Summer Storytelling Camp

Leigh On Sea News: Summer Storytelling Camp – WITH the summer holidays on the horizon, many parents are looking for ways to encourage their children to spend less time on screens and more time using their imagination.
The issue is likely to strike a chord with many families this year. Toy Story 5, which has just been released, centres on a battle between traditional toys and modern technology, reflecting a challenge familiar to parents who see the growing pull of digital devices in their children’s lives.
But local author Lisa Marks believes storytelling can play an important role in helping young people reconnect with their creativity.
From July 22, Ms Marks is running a six-week Creative Writing & Storytelling Camp for children aged 10 to 17, at Read on Sea, in Leigh Broadway.
The programme will encourage young writers to create their own characters, develop stories, build confidence in their writing and explore the art of storytelling in a fun and supportive environment.
“Children have incredible imaginations when they’re given the opportunity to use them,” said Ms Marks, a screenwriter and former Coronation Street story-liner.
“Stories help young people develop confidence, communication skills and creativity, while also giving them a chance to step away from screens and create something entirely their own.”
Earlier this year, the UK government updated its guidance on children’s screen use, recommending that children under five should be limited to around one hour of screen time a day, while children under two should not watch screens alone. The guidance also encourages families to make “screen swaps” by replacing screen time with activities such as reading, playing games and engaging in creative pursuits.
The a six-week Creative Writing & Storytelling Camp will end in a spectacular storytelling showcase, where the young writers will have the opportunity to share their work with family and friends.
Ms Marks, who started her career as a journalist, and is the author of the celebrity journalism memoir, Ryan is Ready for you Now, said the sessions are designed for all abilities, whether children already enjoy writing or simply have a vivid imagination and a story they want to tell.
The author, who also hosts the writers group at Read on Sea, said: “The goal is to create a screen-free space, surrounded by books, where imaginations can flourish.”
Manuel Scettri, the owner of Read on Sea, added: “I speak to parents all the time who tell me they’d love their children to spend more time reading, writing and using their imagination.
“I know it can be difficult to compete with screens, especially during the long summer holidays. So its extra important to find that ‘IT’ story that they’ll love and will engage them.
“Read on Sea is the perfect venue because it’s already a place that encourages children to fall in love with books. The shelves are packed with fantastic stories that inspire curiosity and creativity. We’re hoping the camp will encourage young people not only to read more, but to become storytellers themselves.”
For more information visit https://lisamarksmedia.com/summer-school/ or email [email protected] or drop by Read on Sea, 28 The Broadway, Leigh.
Picture: Local author Lisa Marks
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
X : @leighonsea_news
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news
Contact us: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us
Email: [email protected]