Each year, the Community of Writers selects several young people who are interested in poetry, prose or the business of literature to work at the summer workshops in Olympic Valley.
Poetry Program: June 21-27, 2025
Writers Workshops: July 7-14, 2025
Candidates may apply for an individual programs or both sessions. Ideal candidates have a strong interest in the written word, and are committed to creating a warm, efficient and communal atmosphere for a brief time in the Valley. Energetic, positive, and organized candidates are encouraged to apply.
All workers (Elves) are expected to live and work in Olympic Valley (unless they live locally) for approximately ten days. This includes one to two days leading up to the workshop week, setting up workshop spaces and the bookstore, preparing packets, going on shopping trips, and more, and they are expected to stay one to two days following the end of the workshop week to help break down. Elves live in a communal house within walking distance of the headquarters.
Elves are expected to self-regulate, meaning that the shared house has no chaperone, rooms are first come first served (though there will be a bed for everyone). Some rooms are single and some have multiple beds. Elves are expected to come to work when they are assigned, and they are responsible for getting here. Elves are expected to be respectful of one another and to be committed to building an atmosphere of care and trust, so that everyone feels safe and cared for during their time in the Valley.
Housing and dinners are provided, but Elves are on their own for breakfast and lunch, though the house will be stocked with basic provisions at the beginning of the week, such as coffee, milk, bread, etc.
Pay
Elves are paid the State minimum wage of $16.50/hr plus any overtime accrued in the course of work. Typically elves earn about $100 per day. Elves will need to submit IRS form W-2 upon invitation.
Driving expenses during the week (not including travel to and from the Valley) will be reimbursed at the state required nonprofit rate.
Housing and dinners will be provided.
Other Benefits
One-on-one session: Elves will be given the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a staff member to discuss their writing, writing life, or career. Or Elves can opt to meet with a staff writer or poet to discuss a topic of their choice. These meetings are brief, so it is worth while to come prepared.
Craft Talks, Readings and Panels: Elves are invited to sit in on any public afternoon events as their schedule allows.
During the poetry week, this largely consists of afternoon craft talks before dinner. A beer/wine bar will be open and the craft talk usually lasts one hour. They are also invited to watch the Benefit Poetry Reading, in which staff poets will read some of their work – including some work they may have written that week.
During the Writers Workshop week, elves are encouraged to attended any of the afternoon literary programming from 1pm to 4pm each day, as well as the early evening readings and the after-dinner readings.
In addition to these, there are many casual opportunities to meet with other writers and poets in social situations, as time allows.
Typical Duties
Typical duties include (but are not limited to) moving boxes and workshop materials, setting up and breaking down tents for workshop spaces, setting up the bookstore, working in the bookstore, going on shopping trips and setting up for parties, prepping participant packets, arranging table cloths and bouquets, shuttling poets and writers to-and-from their accommodations, and numerous other tasks.
Schedules
Schedules will be established when the elves arrive in the valley.
Typically elves will work no more than eight hours per day, though their schedules may be staggered. Some overtime may be required on certain days. Overtime approval from administrative staff is required, but any overtime will be reimbursed per state requirements.
Elves will have at least one day off, during which they can hike to High Camp, spend the day at Tahoe, or take the day to read and write.
There will be a good amount of down time for rest and writing.
Requirements
Elves must be at least 21 years of age, and should have an interest in the literary arts.
Apply here by April 20
Candidates may be asked to meet with the directors of the program on Zoom.