Spells Writing Lab

Get Your Head in the Game: Sports Writing

lizencarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:45:54 +0000

Boom goes the dynamite! Whether you’re a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan or prefer to play ball yourself, join us at Spells to write about all your favorite sports! We’ll get the ball rolling by meeting some real sports reporters and learn how their job goes beyond just writing the final score of the game to describe the details, atmosphere, and stories of the event for readers who were not there. Then we’ll hit it out of the park by trying out other forms of sports writing, from blogs and podcasts to sportscasting and feature stories. Who knows? If you’re a good sports writer, you could…go…all…the…way!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

PLEASE NOTE: The Wednesday or Thursday session of this camp week may be extended, pending confirmation of a field trip. If we are able to make it happen, campers would be requested to contribute $10 toward expenses.

Out of This World

lizencarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:22:24 +0000

Welcome, aspiring astronauts! For one week this summer, Spells will become Dr. Spells’ Space Camp, as we perform NASA-inspired experiments to expand our understanding of the great beyond! From stars to Mars, and all the black holes and meteors in between, we’ll combine that real space knowledge with our imaginations as we trek across the universe, creating strange new worlds and alien lifeforms and writing science fiction. So grab your pencils and buckle into our spacecraft, the Spells Sputnik 500, as we shoot out to the Milky Way!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

Kids v. Food

lizencarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:09:38 +0000

Are you a foodie? Do you watch shows like Man vs. Food; Drivers, Dine-Ins, and Dives; and Top Chef? Love to try new foods? Want to tell other people the best places to eat in Philly? if so, our Kids v. Food adventure is perfect for you! Join us kid connoisseurs (fancy for “food lovers”) as we chow down on kid-friendly cuisines. Test out your taste buds on many flavors, from sour and salty to sweet and spicy. After learning from professional food writers like restaurant critics, food bloggers, and even chefs, we’ll review each bite, sharing our opinions with the masses! So pick up those forks, spoons, knives—and pencils! Be our guest as we put others’ cooking to the test!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

Spies Like Us

lizencarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:57:00 +0000

Shhh….Spells Writing Lab is seeking talented young writers for a top-secret undercover assignment at our Spy School. Create your legend, gather pocket litter, and become a master of disguise. Learn the art of cryptography so you can send and decipher encoded messages. Then write fictionalized accounts of your most mysterious adventures. After an intensive week of training by our operatives, you’ll have to use your secret agent skills to save Dr. Spells from the mole in our organization. Do you have what it takes to be a master spy?

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

The Vile League of Villainy

lizencarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:56:35 +0000

Have you perfected your evil laugh? Hired a sinister henchman? Become a superhero’s nemesis? If so, then you might be nefarious enough to qualify for the Vile League of Villainy. Join us in our secret lair at Spells Writing Lab this summer, as we study all the despicable skills needed to become a true super villain. After assessing our fiendish tendencies, we’ll create suitably unpleasant backstories, develop horribly villainous costumes, and finalize our diabolical plans for world domination. Finally, we’ll document our dishonorable deeds by commandeering our sworn enemies’ favorite propaganda piece, the comic book, and telling the story our way—the villainous way.

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

Get Animated!

lizencarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:55:57 +0000

Have you seen the movies Toy Story, Monsters, Inc, or Up? Are you a fan of Cartoon Network? Animations like these are actually a series of thousands of pictures lined up in order—whether they are hand-drawn, taken with a camera, or made on a computer. There’s no need to be an expert illustrator, since you can even animate a stick figure drawing. Join us at Spells as we learn the techniques of top-notch animators and make our own animated stories!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

Video Game Creators: Release Your Inner Gamer

lizencarn — Thu, 09 May 2013 02:54:49 +0000

Do you own a PlayStation3, Xbox 360, Wii, or Nintendo DS? Interested in games like Mario Party, Zelda, or PacMan? Ever wondered how those games are made? During this special afternoon week of writing camp, learn how to make your own video games! We’ll be inventing some unusual game controllers, developing a storyline, characters, and levels, and learning how to pitch our games to companies. We’ll even design our own simple online games, then let others play them and tell you what they think!

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received by Spells Writing Lab.

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—The Science of Superheroes

lizencarn — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:24:55 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, used forensic science to solve a crime, and created our own natural disasters. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Philadelphia Science Festival: Science Carnival on the Parkway

lizencarn — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:59:33 +0000

Spells is taking Superhero Month to the Philadelphia Science Festival’s Science Carnival on the Parkway! The carnival features more than 140 exhibitors offering non-stop, family-friendly experiments, interactive activities, games, and a packed line-up of live entertainment. Stop by the Spells Writing Lab booth to help us answer the question “How Does Science Make Superheros Super?” and create your own science-powered comic book character!

Comic Book Creators

lizencarn — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:22:38 +0000

BAM! POW! Let’s celebrate Superhero Month at Spells by making comics together! During this Spells workshop, we’ll use our very own superhero personas to create comic books! Who will the characters in your comic book be? What will you do to save the day? How can you combine images with words to create an action-packed story of good vs. evil? We’ll discuss all of these questions and more in this awesome workshop! See you there, superheroes!

Village Park Day 2013

lizencarn — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:05:03 +0000

Spells programs often spill out of the lab and into the colorful, imaginative art parks and gardens that surround our building. The murals, mosaics, and flora have provided inspiration for our stories, backdrops for our short films, and peaceful spots for homework or reading books. Join Spells and the Village of Arts and Humanities on Saturday, May 11, as we give these outdoor creative spaces a little TLC during the Village’s Annual Park Day. Together, we can keep the Village parks beautiful, restore mosaics, enjoy good music—and eat Ms. Brenda’s BBQ!

Visit the Village’s FB event page for more information, or to RSVP!

Clean Up Philly Day at the Village

lizencarn — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:54:37 +0000

In conjunction with Philadelphia’s Sixth Annual Clean-Up Philly Day and the Village of Arts and Humanities, we’re inviting friends, family, and visitors to help beautify the parks and gardens that surround the Spells lab at the Village. This annual event combines community service and live performance in celebration of the transformative power of collective work, artistic exchange, and reconnection to our neighborhood’s heritage. Join us for park clean-up, willow fence maintenance, and weeding and planting farm vegetable and herb beds! We’ll be meeting at Ile Ife Park, right in front of Spells Writing Lab.

Please arrive between 9-9:45 to sign in! For up-to-date information or to RSVP, visit the Village’s FB event page.

Extreme Superhero Makeover

lizencarn — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:35:30 +0000

Ever wanted to be a superhero—or a super villain? This is your chance! It’s superhero month at Spells, so celebrate by creating your own extraordinary persona to save (or wreck) the day! As we transform into our amazing alter egos, we’ll be answering questions such as: What special powers do you have? What’s your “backstory”? What kind of mask (created through face paint) and costume would you design for yourself? And, most important, what would you promise the people—as a candidate for superhero-dom? Come write a story about what kind of superhero you would be—and get a makeover to match!

Speak Up!

lizencarn — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:20:04 +0000

Got something to say? Here’s a chance to make your words jump off the page through spoken word poetry! This form is a unique, out-loud performance of poetry that relies not just on the written words, but mostly on the dynamics in the tone used to convey the expression. Combining our superhero theme with the Poetry Month of April, we’ll be focusing on language and expressions surrounding virtue, empowerment and accountability. We’ll have cameras and digital recorders on hand so the moment of your performance (if you so choose) can be relived and remembered!

Magazine Madness

lizencarn — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:30:16 +0000

It’s crazy to think you can plan, write, and design a magazine in only 5 days . . . but that’s exactly what we’re going to do during this year’s Spells Spring Break Writing Camp!

We’ll get the inside scoop on the magazine business from local magazine writers and editors. Then, working with the staff of CRED Magazine and other expert guests, we’ll plan our own publication—writing feature articles, creating visuals, and designing the layout— all in just one week!

SORRY, REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

New Year’s Resolution: Make a Difference (Here’s How)

lizencarn — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 20:40:36 +0000

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to make a difference? Still trying to figure out exactly how to get started? We can help!

With your help, we can serve more of Philadelphia’s youth through our free after-school tutoring program and weekend writing workshops. If you have free time on weekday afternoons, become a tutor and make a direct impact on students’ learning and achievement. Or, if weekends are more your thing, help out with our innovative writing workshops or teach one yourself!

Don’t take our word for it! Here are just a few of the things our volunteers say about us:

“What I really enjoy about tutoring is . . . just getting time to talk to each of the students. The kids just have so much to share.” —Alexa Peluso, volunteer

“When I first came here, the part that I was very attached to was just the people, the kids. It’s really priceless, and that’s why I keep coming back to Spells . . . for all the little moments of laughter and joy.” —Francisco Santoni, volunteer

“Spells is awesome! You should definitely come and volunteer. You won’t regret it. You’ll probably want to tell all your friends to come and volunteer, too.” —Carley Roche, volunteer

Want to find out more?

The Dream Studio

lizencarn — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 22:56:14 +0000

What are your dreams for the future? World peace? Better food in your school lunch? An exciting career as a real-life superhero?

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech was an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Help celebrate his legacy by sharing your own hopes and aspirations in writing, then learn how to translate your favorites into a short animation sequence that will be used in a collaborative film project!

This workshop is being produced in collaboration with The Village of Arts and Humanities and CRED Magazine.

We are delighted to be offering this workshop at TWO locations. When registering, please be sure to select the location where your child will be attending.

A Turkey Would Be a Good Pet

lizencarn — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:50:11 +0000

by Ahmir, age 7

A turkey would be a good pet (meal) because you could cook it for dinner and eat it. So first you wash it off. Then you take his feathers off, and throw them in the trash. Next, you put him in a pot on the stove. Once he’s done, get him out of the pot. We put the turkey on the plate, and then we eat him! We wipe our hands off after we eat.

written during after-school tutoring at Spells Writing Lab

Using the Spells Volunteer Information Center

lizencarn — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:24:35 +0000

We love our volunteers, so we’re working to make it easier for you to sign up for volunteer opportunities and find out when we need help. In the new Spells Volunteer Information Center (VicNet), you can see when we need volunteers, sign up for specific volunteer slots, track your volunteer hours, and even update your contact information, all in one convenient place.

To log into VicNet, first click on the Volunteer Login tab in the upper right-hand corner of our homepage.

This will take you directly to the login page, where you can enter the email address you used to sign up with Spells on our volunteer application, and the password you selected on the application form (or, the one included in your emailed invitation to use VicNet).

If you forget your password: Click the “Forgot your password?” link on the login page. You will be prompted to enter your email address, and click the Go button. If you continue to experience difficulty accessing your information, please email our volunteer coordinator for further assistance. She can send you your VicNet password by email.

Once you’ve logged in, you’ll see a screen similar to this one (click to view larger):

Using the tabs, you can view mail from our volunteer coordinator, review and update the information you included on your application, view your schedule and sign up for volunteer slots, view your service history, or change your password. Most of these are easy to figure out, so we’d like to concentrate on the My Schedule tab.

When you click on the My Schedule tab, you will see a calendar similar to this one (click to view larger):

This tab lets you view and print your schedule, in addition to adding or removing yourself from a schedule. The Help Wanted balloons on the calendar indicate volunteer opportunities that still need more people.

To schedule yourself, simply click on one of the Help Wanted balloons. On the next page, you can see a list of the volunteers already attending and how many more slots remain. Select the Schedule Me button to sign yourself up!

If your plans have changed and you need to remove yourself from the schedule, simply click on the date you’d like to edit and select the Remove Me button. Please note that you may not be able to remove yourself less than twenty-four hours before the volunteer opportunity. If you need to make a last-minute cancellation, please contact our volunteer coordinator directly.

We hope this system is clear and will help make it easier for our volunteers to know when they are needed and schedule themselves. If you have any questions about using the new Volunteer Information Center, please let us know at volunteer@phillyspells.org!

More Workshops

lizencarn — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 05:15:03 +0000

Spells Campers Create an Online Adventure Series

lizencarn — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:04:07 +0000

We had such a great summer at Spells Writing Camp this year, and we’re still putting the finishing touches on several projects. But here’s one that’s ready to go—a four-episode web series written and produced by some of our Writing Webisodes week campers.

We’ll be creating more web series on Mondays and Wednesdays this fall during our new weekday writing workshops after tutoring. If you like what you see and want to help our students bring their ideas to life, register to volunteer or send us an email at volunteer@phillyspells.org.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Volunteer Orientations

admin — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 16:00:15 +0000

The Play’s the Thing

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:20:59 +0000

Dr. Spells is planning to premiere a new play about fractured fairy tales this August on the outdoor stage in Ile Ife Park, in front of Spells Writing Lab. But there’s a problem—the play hasn’t been written yet! Join Spells as we learn the basics of playwriting, then work together to write the script, create the backdrops and props, and perform this new theatrical work, all in one week! These aren’t your average fairy tales, and with Dr. Spells around, who knows what kinds of other creatures might make their way into our story?

Registration is free, but requires a refundable deposit of $25 via credit card, PayPal, check, or cash. The registration will not be valid until the deposit has been received and the registration is confirmed by Spells Writing Lab.

Shiver Me Timbers!

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:18:29 +0000

Ahoy, mateys! Be ye a landlubber that dreams of sailing under the Jolly Roger? Join the sea dogs of Spells as we plunder pieces of eight, write sea shanties, and get a crash course in pirates—from bilge rats to hornswagglers to scurvy. Then share yer swashbuckling tales with pictures and words as ye create graphic novels about yer seafaring adventures. But avast, me hearties! Act smartly, lest ye be forced to walk the plank.

Writing Webisodes

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:15:28 +0000

Dr. Spells is not only our mysterious founder, he’s also a big-time Hollywood producer—and he wants Spells students to create a TV show for the Internet! With help from a local web series writer and producer, we’ll get a crash course in writing webisodes, those short, serialized TV episodes that live on the Internet, and how they’re different from writing for regular TV or films. Then we’ll create our own web series, from writing scripts to premiering online, in record time—just one week!

Get a Clue!

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:11:58 +0000

Calling all Spells detectives! Spells Writing Lab has become a crime scene—can you help us solve this whodunit? Our junior detectives will also experiment with forensic science and other investigative techniques as we narrow down the suspects. While we search for evidence at Spells, we’ll also learn about the elements of a good mystery story, from creating a strong sleuth and secondary characters to setting up the central puzzle and revealing clues. How will the story end? Will we solve the mystery in time, or will the guilty party escape detection?

Road Trip

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:05:25 +0000

Are you a jet-setter? Do you have strong opinions about the best places to have fun in Philly? Join Spells for this special full-day camp week as we break into small groups for whirlwind sightseeing tours of major museums and landmarks, exploring our city through the eyes of a visiting tourist. In the afternoons, we’ll work with professional travel writers and Spells lab assistants to assess our experiences and write recommendations for both out-of-towners and locals enjoying a stay-cation. Help us write the ultimate kids’ travel guide to Philadelphia!

Campers should bring a bag lunch each day during this camp week. Snacks and beverages will be provided by Spells.

Wild Wild West

lizencarn — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:52:04 +0000

Howdy, partner! Time travel with Spells to the days of the Old West, when cowboys ate food from the chuckwagon after a long trail ride and gunslingers fought with bounty hunters at high noon. Learn a bit about the American frontier and study some of the great films and stories about that time to figure out what makes westerns so special. Then create your own cowboy characters, bringing them to life through poetry, songs, stories, and short films. Dust off your cowboy boots and spurs, and join us for this week of western fun!

Get the Buzz on Buzz Bissinger’s New Book

lizencarn — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:36:04 +0000

With just over a week to go before our big spring fundraiser with Buzz Bissinger, and only two weeks until his new book, Father’s Day, hits stores, we thought you might like to get a sneak peek at this amazing new memoir. Newsweek recently ran an excerpt of the book, and Buzz made a video featuring him and his twin sons, which can be viewed below. Tickets for Being Buzz Bissinger are still available, or check out the silent auction items, which can also be bid on from afar!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Egg-citing Animals

lizencarn — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:00:34 +0000

Scientists recently discovered a mysterious egg that doesn’t seem to belong to any animal species they know of. They can’t figure out what it will hatch into, but they can tell it’s going to hatch soon. A leading research team turns to you for help. Will it be a bird, a fish, a land animal? Will it even be from Earth? What does it eat? How does it behave? Learn about common animal behaviors, then decide how your unique creature is going to act, and what kind of adventures you’ll go on once it hatches!

Don’t Be Silent at the Silent Auction!

lizencarn — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:35:15 +0000

Please check out and bid on the following great auction items for the Being Buzz Bissinger event. Special thanks to those individuals and companies who donated to the auction, boldly noted below. If you are unable to attend the event but would like to bid on items in advance, please email Steve Wittenberg.

NASCAR Racing Experience: Enjoy a trip for 2 to a 2012 NASCAR Spring Cup Series Race of your choice. Package includes premium level tickets, a 2-night hotel stay and round-trip airfare for 2. $7,250 value – Opening Bid: $2,800
Fairmont Hotel Experience: Enjoy a 4-night stay in a Junior Suite at select Fairmont Hotels and Resorts including top Canadian properties plus round-trip airfare for 2. $7,250 value – Opening Bid: $2,400
Estate Planning Consultation with Steven Wittenberg, Esq.: Steven is the Director of Legacy Planning in SEI’s Wealth Management Practice. Steven is a JD/MBA/LLM in Tax with over 10 years of tax, estate and legal experience. More information can be found here. $500 value – Opening Bid – $250
Chiropractic Services from Dr. Philip Buckley: Buckley Chiropractic is conveniently located in downtown Lansdowne. Philip graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1983 and is the principal Chiropractic specialist of Buckley Chiropractic. More information can be found at http://buckleychiropractic.info/about-us/doctors/. – $500 value – Opening Bid – $250
Legal Services by Mary Beth Bogan, Esq.: Ms. Bogan has over 20 years of legal experience in the areas of commercial litigation, real estate, and corporate matters, as well as in the representation of nonprofit organizations, business entities, and individuals in the entertainment, fashion, and arts industries. More information can be found at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mary-elizabeth-bogan/9/947/911 – $500 value – Opening Bid – $250
Exceptional Events Philadelphia Party Consulting: $300 towards any event: http://www.exceptional-events.net/ – $300 value – donated by Stacey Kesselman – Opening Bid – $150
Family Photo Shoot by Zoey Sless-Kitain: Zoey is the Photography Director at Philadelphia Magazine –$400 value – Opening Bid – $250
Interior Design and Color Consult by Busy Bee Design: http://busybeephilly.com/ – $350 value – donated by Anna Powers – Opening Bid – $200
Overnight Stay at Loews Hotel includes breakfast – $325 value – donated by Steven Wittenberg – Opening Bid – $150
Life Coach Session by Gail Cummings Levan, MSW, LSCW – $250 value – Opening Bid – $130
PA Ballet 2 Seats for NY Export: Opus Jazz – $210 value – Opening Bid – $120
Lilly Pulitzer Gift Bag – $200 value – donated by Janie Schoenborn – Opening Bid – $100
Lunch with Seth Williams, Philadelphia’s first African American District Attorney – $200 value – Opening Bid – $100
2 Phillies Tix & Shane Victorino Signed Baseball – $200 value – donated by Dennis Shea – Opening Bid – $100
4 Phillies Tix – June 1st vs Miami, Sec 116, Seats 1-4, Row 6 – $200 value – donated by Lou Morsa – Opening Bid – $100
Collingswood Restaurant Package – 2 $100 gift cards to Joe Pesce’s and Tortilla Press – $200 value – Opening Bid – $100
Performance Fitness (1-month Boot Camp, Wynnewood) – $199 value – donated by Michelle Collier – Opening Bid – $125
Handywork by Hank – $150 value – donated by Hank Adamczyk – Opening Bid – $50
Stephen Starr Restaurants gift card – $150 value – Opening Bid – $75
Doula Package: See http://www.doulamom.com/ – $140 value – donated by Kate Beschen – Opening Bid – $90
2 Handmade Bead Necklaces – $120 value – donated by Christina Stasiuk – Opening Bid – $50

Nutrition and Acupuncture Consulting Package: 1 hour consulting package – $120 value – Opening Bid – $85
Bikram Yoga 10 Class gift card – $120 value – donated by Maggie Sobeleski – Opening Bid – $100
Phila Theatre Co 2 Tix to 2012-2013 season – $120 value – Opening Bid – $70
A Kitchen Gift Certificate – $100 value – Opening Bid – $50
Triumph Brewery gift card – $100 value – Opening Bid – $50
Marathon on the Square Gift Card – $100 value – donated by Marathon Grill – Opening Bid – $50
4 Tickets to Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square and Liberty 360 – $82 value – Donated by Historic Philadelphia – Opening Bid – $25
2 Tix to People’s Light & Theater Company – $78 value – Opening Bid – $65
Spells Authors Book Package (2 Available): Best Friends by Carol Saline + Save Me by Lisa Scottoline + Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger – $75 value – Donated by Carol Saline and Spells Writing Lab – Opening Bid – $40
5 Class Wake Up Yoga gift card – $65 value – donated by Alane Benson – Opening Bid – $35
Christina Pirello Signed Books Package (2 available) Cooking the Whole Foods Way and I’m Mad as Hell… – $60 value – Donated by Robert and Christina Pirello – Opening Bid – $35
Two Tickets to the Painted Bride – $60 value – Opening Bid – $30
Chaddsford Winery Gift Basket – $59 value – donated by Chaddsford Winery – Opening Bid – $35
Prime Rib gift card – $50 value – Opening Bid – $35
Valley Forge Eye Center Gift Basket – $50 value – Opening Bid – $25
Todd Herreman’s Autographed Football (Ex Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Lineman)- $50 value – donated by Dennis Shea – Opening Bid – $20
Barefoot Wine Package – $40 value – Opening Bid – $25
Primo Hoagies Gift Card – $40 value – donated by Ryan Regan – Opening Bid – $20
BeachPack: See http://www.obhenterprises.com/BeachPack.html, comes filled with beach items (towels, suntan lotion and other goodies) – $35 value – donated by OBH Enterprises – Opening Bid – $30
Children’s’ Book World Gift Card – $30 value – donated by Heather Hebert– Opening Bid – $10
Pure Fare Gift Card – $15 value – Opening Bid – $10

Join Spells at Clark Park this Sunday for the Philadelphia Science Festival Discovery Day!

lizencarn — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:30:54 +0000

Discover science in your own backyard! Join Spells Writing Lab as we partner with local scientists and science students to uncover the wonders around Clark Park, from the physics of basketball to the creepy crawly creatures in the dirt. Keep an eye out for the Spells table, where we’ll use forensic science to solve the Great Cookie Caper, then write our own endings to the mystery!

Science comes to life in West Philadelphia with more than 20 interactive, hands on activities throughout the park from the neighborhood’s universities, research centers, and others. The Clark Park Science Discovery Day will be a signature program of the 2012 Philadelphia Science Festival, taking place on Sunday, April 29, 2012.

For more information, visit The Philadelphia Science Festival’s website.

Some buzz about our event with Buzz

lizencarn — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:19:18 +0000

Philly.com is buzzing about our upcoming fundraiser with “incomparable” Pulitzer-winning author Buzz Bissinger. Check out the mention, and get your tickets now!

Fantastic Animation: Once Upon A Lego

lizencarn — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:45:07 +0000

Once upon a time, there were wizards and princesses, mermaids and knights. They all worked together, living stories worth telling. Join as an apprentice story teller and work together with your fellow apprentices to weave a story of your own. Then, using the magical inventions of electronics, stop-motion animation and Lego, awaken your story! Join royals and mythical creatures to defeat the perils of story-boarding and animation!

No costume required.

The New Superstars of Pro Wrestling

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:35:54 +0000

Are you ready to enter the squared circle and be the next professional wrestling superstar? Becoming a superstar isn’t just about your ability in the ring—you need to be able to “get over” and entertain the crowd with your microphone work to make it big. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to develop your wrestling persona—either a crowd-favorite “face” or a villain “heel.” Develop a backstory for your character, and then work on writing and performing a filmed promotional monologue. Do you have what it takes to be a champion?

Spies Like Us

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:29:25 +0000

You’ve been recruited to go undercover with Spells Writing Lab for this special two-session version of our popular spy school. After an intensive two days of training by our operatives, you’ll have the skills you need to become a secret agent. Create your cover story, gather some pocket litter, and become a master of disguise. Learn the art of cryptography so you can send and decipher encoded messages. Then write fictionalized accounts of your most mysterious adventures. Do you have what it takes to be a master spy?

The Secret Knowledge of Grown-ups

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:15:53 +0000

When your parents tell you to eat your veggies because they’re good for you, are they telling the truth? Is calcium the real reason you should drink lots of milk? And what would REALLY happen if you didn’t brush your hair? Have you ever suspected that grown-ups are part of a vast conspiracy in which they tell you fake reasons for following the rules because they don’t think kids can handle the truth? If so, come to this top-secret workshop, where we’ll uncover the real stories behind the lies our parents tell us. But shhhhhh… don’t let them know we’re spilling the beans, or they’ll try to stop u………………………………

This Is My Philly

lizencarn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:01:07 +0000

Do you love your neighborhood? What’s your favorite place, building, park, or person where you live? Is there something unique about your home? We believe there’s something special about all the communities that make up Philadelphia. No matter what the size or location, we all feel a sense of pride and love for our neighborhood.

Spells Writing Lab is partnering with AIGA Philadelphia for the third time to celebrate the special neighborhoods of our city. AIGA Philadelphia is a local organization comprised of creatives such as graphic designers, illustrators, educators, etc. Under the guidance of graphic design college students from around the city, kids will create a collage and supporting poem expressing their love for their home. Emphasis will be placed on successfully expressing ideas through the integration of image and the written word.

During this workshop held at Moore College of Art & Design, participants will have the opportunity to see how professionally trained creatives work. After the workshop, with the help of computers and scanners, graphic design students will work together to design a larger project that features all the pieces created in this workshop.

Finger Puppet Filmmaking

lizencarn — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:10:16 +0000

This spring break, we’re letting our fingers do the talking! Join Spells for a week of hands-on learning as we write and produce short films starring finger puppets! After learning how to create an entertaining script, we’ll craft characters and prepare background scenery before filming and editing our short films. This workshop is hands down the best way to spend your spring break!

Predictions for the Next Leap Year by Spells Tutoring Students

lizencarn — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 04:41:10 +0000

Leap Day Predictions
by Vanessa, age 10

In four years, I would be fourteen years old, and in four years I think new things will be made, like pie flavored lip gloss. I don’t think many things are going to change. When I’m fourteen, I will work for Spells and practice driving, like sit down in a chair and act like I’m driving and read a book about driving.

Leap Day Predictions
by Dreana, age 10

Four years from now I will have a job (summer job).
I will be in 9th grade.
I will be going places without my mom.
I will read everyday.
I will be taking my mom out to eat and getting her what she wants.
I will take my brother wherever he wants to go.
I would love to draw.
I will be a grammar girl.
I will still be in school.

I think in the future you will get money every time you get a good grade.
There will be flying cars that don’t use gasoline. (These cars use air to fly.)
There will be phones/technology that can control your house when you’re not there. (Like call the phone to cook a chicken.)

I like to play with makeup and in four years I will be wearing it (sometimes).
I will wear nail polish all the time.

I’ll see you next leap year.

Leap Day Predictions
by Diwud, age 8

In four years, I will be twelve years old and I will work for my PopPop. I will be in school and learn everything they’ve got for me. I will look out for my family and all my homies will live with me. And I’ll do my homework at spelling bee [aka Spells].

Leap Day Predictions
by Samaad, age 10

I think that phones will improve in four years. There will be new Dell computers that will be touch screens. Liz will have a flying car that looks cool. There will be more pictures that are about science. I will bring more books for us. There will be more books that give Spells more knowledge. I will be fourteen years old. There is going to be a difference about Spells, I know it. I will live on Diamond Street. My life will change. I will be more mature and things like that.

Leap Day Predictions
by Jamal, age 8

There will be electric cars.
You can watch TV on glasses.
I will be able to skateboard.
The phones will improve.
Liz will have a Mustang.
There will be sixteen more TV shows.
There will be electric chairs to massage you.
There’s going to be a new company.
There will be a better DS in 4D.
There will be better lamps that are so bright so you won’t be able to see.

Leap Day Predictions
by Haaziq, age 10

In four years, I will…

kiss girls.
go out without my parents.
wash cars (part-time job).
babysit my little sister.
do chores.
go to parties with my friends.
save money for a guitar
and a motorcycle.
be a wrestler at Paul Robeson.

That’s what I’ll be four years from now.

Leap Day Predictions
by Blessings, age 8

In four years, I will be twelve years old.
I will be a rock star.
I will be a billionaire.
I will be old enough to do my own hair.
I can go anywhere I want and I will have a car.
I will have a voice similar to Whitney Houston.
I will be living in New York City.
I will have a lot of friends.
People will want my autograph.
I will have a boyfriend with my complexion and hazel eyes. He will wear glasses, but not be a nerd, and dress nicely. Girls will want to be his girlfriend. We will be in a play (Romeo & Juliet).

The world will be different. People won’t be so mean and violent.

An Evening with Buzz Bissinger to Benefit Spells

lizencarn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:06:19 +0000

$125 for VIP admission / $135 at the door.
(Includes a VIP reception and a signed copy of Father’s Day.)

$70 for general admission / $80 at the door

PURCHASE ADMISSION NOW

The Spells Digital Storytelling Project Screening

lizencarn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:27:12 +0000

Your Words. Your Photos. Your Film. Your Voice.

Last fall, a group of talented students worked for six weeks to write, record, visualize, and edit stories that were special to them. Now, they’re ready to share their stories with friends and family at the Spells Digital Storytelling Project Screening. Help us celebrate their accomplishments and vision by seeing their digital creations on the big screen.

Greetings from Planet Spells

lizencarn — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:13:59 +0000

Greetings, earthlings from Planet Spells! Come along with us as we take our Spells students to a distant galaxy on a creative writing voyage. We’ll explore the extraterrestrial worlds of our imaginations on a far-out adventure through the cosmos. Will the ground be made of marshmallows? Will elephants do the tango? The sky will be no limit for the fun we have in store!

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Extreme Engineering

lizencarn — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:47:00 +0000

Being Buzz Bissinger

lizencarn — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:35:01 +0000

$200 for Benefactor
(Includes a special mention in the program book if purchased by 4/15, an intimate wine and hors d’oeuvres pre-reception with the author, a signed bookmark, a copy of Father’s Day to be mailed after publication, and preferred seating at the event)

$125 for VIP / $135 at the door
(Includes an intimate wine and hors d’oeuvres pre-reception with the author, a signed bookmark, a copy of Father’s Day to be mailed after publication, and preferred seating at the event)

$85 for Patron + book
(Includes a copy of Father’s Day at a special discounted price, which will be mailed after publication)

$60 for Patron / $70 at the door

PURCHASE ADMISSION NOW

SEE A LIST OF THE SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

Also, special thanks to our event’s benefactor, Mary Beth O’Connor

And to Think That I Saw It on Alder Street

lizencarn — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:31:10 +0000

This March, we’re celebrating the birthday of Theodor Geisel—as well as the 75th anniversary of his first published book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street—with a superbly Seussical writing workshop at Spells! Join us as we put on our red-striped hats, appreciate the master’s words, and create some silly stories and rambunctious rhymes of our own. It’ll be a birthday celebration to remember!

Spells Summer Internships Are Back!

lizencarn — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:42:59 +0000

Do you . . .

Enjoy mentoring kids?
Have a desire to share your creativity and love of writing?
Proudly participate in Talk Like a Pirate Day?

If so, this could be the internship for you!

Join Spells Writing Lab this summer as we plan and host a free summer day camp at our headquarters in North Philadelphia. Attracting young writers from around the city, our writing camp focuses on a different theme each week, providing enrichment and excitement for Philly’s kids. Interns will lead writing activities and work directly with guest instructors and students, gaining valuable experience in many areas of educational programming and running a non-profit.

We’re now accepting applications for our summer internships, which run from mid-June through mid-August. To apply, please send an email to volunteer@phillyspells.org by Thursday, April 5. The email should include a PDF attachment of your current resume and a cover letter pasted into the body of the email that highlights specific skills and experience you would bring to Spells, as well as what you hope to gain from the internship.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum commitment of 25 hours per week
A passion for writing
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and adapt to new situations
Experience with kids in a professional setting preferred
Editing, proofreading, or design skills a plus
Interest in other forms of artistic expression (photography, film, music, etc.) a plus

We look forward to hearing from you!

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Crime Scene Investigation

lizencarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:19:15 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—Natural Disasters

lizencarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:13:17 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!

Totally Irresponsible Saturday Science Club—The Haunted Laboratory

lizencarn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:09:24 +0000

Join us one Saturday each month, as we turn our writing center into a mad scientist’s laboratory to perform totally messy, thrilling, and crazy experiments guaranteed to make your mom glad you’re not doing them at her house! In past sessions, we’ve made monster ice cream, held balloon races, turned milk into curds and whey, and made plastic gloves come to life. What crazy experiments will we attempt this month? Join us and find out!