BCC Creative Writing Workshop

04:00PM / Friday, January 12, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) presents a six-week workshop called "The Writer's Elixir: A Creative Writing and Self-Publishing Master Class" on Wednesdays, January 24 through February 28, from 6-7:30 pm.

The cost for all six classes is $120.

According to a press release:

Do you have an idea for a children's book, short story, novel or e-book? Use this course as a guide to help you develop, write, revise and find a home for your project. If you've always wanted to write but you aren't sure where to begin, instructors will help you craft a concept from your own ideas or from a provided prompt. Participants will learn theories about why we write, grammar, elements of storytelling, fiction versus nonfiction, style, medium, process, revision and finding a home for your work and/or self-publishing.

Classes will be held at BCC's main campus, located at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/writers-elixir.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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