Zines: DIY Storytelling & Art with Erwin Ong (Grades 5-8)

Zines: DIY Storytelling & Art with Erwin Ong

August 18-22, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Grades 5-8

In this workshop, students will explore the exciting world of zines—mini self-published books filled with stories, comics, poetry, artwork, or whatever sparks their imagination. Campers will learn how to brainstorm ideas, experiment with visual storytelling, and craft unique zines using different formats, including one-sheet foldable zines and multi-page booklets. They’ll also discover how zines have been used throughout history as a tool for self-expression and community building.

Each day will focus on a different aspect of zine-making, from writing and design to illustration and collage. By the end of the week, students will have created their own collection of zines to share in a final showcase! Whether you love to write, draw, or just want to try something new, this workshop is for you—no experience necessary!

This camp will run from 9:00-4:00 in person at the Hudson Valley Writers Center. Students are expected to bring a lunch.

The Hudson Valley Writers Center strives to make our offerings financially accessible to all youth, regardless of financial barriers. Thanks to our generous grant funders, we are able to offer tiered pricing to support access to high-quality literary programming for all participants, regardless of their economic circumstances. Please pick the price point that best reflects your family’s needs. If you can purchase a higher tier, please consider doing so to save a spot for a family with less room in their budget.