Spells Writing Lab seeks enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated summer interns who will collaborate with our staff, volunteers, and fellow interns to plan and execute our free writing day camp in Philadelphia. Attracting a diverse group of students from around the city, our summer program features a different theme and major storytelling project each week, providing both enrichment and excitement as we work to stem the summer achievement gap for Philly’s kids and plant the seeds for a lifelong love of learning.

Summer program interns will work both collaboratively and individually to design and present writing activities during camp, with an emphasis on experiential learning. Interns will also work one-on-one with our young authors, guiding them through the writing process and helping them realize their full creative potential. In addition, program interns will have responsibility for supervising students during camp activities and field trips, mentoring high-school interns and other junior volunteers, and assisting with the publication of student work. Additional projects based on the intern’s personal skills and interests can also be developed.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for creative writing and storytelling, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Interested candidates should be prepared to follow Spells Writing Lab’s affirmative approach to working with students of all ages and backgrounds, which focuses on designing high-interest, irreverant lessons; using positive reinforcement; redirecting minor behavior issues with patience and supportive engagement; and maintaining a good sense of humor. Experience with kids in a professional or casual setting and/or editing, proofreading, or design skills is preferred. Interest in other forms of artistic expression (photography, film, music, etc.) is also a plus.

We’re now accepting applications for our summer internships, which run from June through August. To apply, please send an email to write@phillyspells.org. The email should include a PDF attachment of your current resume along with 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. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until May 1 or until all positions are filled.

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 the Olde Kensington/Fishtown area. Attracting students from around the city, our writing camp focuses on a different theme and project each week, providing enrichment and excitement for Philly’s kids. Interns will lead writing activities and work one-on-one with young authors, guiding them through the writing process and helping them realize their full creative potential.

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. 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. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until May 1 or until all positions are filled.

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!

Do you . . .

• Enjoy mentoring kids?
• Have a desire to share your creativity and love of writing?
• Love lab coats and funny goggles, talking like a pirate, and generally being silly?

If so, this could be the internship for you!

As an intern at our innovative writing lab providing in-school and out-of-school programming throughout the city, you will work one-on-one with young authors, guiding them through the writing process and helping them realize their full creative potential. Additional responsibilities include developing and presenting writing workshops or other educational programming, managing the production of classroom chapbooks and animated films, communicating with school administrators and educators, and assisting with volunteer management or community outreach.

We are currently accepting internship applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please send an email to volunteer@phillyspells.org. 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 10–20 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

THE REWARDS:

• Adoration of our students
• Opportunities to work with local educators, authors, and journalists
• Transportation stipend
• Free Spells Writing Lab t-shirt
• Free admission to Spells Writing Lab events, including our annual fundraiser
• Strong sense of accomplishment and pride from helping kids succeed

We look forward to hearing from you!

Dear students and supporters of my beloved Spells Writing Lab,

I, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Spells, hereby invite you to the world premiere of my Imaginarium on September 21!

This interactive carnival of writing experiments for kids and their families will also include a special appearance by Kids Corner host Kathy O’Connell of WXPN-FM, a reading by author Beth Kephart (Dr. Radway’s Sasparilla Resolvent) and signed books from Diana Rodriguez Wallach (Mythology High). Also, Spells Mad Libs, a magic show, creative crafts, a silent auction & more!

For additional details about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit the Spells event page.

I do hope you will be able to attend my Imaginarium and support Spells Writing Lab’s work with young writers. As my distinguished ancestor said, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” At my Imaginarium, you shall do both!

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Spells