Learning Can be Fun

Area youth gathered at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato for the 16^th annual southern Minnesota Young Writers Conference March 11–12, 2004.  Hundreds of students, grades 3–12, met to learn about writing and the creative arts. Students kicked off the day with a welcome address from “Mister Jim” and broke into small group sessions focused on poetry, cartooning, science fiction, fantasy writing, humor, screen plays and songwriting, to mention a few, where students were inspired and encouraged  to take their own talents to new levels. 

“Mister Jim” set the tone each day, engaging students in fun activities centered on songs, poetry, and sign language.  Enthusiastic students interacted with one another while learning more about their love to write and create.  Experienced writers from the area worked as conference facilitators where they utilized props and prose to explain to the students how details can affect creative writing and demonstrated that creative work can be fun. 

South Central Service Cooperative sponsors this conference annually for students interested in writing and the creative arts.  Special thanks go out to Bethany Lutheran College for hosting this years’ conference free of charge. Bethany’s staff and students provided SCSC with a great facility and assistance to make the day a success.  Previous hosts for the conference have been Minnesota State University, Mankato and Gustavus Adolphus College