Yellowstone Writing Project’s Rural Journalism Camp — Apply!

Yellowstone Writing Project’s Rural Journalism Camp

Dates: July 7-12, 2019
Times: 3 p.m. Sunday, July 7 to 3 p.m. Friday, July 12 (more details below)
Cost: Free (for accepted applicants)
Grades: 9-12 (entering in fall 2019)
Location: MSU Bozeman

This week-long, residential experience immerses rural high school students in the theory and practice of daily journalism. Students will explore relevant issues facing American journalists today and also develop skills of the craft by covering a variety of actual news events throughout the Bozeman area. Upon leaving camp, students will return to their home communities and develop a journalistic piece that sheds light on a significant aspect of life within their communities.

Students from all Montana communities are eligible to apply.

Dates and Times

Participants will need to arrive and check in to the residence hall between 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.

Camp activities will start at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7 and run through 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12.

Pick up from camp will be at 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12.

How to Apply

All applications must be received by Monday, April 8, 2019. Applicants will be notified of their status later in April.

Please note that once started, the online application can not be saved, so students should prepare all relevant information prior to filling out the application.

In addition to student and parent contact information, the application includes these questions:

  1. Name two of the most important issues in your community, and explain why they matter.
  2. In your community, how do people your age make money? What are your own skills–on the job, perhaps, but also beyond at home, at school, or just in general?
  3. Please tell us where you get your news, and please be specific. Name the magazines, newspapers, radio and television networks, blogs, podcasts, etc. that you rely on.
  4. What do you think of the media? Why?
  5. Is your own community’s way of life represented well by the media? What are some of the important untold stories about your community that are being missed by big media outlets?
  6. In other words, what do you wish the rest of the world knew about your community and its way of life?

Finally, please photograph three significant locations in or around your town and explain why they are important. (One shot per location is fine, but include more if you like.)

Apply Online

Accepted applicants will have to complete additional forms by Friday, May 31, 2019. If forms are not returned by deadline, you may lose your place in camp.

Residence Halls and Meals

Students will be housed in Hapner Residence Hall on the MSU campus and will eat all meals in Rendezvous Dining Hall.

Residence Hall Amenities

  • The residence hall provides bed linens, pillow, blanket, and towels.
  • Towels may be exchanged daily at the main desk.
  • Limited supply of fans are available for rent at the front desk (first come, first served).
  • Limited number of mini fridges are available for a fee at the front desk (may take 24 hours to have one received in room, first come, first served).
  • Hall desks are open 23 hours per day; they are closed from noon to 1:00 p.m. daily.

What to Bring

  • Backpack & water bottle
  • Clothing
    • Closed-toe street tennis shoes (or other closed-toe shoes) for all classes. Open-toed shoes/sandals are not permitted in the MSU Laboratories
    • Swimsuit and towel
  • Small fan (optional, limited supply available at the residence hall front desk, first come-first served basis)
  • Specific snacks (snacks may be provided in the evening before bed)
  • Rain jacket and/or umbrella
  • Warm jacket
  • Sunscreen
  • A small amount of spending money for snacks, etc.
  • Cell phone

What is Provided

We will provide the necessary credentials, materials, and equipment to cover events in Bozeman. However, participants are welcome to bring their own phones, laptops, recording devices, and photographic equipment if desired.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your application or acceptance please notify Nicole Soll at [email protected] immediately. This will allow for waitlisted applicants to attend.

Sponsors

The Rural Journalism Camp is made possible by  the MacArthur Foundation and the National Writing Project.

For More Information

E-mail Nicole Soll at [email protected] or call (406) 994-6633 or (866) 540-5660 (toll free).