Forms
FAQ
The Program
Teachers and Staff
Child Placement
Special Needs
After Registration
Scholarships
The Program
Who writes the Camp Invention curricula?
All Camp Invention curricula are written and carefully piloted by educators. Every module includes customized instruction for each grade level and aligns with state and national education standards.
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What is the difference between the CREATE, INNOVATE, ENVISION, and ENCOUNTER programs, and which sites are offering each one?
All locations use the same hands-on approach dealing with creativity, discovery, and invention, but each program offers different blocks of curricula. To keep the program fresh each year, each site operates on a rotating schedule. This ensures that children can return to the program year after year and never have the same experience twice. The Locations page shows which program is being offered at each particular location.
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How many children generally attend each program?
Each Camp Invention program can accommodate up to 110 participants.
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How can I learn more about the Camp Invention program?
Send an e-mail to campinvention@invent.org or call 800.968.4332.
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Teachers and Staff
Who teaches the Camp Invention program?
Camp Invention instructors are qualified educators in your local area who are selected for their abilities to excite and motivate children and their enthusiasm for creative learning.
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What is the staff-to-child ratio?
The Camp Invention program maintains a staff-to-child ratio of 1:8.
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Child Placement
My child is entering kindergarten. Can he/she attend?
Though we strive to reach children of all ages, the curricula for the Camp Invention program are not written to accommodate kindergartners. Participants are engaged in reading, writing, and problem-solving activities that were written at a one to six grade level.
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How are the children divided into groups?
Children are placed in groups according to their age and grade. The curricula are geared toward each specific grade level.
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My child is exceptionally bright. Should he/she be placed with the older groups of children?
It has been our experience that children have a better experience with the Camp Invention program when they are placed with peers their own age. Because the module content is open-ended, each child’s experience is unique.
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Can my child be placed with his/her friends?
Children can be placed with friends as long as they are in the same grade. However, if a friend is one grade higher or lower, the two can and will be paired in the lower grade. We want to make your child's experience at the program as fun as possible. Please specify the full name of the child with whom your son or daughter would like to be paired when you submit his/her registration.
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The Camp Invention Day
What will my child do at the Camp Invention program?
Each day, children participate in five continuous modules that place them in settings like a strange planet, a faraway island, or deep under the sea. Children must then use their imagination and inventive-thinking skills to solve problems within each environment, such as how to rebuild their rocket ship, how to cross a river of hot lava, or how to gather and contain sea creatures without causing them harm. Through this kind of hands-on fun, children get excited about science and working together as a team. Activities will vary depending on the program selected.
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Will my child spend time outside?
Some of the Camp Invention modules can involve outdoor fun; however, this is contingent upon the property of the host site and current weather conditions. At no time will children leave the program location.
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Special Needs
My child is physically or developmentally challenged. Can the Camp Invention program accommodate his/her needs?
The Camp Invention program is an environment in which every child can succeed. We make it a priority to accommodate any special needs your child might have. If required, an aide or buddy is welcome to attend the program with your child. If the aide or buddy is going into the seventh grade or higher, he or she may attend the program at no cost. If the aide or buddy is within the age level for the Camp Invention program, he or she is extended a reduced registration rate. To make arrangements regarding your child’s aide or buddy, please contact Customer Service at 800.968.4332 during regular business hours or e-mail your child’s name, aide or buddy’s name, your contact information, and your program’s location to campinvention@invent.org, and a customer service associate will contact you.
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My child needs to take medication. Who will dispense it?
All medication must be delivered (in the original container in which it was dispensed) and administered by a pre-authorized individual designated by you. No member of the Camp Invention program is permitted to administer medication. We will, however, remind children when it is time to take their medication and supervise them as they take it, so long as you have authorized self-administration. If you are not comfortable with your child self-administering his or her medication, you or a pre-authorized individual are welcome to come to the site to dispense the medication when necessary.
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After Registration
Can my child switch to a different program after he or she is already registered?
As long as there is availability, you may switch programs up to one week prior to the beginning of the originally registered program. The only exception to this rule would be sites that handle their own registrations.
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Do you ever cancel programs?
We do everything possible to see that a program takes place. If for any reason we have to cancel a program, you will have the option to receive a full refund or we can place your child in another program. When and if a program cancels, we notify each participant as soon as possible.
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What do children need to bring to the program?
Children need only bring a packed lunch, drink, and snack – each clearly marked with his or her name. Before the program, you will receive a detailed letter and a participant information form. The letter contains all of the information you'll need to ensure that your child has a great time at the program. The participant information form should be completed (with all signature lines signed) and ready to turn in on your child’s first day at the designated check-in area.
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How does early drop-off and late pick-up work, and is it available at every site?
The Camp Invention program does not provide early drop-off or late pick-up. Sometimes, the site may offer this at an additional cost. This information is provided on the Locations page, if applicable, or you can call 800.968.4332 to inquire.
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What is the Inventors' Showcase program?
On the last day of the program week, the children host an assembly for their family members. This gives the children a chance to show their loved ones what they have been busy working on all week. You are encouraged to attend this program if at all possible. The children are typically very proud of their inventions and look forward to showing them off. This presents a great opportunity for family members to show support and help build self-esteem.
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Scholarships
Are scholarships available for the Camp Invention program?
Scholarships are provided on a financial need basis in many areas. Contact 800.968.4332 for more information.
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Can I donate tuition for a child?
Yes! There are many children who would love to attend the Camp Invention program but cannot due to financial constraints. Whether interested in sponsoring a child in need or specific child, contact 800.968.4332 for more information.
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Cost
How much does the Camp Invention program cost?
Prices vary by location. See the Locations page for pricing information related to your site.
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What is the refund policy?
The registration price includes a nonrefundable $50 fee. The balance of the registration cost is refundable up to three weeks prior to the first day of the program. All cancellations after this time will result in a loss of the entire amount paid. As long as there is availability, you may switch programs up to one week prior to the beginning of the originally registered program. The only exception to this rule would be sites that handle their own registrations.
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What kind of payments do you accept?
Payment is accepted in full through Discover, VISA, MasterCard, personal checks, travelers checks, and money orders. An installment payment plan is available at no additional cost if you use a credit or debit card and your registration is received on or before March 30, 2012. If you choose this option, please note that advertised discounts do not apply. A third of your program cost will be charged at the time of registration, and the remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments that will be automatically charged at approximately 30 days and 60 days after the initial deposit. All 3 payments can only be paid by credit or debit card.
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What if the program my child wants to attend is already full?
To ensure that your child has a great experience at the Camp Invention program, there is a maximum of 110 children enrolled in each program. Some locations fill up faster than others, and, unfortunately, we cannot hold spots without full payment. If your desired program is full, you are encouraged to consider other locations available in your area. If the location that is currently closed is the only location that will work for you, you can request to be placed on the waiting list by calling 800.968.4332. Registrations are sometimes cancelled because of conflicts with summer schedules. When this happens, those on the waiting list are notified as soon as a space becomes available.
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