ACW’s Annual High School Writing Retreat returns to Paul Smith’s College
SARANAC LAKE, NY –- The Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) will
present its 22nd annual High School Writing Retreat on Thursday, Oct.
29, and Friday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at Paul
Smith’s College.
With two full days learning creative writing through workshops,
activities and readings, the retreat is open to students from across
the North Country in grades 9-12, including public, private and
homeschool students; there is no cost to attend.
“This event is for any high school student who is interested in
finding their voice and exploring what really matters to them,” said
ACW executive director, Nathalie Thill. “Some students come already
identifying as writers, others are just curious and open to the
experience. They all leave with a new appreciation for creative
writing, tools to develop their own voice, and they get to meet other
students from all over the region all the while working with some of
the most exciting writers and educators in the country.”
This year’s retreat will be led by four instructors: Noah Arhm Choi,
author of CUT TO BLOOM and winner of the 2019 Write Bloody Prize;
Denice Frohman, award-winning poet and performer; Jon Sands, National
Poetry Series winner; and Lauren Whitehead, writer, performer and
dramaturg.
Teachers and parents can learn more about this year’s High School
Writing Retreat and register students at
adirondackcenterforwriting.org/highschool.
Please note that schools and/or parents are responsible for
transportation to and from Paul Smiths each day and students are
expected to bring their own lunch or bring funds to purchase lunch
from the Paul Smith’s College cafeteria. Due to new capacity
regulations this year, each day will be capped at a total of 150
students. Registrants must register separately for each day.
Registration will be first-come first-served.
In addition to the retreat, ACW will host Poetry On Broadway at 7 p.m.
on Thursday, Oct. 29, where this year’s writing retreat instructors
will share their work with the general public. This event is free and
open to all; register online at
adirondackcenterforwriting.org/event/poetry-on-broadway-2026.
Since 2005, the Adirondack Center for Writing has hosted its annual
High School Writing Retreat, and each year brings in more talented
local teen writers. This year’s retreat is generously supported by
grants from Cloudsplitter Foundation, Charles R. Wood Foundation, Lake
Placid Education Fund, and Saranac Lake Public School Education Fund.
The Adirondack Center for Writing has been bringing people and words
together for over 25 years through provocative events and meaningful
programs. For more information about ACW, visit
adirondackcenterforwriting.org or follow @adkctr4writing on Facebook
and Instagram.
Posted: October 8th, 2026 under General News.