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.
