Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost of registration for the Middle School Writers Workshop?
The registration cost for each student to participate is $25.00 (including a snack, a lunch, and a writing journal).
2. Both the Young Authors Festival and the Middle School Writers Workshop include information for sixth graders. May students in the sixth grade choose which event they would like to attend?
We understand that arranging for transportation to and from Calvin's campus can be difficult. Since the location of the sixth grade varies from school to school, sixth graders may attend the Young Authors Festival or the Middle School Writers Workshop.
3. To whom should I have a check made out?
Please make checks payable to the Youth Writing Festival. We prefer one check per school, but if a student sends a personal check, the child's name should be on the memo line.
4. My child/student has severe allergies to nuts. Will there be nuts in the snacks?
Most of the snacks we provide are donated by a vendor in the area. We are very grateful for their generosity and support of the Youth Writing Festival. Since the snacks are donated, we are unable to regulate what they contain or where they were prepared.
5. What type of writing should my students submit to be considered for the Golden Pen Award Contest?
Students who choose to submit a piece of writing to the writing must be registered for the workshop. Please refer to our submission guidelines for more information about the contest.
6. Is every student who is registered for the workshop required to submit a piece of writing?
No. Only students who are interested in entering the contest need to submit a piece of writing.
7. Do we pick up the conference materials on the day of the workshop?
We ask that you pick up all conference materials the week before the workshop. This practice has prevented long lines and confusion on the morning of the event. Materials will be available for pick up at Calvin's English Department located in the Fine Arts Center.
8. May I pick up my child early on the day of the workshop?
We encourage all students to stay for the entire program. If your child needs to leave early, we ask that you notify us ahead of time.
9. Will my students be able to buy books and have them signed at the workshop?
Students will have the opportunity to pre-order books at a discount. Teachers may record their students' orders on a form provided by the Festival. Teachers who return the completed form, with a minimum of ten books ordered, will receive a free book. All pre-ordered books will be included in the conference materials that are picked up the week before the event. A limited number of books will be available for purchase during the workshop. There will also be time set aside for the author to sign books.
10. If I decide to drive my child, where should I park my car?
We ask that all vehicles park in the DeVos Center and Prince Conference Center parking lots. There is a crosswalk over the East Beltline that will take you to the main campus.
11. Will my students have assistance in finding their way around the campus?
Yes. Guides will be assigned to groups to help the students find their way around campus.
12. Who should I call in case of an emergency?
In case of an emergency, please call the Festival office at (616) 526-8423.
