Berkshire Athenaeum Short Story Contest

07:46AM / Wednesday, June 04, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum are thrilled to announce the 47th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 28th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Young Adults.

This annual event, fostering imagination and literary talent, officially opened on Sunday, June 1, 2025, and will close promptly at 4:00 PM on Friday, August 1, 2025.

"We are incredibly excited to launch another year of our Short Story Writing Contest," said Youth Services Supervisor, Sara Russell-Scholl. "This contest provides a wonderful platform for young writers in our community to explore their creativity, develop their narrative skills, and share their unique voices. We can't wait to read the inspiring stories that emerge!"

The Library accepts submissions in multiple convenient ways: in person at the Library, via mail (Berkshire Athenaeum, ATTN: Short Story Contest, One Wendell Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201) or by email. Children's entries can be emailed to childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org and Young Adult entries to youngadult@pittsfieldlibrary.org.

For more information, including official contest rules and guidelines, visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org, email childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org with "Short Story Contest" in the subject line, or call the Children's Library at (413) 499-9480, option 5.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story