The CREATE Program

In the Problem Solving on Planet ZAK® module, children are immersed in the wondrous world of science fiction as they use their creative and critical-thinking skills to keep themselves safe and nourished after crash-landing on a strange planet. They first work together to “reassemble” their crashed spacecraft from a variety of common objects. Then, children assess relevant weather data to design shelter and clothing during their stay on Planet ZAK and use Creative Problem Solving to reach an unusual, hard-to-find food source. Finally, they design ways to launch their spacecraft in time for the countdown to blastoff.

Children are introduced to environmental science and the concept of conservation when they are challenged to rebuild a cleaner, more eco-friendly city that has been polluted to the point of ruin in the Saving Sludge City™ module. Before construction begins, children investigate and recreate the actions that polluted the city and determine effective methods to clean it up. Participants explore green city design, water filtration systems, safe waste disposal, conservation techniques, and renewable energy as they completely reconstruct the town.

In the I Can Invent: Launchitude™ module, expedition teams are challenged to launch international rubber ducks to their country origin and race to destroy competitor duck territory! Teams put physics (trajectory and velocity) into practical use as they take apart broken appliances and re-engineer the gears and gadgets, along with upcycled objects, to invent the ultimate Duck Chucking Device. Throughout the week, children will explore physics, entrepreneurship and invention though practical hands-on challenges.

The Geo-Games module combines physical activity and creativity. Children practice teamwork, cooperation, coordination and creative problem solving processes during fun, energetic games. Geo-Games activities embody the fact that all games can be modified with nontraditional approaches and made more exciting. Children create game pieces and sporting equipment from everyday items, employing the concept of upcycling. Together, they will fuse global games and classic high-energy activities. Like all Camp Invention modules, winning and losing isn’t important. Instead, this module stresses creative problem solving and encourages active physical participation that boosts self-confidence.