Creative Writing in the Great Outdoors for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

Course Description: Creative Writing in the Great Outdoors for High Schoolers at Dartmouth

Creative Writing in the Great Outdoors: Dartmouth Summer Scholars Program

Discover the magic of storytelling where nature becomes your muse. The Creative Writing in the Great Outdoors course at Dartmouth's Moosilauke Ravine Lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity to blend creativity with the serene beauty of the wilderness. This program invites students to step beyond the traditional classroom and immerse themselves in the natural wonders of meadows, forests, rivers, and mountain trails. Here, the landscape itself inspires imagination, storytelling, and voice.

Through daily writing exercises, group workshops, and guided explorations, participants will delve into poetry, narrative nonfiction, and short fiction. This course emphasizes reflection, experimentation, and the development of a sustainable creative practice—integrating observation of self, community, and environment. By the end of the program, students will leave with a portfolio of original work and a profound appreciation for the intersection of creativity, community, and wilderness.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Cultivate original creative writing inspired by the natural environment.

• Apply literary techniques such as imagery, metaphor, and narrative structure across various genres.

• Enhance skills in observation, reflection, and sensory detail in writing.

• Engage in peer workshops for constructive feedback and collaborative growth.

• Reflect on how natural settings influence human expression and creativity.

• Assemble a portfolio of revised creative pieces showcasing personal growth.

Instructor:Larry Olmsted, MA

Instructor Bio

Larry Olmsted is a NY Times Bestselling author and award-winning journalist who has published several books and several thousand newspaper and magazine articles worldwide. He also does a lot of writing in the digital world, and has written and given many presentations, including national television and a TEDx talk. He has taught Creative Writing to graduate students at Dartmouth College (MALS), has a Master's Degree from Dartmouth and a Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University, where he was a George F Baker Scholar. His specialty is creative non-fiction and making writing more interesting, exciting and engaging. His areas of expertise, include travel, sports, food and culture.

Location

Nestled at Dartmouth's Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, this course takes full advantage of the breathtaking surroundings. Students will write amidst rivers, meadows, and trails, using nature as both inspiration and classroom. The Lodge provides a unique setting where creativity and the rhythms of the natural world harmoniously intertwine.

Course Description

Creative Writing in the Great Outdoors offers a dynamic blend of hands-on activities designed to ignite your creative spark:

• Outdoor Writing Sessions: Engage in daily writing exercises set in natural environments, guided by prompts that emphasize sensory detail and reflection.

• Genre Exploration Workshops: Experiment with poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction through structured exercises.

• Hiking & Reflection: Participate in guided hikes, using physical movement and immersion in nature as a catalyst for creative thought.

• Peer Workshops: Share drafts in small groups, honing the craft of giving and receiving feedback.

• Reading Circles: Connect with the works of nature-inspired writers like Mary Oliver and Barry Lopez, enriching your own practice.

Tangible Outcomes

• Final Showcase: Present selected works in a closing reading at the Lodge, celebrating the integration of nature and creative voice.

Admission Criteria

An interest in writing and comfort in the great outdoors are essential for success in this program. Admission criteria include:

• Recommended GPA of 3.5 or above in the field of study or related field.

• Completed Summer Institute application, featuring thoughtful responses to short-answer questions.

Who Should Attend

Aspiring authors eager to explore the fundamentals of creative writing will find this course an inspiring start to their academic and professional journeys. Gain insights into whether a professional track in creative writing is right for you.

Benefits

Participants will enjoy a university-level course experience and leave with portfolio-building documentation, including:

• A branded Course Completion Certificate for successful completion of the Dartmouth Summer Scholars program.

• A Letter of Recognition from Summer Institute, acknowledging your academic achievement.

Embark on a creative adventure where the wilderness becomes your classroom, and your words take flight amidst the beauty of nature.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Dartmouth College – Campus Profile (Hanover, NH)

Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is a distinguished Ivy League institution known for its deep academic tradition, research excellence, and strong sense of community. Set within the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth offers an inspiring environment for motivated students seeking challenge, intellectual exploration, and personal growth.

Surrounded by quintessential New England beauty, the campus features a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, including iconic spaces such as the Baker-Berry Library. Hanover’s walkable Main Street adds to the experience with cafés, shops, restaurants, and a welcoming small-town charm. The region also offers abundant outdoor recreation, including trails, parks, and access to the Connecticut River.

Students join a vibrant community of learners, take part in a range of academic academies, and benefit from small class sizes led by experienced instructors. The program encourages both academic achievement and social development, offering a balanced schedule of coursework, activities, and excursions designed to help students grow as scholars and individuals.

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✨ Program Environment

• Ideal for high-achieving high school students considering selective universities

• Academically rigorous curriculum taught by knowledgeable instructors

• Opportunities to explore multiple subjects across a wide variety of academies

• Supportive environment that encourages independence, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity

• Beautiful, safe, and walkable campus surrounded by natural landscapes

• Perfect blend of academics, recreation, and community engagement

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing

• 🍽 Three meals per day, 7 days per week

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreation facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Linens (two full sets including sheets, blanket, pillow, and towels)

• 🧺 Laundry (detergent/softener not provided)

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Some specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental academic fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

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🎡 Top Activities in Hanover, New Hampshire

• 🖼 Hood Museum of Art

• 🎮 Dave & Buster’s

• ⚾ Fisher Cats Minor League Baseball Game

• 🛍 Shopping at the Mall of New Hampshire

• 🎢 Six Flags New England

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco and Live Band Karaoke

• 🎭 Variety performances featuring comedians, hypnotists, mentalists, and magicians

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports tournaments, leagues, and game nights

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music