Park Ranger Maggie brings Write Out participants to the Niobrara National Scenic River, challenging us to listen to the world for our first #writeout prompt.
Bring your stories and your s'mores, it's campfire time!
Photo Courtesy, National Writing Project, 2020
Stories Around the Campfire
"It was a cool fall evening and the chill of the water could be felt on the river's bank. We curled up beside each other, eyes drinking in the glow of the fire against the last light of the day." - M. Vetch, 2020
Whether you're a story writer, a poet, a doodler, or a dabbler, you are invited to bring your creative mind this October to join Write Out, a national place-based learning event happening fall, hosted by the National Park Service and the National Writing Project.
Everyone is invited to join Write Out from October 11-25th, and to celebrate the National Day on Writing, October 20th, 2020. The coolest part--you can participate from anywhere!
This years theme is Stories Around the Campfire, so build a fire, go for a float, or sit in your backyard and write what speaks to you!
During the two weeks of Write Out, the National Writing Project and the National Park Service will be posting using #writeout and hosting other virtual events to help you make your place, your classroom!
There will be video prompts to get you thinking, twitter discussions, and more!
You can learn all about it by visiting the Write Out Website, or searching #writeout on twitter.
If you are a teacher and want to get your classroom involved, contact us or visit Write Out to learn more.
We encourage you to spend quiet time along the Niobrara National Scenic River or our own backyard taking in your surroundings, learning from them using your senses to explore, then write about your experience and its importance to you.
You do not need to be a professional writer, but spend some time using your senses to explore the sights, sounds, smells, and touch of the plants around. You just might be treated to some wildlife meandering through. After exploring with your senses, write about it or if you have stories related to the river, please write those too. The river has so much history around it and many stories to tell.
October 20 is National Day on Writing. Established in 2009 by the National Council of Teachers of English,, National Day on Writing ask people to consider the role of writing in their evey day lives. The National Day on Writing is celebrated every year on October 20, and is often celebrated by teachers and their classes as well as journalists around the country.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I participate? Individually, you can take time to participate in the writing promps on your own and then share your work or reflections on twitter using #writeout, or view the schedule of events to pick one you are interested in.
I'm not much of a writer, do I have to write? Nope, you can enjoy the outdoors or wherever you are without having to participate in the writing event but you can draw a picture, draw a cartoon, whatever way you like to express yourself.
Do I have to be there in person? Nope! Write Out is fully digital and runs mostly on social media pages. You can share your stories in the comments of our writing prompts or on your own page with our hashtags: #writeout #whyiwrite and #niobraransr
NPS Campfire Stories
Want to see how the NPS is telling stories around the campfire this year? Discover stories of culture, heritage, adventure, and reflection.
