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Rail Writers The Dallas Beat Summer Youth Writing Camp

The Dallas Beat: Rail Writers Summer Camp
Grab your notebook and hop on board—this 5 day camp is journalism in motion. In this one-of-a-kind adventure, students traverse Dallas via the DART light rail, uncovering real stories at every stop.
Throughout the journey, participants explore how to think and write like reporters, and how to find stories that matter. Whether they’re documenting a specific neighborhood, a cultural event, or the broader DFW landscape, there is always a fresh new perspective to find on the city they call home. Lunch is on us—just bring your curiosity!
Camp Philosophy
- Learning through exploration: the city is a living laboratory where stories hide in plain sight
- Creativity at the center: journalism is not only about reporting facts but about the way stories are shaped to reflect lived experiences
- Community and belonging: Activities build confidence, collaboration, and help students discover their city
- Curiosity-driven: Questions guide the experience—participants ask, observe, and connect
Age Level / Eligibility
- Ages: 11-14
- Maximum of 15 campers accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
- Registration closes May 29, 2026
Camp Dates & Schedules
Dates: June 22-26, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday (Drop-off begins at 8:30 AM; pick-up by 4:00 PM)
Drop Off & Pick Up Location: East Dock Dallas – 900 E. Clarendon Dr. Dallas, TX 75203
Activities Include:
- Using journalistic principles to write news-style pieces about camp activities
- Field trips to Oak Cliff, Dallas City Hall, and the 6th-floor museum
- Streetcar and DART Light Rail rides for city exploration
- Group discussions, reflections, and storytelling
- Creation of Dallas Beat news magazine from student writing
Contact Information
For questions or more information, please contact:
Sharon Mansfield
[email protected]
214-828-1715
Registration is now closed.