Youth Offerings
Calling all young writers! The Loft's Young Writers Program publishes an annual anthology of students' writing in the Loft Young Writers Anthology from youth participants in Loft education programs. Our goal is to provide a safe space for youth to express themselves, regardless of their experience, background, ethnicity, and/or identity, and elevate their voices and unique perspectives. Submissions close on September 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Submit here.
Mark your calendars: December 4 at 6 PM!
Come celebrate the creativity of emerging voices in a reading and reception featuring contributors to the inaugural YWP Anthology presented by the Loft's Young Writers Program. Tickets include a copy of the anthology, with proceeds supporting the Loft's mission to inspire and nurture young writers. This event is open to family, friends, and the public.
This semester-long class is for students who are serious about writing and are ready to take their fiction to the next level. Most of our time in class will be spent discussing your work, helping you make your fiction the best it can be. Attendance is mandatory for all meeting dates!
The Loft’s After School Online Program is a wonderful way for your child to end their school day with creativity and connection. Your child will explore new genres, develop their skills, and connect with other young writers—all from the comfort of home.
Give your kiddo a day of creativity and fun in one of our Fall Day Camps in partnership the Walker Art Center! They’ll make new friends, develop storytelling skills, and come home excited about writing and art. It’s a special way to spend a day off school, and you’ll love seeing them so inspired in camps such as Screenwriting for Teens, Character Design, and more. Don’t forget to sign up your kiddo for supervised Lunchtime Care each day for all-day experience!
The Loft at Youth Pride Night
On June 27, we brought a DIY phone booth to the Twin Cities Youth Pride Night and invited attendees to anonymously leave a message. Here are a few of the highlights.
Most voices you’ll hear are from kids. The last one is from a mom.
Camp dates for 2026 are July 21-24 for Ages 10 to 13. Camp hours are 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis and will let you know within 2 weeks about your application status. There is a short writing sample (no more than 1000 words) to help us gauge student interest and fit in the program. Registration is currently closed and opens in January 2026.
Camp dates for 2026 are July 28-July 31 for Ages 14 to 18. Camp hours are 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis and will let you know within 2 weeks about your application status. There is a short writing sample (no more than 1000 words) to help us gauge student interest and fit in the program. Registration is currently closed and opens in January 2026.
There are at least 2 youth Access Fund seats in every Loft class. Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Join the Access Fund Pool to learn about adult and youth discounted offerings on a monthly basis.
Registration is open as long as there is space available in a class. You can register your child or teen online at www.loft.org or by calling 612-379-8999. We are here to help. A detailed confirmation letter will be emailed once your registration has been processed. Please note that you will be asked to fill out a Health and Safety form after registering, which will be included as a link in your confirmation letter.
The grade ranges listed for each class are suggested guidelines, but before registering your child for a class outside of their grade range, please consider that teaching artists propose classes based on age ranges they are comfortable teaching. Suggested grade ranges also consider socialization, as well as more mature class discussions; you may have an incredibly gifted child who excels at writing and learning, but please consider whether they would be comfortable in a class with children much older/younger, comfortable participating in more mature class discussions pertaining to writing for older audiences, and how it would affect the learning environment for the other students. Please note that grade levels reflect the grade the student will be entering in the fall. If you have questions, please call 612-379-8999.
Children and teens with special needs or disabilities are always welcome at the Loft! Please call us at 612-379-8999 if you would like to discuss how the Loft can accommodate the needs of your child or teen (hearing or sight impairments, children with PCAs, learning challenges, closed caption needs) in order for them to more fully participate in and enjoy Loft classes!
In the event the Loft has to cancel a class, you will be notified in advance and issued a 100% refund. If you need to cancel, notify the Loft education office before the start of the second class meeting to receive our standard 85% refund. Unless the Loft cancels a class, no 100% refunds can be given once registration has taken place, as there is a registration fee of 15%. No refunds will be given after the start of the second class meeting.