Face Your Fears

What’s so scary about Colorado? We live in a state known for its snow-capped mountains, sunny days, fantastic winter sports, and healthy inhabitants. So why is it also such a popular setting for stories of mystery and horror?

Students on this Winterim will investigate this question by visiting the cities where four mysterious stories take place: Mark Stevens’ Antler Dust, Cynthia Swanson’s “Pieces of Everyone, Everywhere,” Carter Wilson’s “Grave Mistake,” and Stephen King’s The Shining. While in these places, students will walk in the footsteps of the characters from these stories. They will explore whether the images of the settings that the books create in the mind’s eye match reality—and see if any of the “haunted” hotels we stay in really do have ghosts. Students will also create their own writing as the group works to compile an anthology of mysterious prose to be distributed at the end of Winterim.

During the week, students will have a conversation about writing spooky stories set in Colorado with at least one published author. Other activities will include exploring caves and experiencing unique thrill rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, swimming in the Glenwood Hot Springs pool, investigating the haunted history of historic graveyards and parks throughout Colorado, and touring the Stanley Hotel in search of ghosts.

This trip includes three overnight stays: one in Glenwood Springs on Monday night, one in Boulder on Tuesday night, and one in Estes Park on Thursday night. Students will travel by mini bus during Winterim.

Please note: The mature subject matter of some of the literature we examine may make this Winterim a better fit for older students.

Educational Goals:

  • Explore the concept of “place” in literature through reading, writing, and discussion.

  • Reflect on Colorado by comparing personal impressions with those expressed in the books.

  • Learn about writing and publishing through discussion with a published author.

  • Produce original writing in a variety of unique locations.

  • Consider what scares different people and why, and possibly face some fears of their own.

Instructor: Cinnamon Lopez & Neyda Moulier
Open to: Grades 6–8
Limit: 12 students
Cost: $1,075
Dates: Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13 (overnight stays on March 9, 10, & 12)