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Young Authors Conference


Youth Enrichment (grades K-12) / Academics & Learning -
2026 Winter-Spring

The Young Authors Conference (YAC) is a one-day field trip for grades 4-8 that takes place at Bethel University. Hundreds of students spend the day learning from and writing with professional Minnesota authors. They leave with new strategies, ideas, and skills to become stronger writers. The 2025 theme is “Adventure in Every Draft.”

Breakout sessions are engaging, interactive, and informative. A variety of topics have been offered over the years, including poetry, journalism, spoken word, short stories, memoirs, playwriting, songwriting, and more. Students attend a keynote and three breakout sessions. Live music, an open mic, and a book fair keep students busy and engaged during the day. This event aligns with Minnesota Academic Standards in English Language Arts. You can find more information about Young Authors here.

This field trip is only open to Mahtomedi Public School students grades 4-8. Students will need to bring a lunch and a drink/water bottle. Your registration fee covers your student's registration and transportation.

The bus will depart from OHA/MMS at 8AM. OHA Students will require early transportation to the school, as we depart before buses arrive for the school day. 

The bus will return at 2PM, for the remainder of the school day.

***Please note the date difference for grades 4-5 (OHA) and grades 6-8 (MMS)***

 May 2026 
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Instructor

Kathryn Marget


Kathryn has worked in gifted education her entire career and currently serves as the K-12 Advanced Academics Coordinator for Mahtomedi Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, along with certification in K-12 reading and 5-12 language arts from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has also taught through the Hamline University Gifted Education Certification Program. Kathryn is passionate about providing challenge and opportunity to all learners. At home in Stillwater, she spends time with her husband and two German Shepherd dogs.

W26.5YoungAuthorsGrades4-5

  Kathryn Marget


O.H. Anderson : Lobby
Tuesday, May 26
7:50 AM - 2:00 PM

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Grades   4th - 5th

Price: $ 69 00
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  Kathryn Marget


Mahtomedi Middle School : Lobby
Thursday, May 28
7:50 AM - 2:00 PM

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Grades   6th - 8th

Price: $ 69 00