��ɫ��Ƶ

_{Image Description: A wide image represents writing retreats. On the left, a person sits on a wooden dock beside a calm blue lake, writing near an empty Adirondack chair. On the right, a participant works on a laptop in a shared indoor space while wearing a shirt that reads, “Are you ready to take The Lake Shift?”}

Nearly two months of summer have passed, and I can already feel the pressure to make more progress on my writing. However, summer can be a valuable time for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to make meaningful progress while having some fun. As a graduate student, I have participated in each of these writing-camps, and I highly recommend them.  

• Make Substantial Progress at Dissertation Boot Camp 

Dissertation Boot Camp, commonly known as DBC, is offered at different times throughout the year and is open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The camps are generally held in person or in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join either on campus or remotely. The May 2026 Dissertation Boot Camp was a great success for me. Having protected writing time, clear goals, and a structured environment made a significant difference to my productivity. Check dates for upcoming Dissertation Boot Camps.  

• Shift Your Writing Forward at The Lake Shift 

Held each July, The Lake Shift is a thesis-writing retreat for doctoral students from Ontario universities. The retreat combines structured writing time with workshops on effective dissertation writing and opportunities to connect with doctoral students from other institutions. Swimming, boating, hiking, and campfire conversations offer a refreshing balance between intellectual work, physical activity, and social connection. A small participation fee is required, and the retreat is open only to doctoral students. Applications for The Lake Shift 2026 are now closed, and this year’s retreat will take place next week. 

• Write in Community at the Ban Righ Centre Writing Studio 

The Writing Studio at the Ban Righ Centre is designed to help mature women make meaningful progress. The studio provides a quiet and focused environment where participants can spend most of the day writing without the usual distractions. More than simply offering a place to work, the Writing Studio creates an opportunity to write in community. The Writing Studio will take place from August 17 to 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Ban Righ Centre. Registration opens on Monday, July 6. Questions can be directed to Liz Turner by email: e.turner@queensu.ca 

• Write and Recharge at Dissertation on the Lake 

Dissertation on the Lake is another longer retreat that offers a week of focused writing in a peaceful natural environment. Held at the end of August on the shores of Elbow Lake, the retreat allows participants to temporarily step away from everyday responsibilities and concentrate on writing. Each day is loosely organized around two writing sessions: three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon. Writing remains the main activity, but participants also have time to swim, canoe, hike, rest, and connect with others.  Applications for Dissertation on Lake 2026 are open until July 13, 2026. 

• Access Writing Support Throughout the Year 

Writing progress does not have to end when a retreat, camp, or studio finishes. , or SASS, offers additional resources throughout the year, including Graduate Writing Labs, one-to-one writing consultations, etc. These services can help writers strengthen their arguments, improve organization, develop effective revision strategies, and establish more sustainable writing practices. 

Based on my own experience, these writing camps are not only productive but also restorative. They remind us that meaningful academic progress can happen alongside community, balance, and enjoyment of the summer.