiration, observe nature, check in on the garden, feed the animal and be with the horses! Many stories and articles are written beside a donkey!
12:15 PM | Lunch & Community
We gather together to enjoy lunch, share ideas, swap stories, and enjoy being part of our editorial team.
12:45 PM | Creative Work Block
The afternoon is spent polishing articles, editing one another’s work, designing pages, adding illustrations, and putting the finishing touches on our magazine. It’s exciting to watch dozens of individual contributions slowly become one beautiful publication.
2:00 PM | Until Next Issue…
We wrap up for the day, celebrate our progress, and head home one step closer to publishing the next edition of Camp SHINE Magazine.
Instructors: Stephanie & Mona
Winter & Spring Session
Time: 10 AM – 2:00 PM
Dates: 1/11 – 5/17
No Camp: 1/18, 2/15, 3/8, 4/5
Tuition: $1,664
Payment Plan: 5 monthly installments
Last Class May 17th Magazine Celebration!
Instructors: Stephanie & Mona
Fall Session
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Dates: 9/16 – 12/16
No Camp: 11/25
Tuition: $878
Payment Plan: 5 monthly installments
Last Class December 16th Magazine Celebration!
CS Publishing HouseFrequently Asked Questions
Do students work on computers?
Yes! We believe it’s important for students to develop both handwritten and digital writing skills. Throughout the season, students will have opportunities to type articles, edit their work, and help design our magazine using computers. We strive for a healthy balance between technology and hands-on creativity, so while computers are an important publishing tool, they are just one piece of the experience.
My child doesn't enjoy writing. Is this still a good fit?
Absolutely. In fact, this might be one of the best classes for them.
One of the things we’ve learned over the years is that many children don’t actually dislike writing—they just haven’t found their reason to write yet. Not every child dreams of writing a five-page story, and that’s okay! Maybe they’ll discover they love interviewing people, the editing process, photographing the farm, drawing comic strips, writing animal spotlights and helping us meet deadlines.
Our hope is that every child leaves this class believing they have a voice worth sharing. Sometimes all it takes is finding the right way to tell their story.
Do the children spend time on the farm?
Always.
Every Camp SHINE class includes meaningful time on the farm because we believe some of the very best learning happens outside the classroom. Students help care for the animals, spend time with the horses, explore the gardens, and gather inspiration from nature. In CS Publishing House, the farm becomes our newsroom where stories are discovered, photographs are taken, interviews happen, and some of our best ideas begin.
Truth be told…the animals have a way of stealing the headlines, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Farmstand Edits:
Can we add: Please note this program involved parent participation in the following ways:
- Supporting your child with homework
- Being a possible investor in their business, helping cover the cost of their business.
- Help setting up and curating their booth (we will have them create a solid plan, but they may need your help executing it)