Boyds Mills positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.
Storytellers Served Per Year
Programs per Year
Children Inspired by Our Storytellers Worldwide
Helping Storytellers Inspire Children Since 1985
Boyds Mills (formerly the Highlights Foundation) began in 1985 with the goal of improving the quality of books for children through craft workshops for writers and illustrators. Located on the family homestead of the founders of Highlights magazine, Boyds Mills is anchored in the belief that “children are the world’s most important people.”
As the organization has evolved, so has its mission.
Today, Boyds Mills positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. We live this mission daily by supporting writers and artists across the globe who bring story to kids, with opportunities to hone their craft, learn more about navigating the publishing industry, and build community.
The very first Boyds Mills program was a weeklong “summer camp” for children’s book writers and illustrators at the Chautauqua Institute in New York. Aspiring and established writers, mentors, and publishing industry professionals gathered for inspirational keynotes, mentorship sessions, and discussions on craft. The result was magical— and a community of authors and illustrators was born.
Those attendees (and others from subsequent workshops and programs) have gone on to write and illustrate countless stories that inspire kids today, including award-winning titles and groundbreaking projects. Some attendees are even on our faculty and staff now, supporting, inspiring, and mentoring the next generation of artists who will create books that help children understand themselves and the world around them.
Today, Boyds Mills hosts programs and retreats year-round both online and in person at our retreat center near the Highlights editorial office in Honesdale, Pennsylvania on the traditional lands of the Lenape people.
Boyds Mills is a public, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. We receive support from individuals, companies, and other organizations who believe in our mission. Our scholarship program serves those who may not be able to bear the costs of our programs.
We hope that you’ll join our community and help us fulfill our mission of inspiring children to become their best selves.
“Boyds Mills launched my writing career… I signed my first book contract shortly after [my first workshop], and within a year, I’d signed eight more contracts. Boyds Mills changed my life, and I’m forever thankful.”
– Linda Oatman High
New Name, Same Mission
In January 2026, the Highlights Foundation officially became Boyds Mills. To learn more about this, please refer to our blog post announcing the name change.
Our History
1985
The first workshop of what would become Boyds Mills was held at the Chautauqua Institute.
2000
The first workshop was held at the location of our current campus, on the porch of the farmhouse built by the founders of Highlights for Children.
2000
Construction of our cabins started around 2000, and was completed in waves.
2011
Construction of the Barn at Boyds Mills (the main gathering place for Boyds Mills campus) was completed in 2011.
2012
We built our Lodge in 2012 to add additional capacity and meeting space to Boyds Mills campus.
2019
We renewed our mission, vision, and values.
2020
Boyds Mills begins a year-round schedule of online courses.
2021
Boyds Mills completed our shift to primary solar energy.
2026
Boyds Mills officially changes its name from the Highlights Foundation.
Today
Boyds Mills continues our mission to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves
