{"id":2371464,"date":"2016-01-26T22:55:01","date_gmt":"2016-01-27T04:55:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clearwaterpress.com\/oneyearnovel\/?page_id=2371464"},"modified":"2026-01-13T19:36:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T01:36:33","slug":"summer-workshop-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/clearwaterpress.com\/oneyearnovel\/events\/summer-workshop-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Workshop FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row remove_bottom_col_margin=”true” el_id=”swfaqeligible”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\"QuestionsQuestions about the Summer Workshop?<\/span><\/strong>
\nWe are happy to chat any time! To help you out, we compiled these answers to the most common questions we get from families after reading through the Summer Workshop event page<\/a>.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n

Eligibility to Attend<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_tta_accordion spacing=”2″ active_section=”12″ collapsible_all=”true” ine-height=”1.5em”][vc_tta_section title=”Does my student have to finish the course before attending the workshop?” tab_id=”1521053606031-c5f67ecd-b4cf”][vc_column_text]\n
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We don\u2019t require students to have finished the course before attending. That said, the more your student has done of the course, the more\u00a0he or she will benefit from\u00a0the sessions and critique group time<\/strong>. The course gives students a \u201cshared language\u201d for talking about their stories<\/strong>, and some sessions are designed as extensions of the principles taught in the course videos.<\/p>\n

Our recommendation is that if the student has not started the second half of the course (the part where students write the rough draft), it may be better to wait a year, unless the student has already finished a novel before starting OYAN.<\/p>\n

If you decide to register a\u00a0student who won\u2019t reach\u00a0Part Two before the workshop, please have the\u00a0student bring\u00a0the short scenes<\/strong>\u00a0from\u00a0the outlining stage (see workbook lessons 6\u20138, 10\u201312, 15, 18, 23\u201324, 29\u201330, 33, 37\u201339). This way the student will have writing to share.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”I don’t understand why my student can’t attend just because we don’t have a license for OYAN. Could you explain your policy?” tab_id=”1521053606066-d9bdf0f0-01ba”][vc_column_text]\n

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Unlike many other writing events for young\u00a0writers (and events for older writers, for that matter), our workshop is designed as an extension of the instruction in the course. This is one of the special features of the workshop: that students arrive with a shared foundation<\/strong>, and often know each other already<\/strong> from interacting on our Student Forum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We would be thrilled to have your student join us if you decide to invest in a licensed curriculum set<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We license the way we do precisely because of the interactive and immersive nature of the course. The One Year Adventure Novel<\/em> is not just the physical materials in the set; it is also access to quality ongoing support resources<\/strong>. These include access to workshops, the online Student Forum, participation in contests, and monthly webinars on writing topics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”I read that siblings 13 or older must register as a student. One of my student’s siblings is 13+ but isn’t interested in writing fiction and probably won’t ever use this course. Can you make an exception?” tab_id=”1521065288226-d14f1fbc-5e17″][vc_column_text]Please email info@oneyearnovel.com<\/a> or give us a call at 1-888-481-4550 so we can discuss your exact situation. We do sometimes make exceptions in cases like this but you need permission directly from Kelly Howard, the Workshop Coordinator.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”I use this course but I am 30 or older. Do you think this workshop would benefit me?” tab_id=”1521065684339-9dc65fe3-55b1″][vc_column_text]\n

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We would be happy to discuss this with you by email or phone, but the short answer is that while there is presently no upper age limit<\/strong> for the Summer Workshop, most students are 13\u201322 years old, with a few in their mid-twenties<\/strong>. The \u201ctone\u201d of the event might be \u201ctoo young,\u201d and we would need to discuss whether a critique group would really be a good idea.<\/p>\n

The One Year Adventure Novel<\/em> course itself is very beneficial for adults of all ages, but you would probably have a better experience at a workshop designed for\u00a0more mature adults.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is this workshop a religious event?” tab_id=”1580839943422-dc946f0a-a797″][vc_column_text]The\u00a0One Year Adventure Novel <\/em>curriculum is nonsectarian, and is approved for purchase with public funding. It is a writing program, not religious instruction. However, the instructor himself is a Christian, and everything taught in the course is compatible with a biblical worldview. The workshop speakers come from a Christian perspective and some of the teaching sessions may include Christian themes and\/or references.<\/p>\n

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Being a Christian is\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0a requirement for attendance, and the focus of the event is on writing, but this workshop may not be the best fit if you are not comfortable with Christian themes or relevant expressions of personal faith being woven into some of the speakers\u2019 talks.<\/p>\n

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If you have any questions, please contact us; we are happy to talk with you. Our goal is to train and support teen writers. We want every young writer who attends our workshop to have a positive experience!<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row remove_bottom_col_margin=”true” el_id=”swfaqgeneral”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

General<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_tta_accordion spacing=”2″ active_section=”12″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”What do students need to present at check-in on the first day?” tab_id=”1521051747999-85980765-f315″][vc_column_text]Just themselves. Students do not need to print off their ticket confirmation emails<\/strong> and they do not need to present photo I.D. We will check them in based on their first and last name.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How can I reach my student in an emergency situation?” tab_id=”1521051748097-aec0aac2-f0f4″][vc_column_text]\n
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We will provide a 24-hour emergency number<\/strong> shortly before the workshop. If your student does not have a cell phone, please call that number. We will make sure you reach your student.<\/p>\n

If you can reach your student by phone, please inform the emergency contact of the situation as well<\/strong>, so we can do all we can to support you and your student.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How safe is the MNU campus and its surroundings?” tab_id=”1521053707209-40b9efd6-6384″][vc_column_text]Olathe is a very safe, peaceful city, and we have never had any incidents at our events. The college has its own security department on call 24\/7; emergency call-boxes are located all over the campus. Every dorm floor is accessible only with a swipe card (provided to students at check-in), and every dorm room has its own key (also provided at check-in). That said, we do, of course, encourage attendees to use caution and common sense<\/strong>, especially after sundown, and to walk in groups after dark. The paths between the buildings we use are lit; students are not allowed to venture into unlit areas.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Is free parking available?” tab_id=”1521053743680-d45dbb97-76b8″][vc_column_text]Yes, there is ample free parking on campus![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”I read that pets are not allowed in the dorms or in the event buildings. We are traveling with a pet. What do you recommend that we do?” tab_id=”1521054252233-c3ca9c89-9084″][vc_column_text]Thank you for respecting MNU\u2019s pet policy. Unless you would prefer to book a stay for your pet at an area kennel, we recommend staying off-site at a hotel that allows pets<\/strong>, such as the Olathe LaQuinta Inn and Suites<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”We are traveling and sleeping in a recreational vehicle. Can we park on-site, and is there access to water?” tab_id=”1521054320396-81323b61-2a56″][vc_column_text]\n

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We would love to be able to accommodate your needs, but MNU does not allow recreational vehicles to stay on campus<\/strong>. You will need to make arrangements at an area trailer park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Are there drink and snack machines on-site?” tab_id=”1521054379026-6d76cdc7-500c”][vc_column_text]We regret to say that the buildings we use for our event do not contain drink or snack machines. However, Pete’s Place, located in the Cunningham Center, offers a coffee bar, beverages, and snacks. A schedule for hours of operations is provided at the workshop.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row remove_bottom_col_margin=”true” el_id=”swfaqoffsite”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Off-Site Services and Policies<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_tta_accordion spacing=”2″ active_section=”12″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”I am a parent\/student 18 or older, and I want to eat\/stay off-site. Are there grocery stores, restaurants, or hotels within walking distance of campus? Or public transportation to reach these services?” tab_id=”1521049042263-4adeef8a-d4bd”][vc_column_text]Olathe offers standard chain grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels (see list in next question), but none are within easy walking distance of the campus, and there is no public transportation worth speaking of. If you plan to eat or stay off-site, you will need access to a car.
\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What are some restaurants, grocery stores, delivery places, coffee shops, pharmacies, and department stores in the area?” tab_id=”1521049042352-814cfcd9-1b5c”][vc_column_text]\n

Delivery Food Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Domino’s Pizza<\/a><\/strong> – 2.2 miles (6 min)
\n913-764-6311
\n705 E Santa Fe St
\nOlathe, KS 66061<\/p>\n

Pizza Hut<\/strong> <\/a>– 0.9 miles (2 min)
\n913-829-0400
\n12705 N Mur-Len Rd
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Subway<\/a><\/strong> – 2.2 miles (6 min)
\n913-393-0363
\n701 E Santa Fe St
\nOlathe, KS 66061<\/p>\n

Mr. Goodcents<\/a> <\/strong>– 2.4 miles (6 min)
\n913-780-1797
\n2133 E 151st St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Wong’s Kitchen<\/a><\/strong> – 4.3 miles (11min)
\n913-780-9588
\n20166 W 153rd St
\nOlathe KS 66062<\/p>\n

Grocery Stores<\/h3>\n

Walmart Neighborhood Market<\/strong><\/a> – 2.7 miles (5 min)
\n913-489-8366
\n18555 W 151st St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Hen House Market<\/a><\/strong> – 2.3 miles (6 min)
\n913-782-3500
\n13600 S Blackbob Rd
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

ALDI<\/strong><\/a> – 3.5 miles (10 min)
\n855-955-2534
\n15290 W 119th St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Whole Foods Market<\/strong><\/a> – 3.7 miles (10 min)
\n913-764-5656
\n14615 W 119th St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Pharmacies<\/h3>\n

CVS Pharmacy<\/strong><\/a> – 1.5 miles (3 min)
\n913-390-9892
\n1785 S Mur-Len Rd
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Walgreens<\/a><\/strong>* – 1.8 miles (5 min)
\n913-829-3176
\n13450 S Blackbob Rd
\nOlathe KS 66062<\/p>\n

*Healthcare Clinic location<\/em><\/p>\n

Restaurants<\/h3>\n

Culver’s<\/a><\/strong> – 3.2 miles (7 min)
\n913-764-1111
\n18685 W 151st St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Jose Pepper’s Mexican Grill<\/strong><\/a> – 1.9 miles (5 min)
\n913-393-0444
\n13770 S Black Bob Rd
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Panera Bread<\/a> –<\/strong> 3.6 miles (10 min)
\n913-782-4300
\n15108 W 119th St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Chipotle<\/strong><\/a> – 2.4 miles (7 min)
\n913-782-0691
\n14317 W 135th St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

SPIN! Pizza<\/strong><\/a> – 3.8 miles (10 min)
\n913-764-7746
\n14230 W 119th St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Fortune Wok<\/a><\/strong> – 4.3 miles (11 min)
\n913-239-8646
\n1236 W 135th St
\nOverland Park, KS 66221
\n*Gluten-free dinner options<\/em><\/p>\n

Coffee Shops<\/h3>\n

Starbucks<\/a> –<\/strong> 1.8 miles (5 min)
\n913-393-4511
\n15225 W 135th St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop<\/a> –<\/strong> 0.7 miles (2 min)
\n913-544-9705
\n2063 E Santa Fe St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Park Street Pastry<\/a> –<\/strong> 3 miles (8 min)
\n913-839-2222
\n101 E Park St
\nOlathe KS 66061<\/p>\n

Scooter’s<\/a> Drive Thru<\/strong> – 0.9 miles (3 min)
\n913-390-0422
\n2027 E Santa Fe St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Department Stores<\/h3>\n

Walmart<\/a> –<\/strong> 2 miles (5 min)
\n913-829-4404
\n13600 S Alden St
\nOlathe, KS 66062<\/p>\n

Super Target<\/strong><\/a> – 3.5 miles (10 min)
\n913-393-4400
\n15345 W 119th St
\nOlathe, KS 66062[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”I know I am under 18, but if my parents are okay with it, can I go off-site?” tab_id=”1521051928584-d5fa5632-bb96″][vc_column_text]We don\u2019t make exceptions to this rule, even with a parent authorization note. As you might imagine, it would be very difficult for us to monitor, and could easily mislead other students under 18 to think they can go off-site too.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s very important to us to foster a sense of community\u2014one reason why sessions are mandatory. We want students of all ages to enjoy activities together on campus. We encourage students 18 and older to stay on campus as well.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”My student is staying with me off-site. Can we invite my student’s friends to accompany us out to eat or for other activities under my adult oversight?” tab_id=”1521051988246-cd941b16-d8be”][vc_column_text]Thank you for checking with us. We don\u2019t allow students under 18 to leave campus unless accompanied by their own<\/strong> parent or legal guardian<\/em>. This rule is in place to give parents who are not on-site full confidence that their students are safe. Although our experience of OYAN parents at our events is overwhelmingly positive, we feel it is wiser to err on the side of caution<\/strong>. Thank you for understanding.
\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row remove_bottom_col_margin=”true” el_id=”swfaqlodging”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Dorms<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_tta_accordion spacing=”2″ active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Is there free wireless internet?” tab_id=”1521048153296-b05f23fe-333e”][vc_column_text]Yes! There is free wireless internet access in the dorms as well as in the Cunningham Center.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What is the bathroom setup in the Girls’ Dorm and Boys’ Dorm?” tab_id=”1521048153384-e9613b81-dd67″][vc_column_text]\n
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There are two bathrooms on each floor of the Girls\u2019 Dorms and of the Boys\u2019 Dorm, and they are shared between two halls. The bathrooms each contain several\u00a0toilet stalls, shower stalls, and sinks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The shower stalls have two curtains: one between the stall and the rest of the bathroom and one inside the stall to separate the shower itself from the small changing area. There are hooks and a shelf in the changing area.<\/p>\n

We recommend bringing flip flops to wear in the shower, and a housecoat\/bath robe to add to your privacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bath soap and hair dryers are not provided, but towels are provided to each guest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What is the bathroom setup in the Family Dorm?” tab_id=”1521051217024-68dd668f-2f27″][vc_column_text]\n

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Over the years, we have roomed families in different ways. Usually, Family Rooms are on a long floor with two shared bathrooms: one designated for men and one for women. Each of the bathrooms contains several toilet stalls, shower stalls, and sinks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In these bathrooms, the shower stalls have two curtains: one between the stall and the rest of the bathroom and one inside the stall to separate the shower itself from the small changing area. There are hooks and a shelf in the changing area.<\/p>\n

Some years we have also had access to a different building with suites. Suites contain 2 or 3 bedrooms with a shared living space, kitchen<\/strong>, and bathroom. <\/strong>They are, essentially, a small apartment.\u00a0Attendees do not have permission to use the kitchen<\/strong>. If we place a family in a suite, we consider gender and number of people to the bathroom.<\/p>\n

We recommend bringing flip flops to wear in the shower, and a housecoat\/bath robe to add to your privacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bath soap and hair dryers are not provided, but towels are provided to each guest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Are laundry facilities available?” tab_id=”1521051240080-6b7659c8-c32f”][vc_column_text]While there are laundry facilities located in the dorms, they are not<\/strong> available for groups to use during the summer. Please pack accordingly.<\/p>\n

For attendees aged 18 and up, there are several laundromats located near campus.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”What is your policy for opposite-gender visitors in the Dorm?” tab_id=”1521051270498-d8cee88f-1145″][vc_column_text]\n

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Members of the opposite gender are not permitted in Girls\u2019 Dorm or Boys\u2019 Dorm rooms. (In the Family Dorm,\u00a0immediate family members who are lodging together are, of course, permitted).<\/p>\n

Before curfew, both genders are allowed in the Stockton-Rice\u00a0dorm lounge<\/em>\u00a0only<\/strong>\u00a0(on the first floor).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Who are the Camp Counselors, and how do you choose them?” tab_id=”1521051302655-d576574e-9322″][vc_column_text]The Girls\u2019 Dorm and the Boys\u2019 Dorm Camp Counselors are either parents of OYAN students<\/strong> attending the workshop, students aged 25+<\/strong>, or a member of our staff<\/strong>. We choose people who have come to the Summer Workshop at least once before and stayed in the dorms. We know most of the Camp Counselors very well personally from years of interacting with them at events.<\/p>\n

If you are interested in serving in a Camp Counselor role, please submit your Camp Counselor application<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_accordion][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row remove_bottom_col_margin=”true” el_id=”swfaqhealth”][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Health<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_tta_accordion spacing=”2″ active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”My student is bringing food\/snacks. How serious are you about the no-nuts policy? Can my student bring energy bars that contain nuts?” tab_id=”1521047877603-2a99f3a8-1bfe”][vc_column_text]We understand how convenient nut bars and nuts are as a source of protein on-the-go, but several attendees have severe, life-threatening nut allergies. We have a totally nut-free environment in all (yes, all) of the buildings and outside areas that we use at Mid-America Nazarene University. NO nuts are permitted in ANY form. This includes nut butters, granola bars, protein bars, trail mixes, etc., with nuts in them, loose nuts, and any other snacks with nuts.<\/strong> This policy is strictly enforced. Nut anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening form of allergy not to be confused with common allergic reactions. Even the smell of nut oils on fabric and skin can send someone into a fatal shock state and impair their ability to breathe. One of our OYAN students wrote an excellent blogpost on the topic which you can read here<\/a>. Thanks for understanding!<\/p>\n

Here are some great alternative sources of protein-on-the-go that don’t require refrigeration:<\/p>\n