SOUTH KITSAP
STORYTELLERS summit

We are honored to invite you to be part of something truly special – the inaugural South Kitsap Storytellers Summit!

Thanks to a generous grant from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation, the South Kitsap School District is hosting a vibrant, district-wide K-12 literacy celebration designed to uplift student voices and spark a lifelong love of reading and writing. This event is especially meaningful to us as we work to ensure that students – particularly those of color – have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and the authors they meet.

We would be delighted to have you join us as a featured storyteller on Saturday, August 22, 2026, 10AM-3PM, at Marcus Whitman Middle School in Port Orchard, WA.

The South Kitsap Storytellers Summit will be a dynamic, community-centered event where you’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with both student and adult readers, sharing your journey, your work, and your passion for storytelling. Attendees will be eager to engage, ask questions, and be inspired by your voice and experiences.

The day will include:
• Meaningful opportunities to meet and interact with families, students, and fellow creators
• Connections with community partners like the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, the Suquamish Tribe and Chief Kitsap Academy, Kitsap Regional Library, Communities in Schools, and KIAC
• Engagement with local literacy advocates including Barnes & Noble, Follett, and local and regional independent booksellers
• A festive atmosphere with food trucks, games, and free literacy resources for families

We are especially excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Jamie Ford – author of The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and a proud Marcus Whitman alum – whose work continues to inspire readers of all ages.

This summit is more than an event – it’s a chance to ignite imagination, build community, and empower the next generation of storytellers. We hope you’ll consider joining us in creating an unforgettable experience for our students and families.