Girl Scouts Build Confidence and Earn Badges at Camp Invention
Camp Invention® is designed to be one of the most inspiring and impactful experiences of every child’s summer. If your child is a Girl Scout, not only does our summer camp expand their creativity and problem-solving skills while helping them gain a new perspective on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), but it also gives them the opportunity to earn badges! Children develop confidence in their ideas and build persistence as they dive into STEM challenges and learn that there is a place in STEM fields for everyone.
Discover This Summer’s All-New Program
Our all-new 2024 Camp Invention program, Illuminate, invites campers to explore four fun and inspiring experiences — In the Game™, Prototyping Studio™, Operation: HydroDrop™ and Let’s Glow™. These experiences help children gain STEM, entrepreneurship and life skills that align with the goals of the Girl Scouts organization. Throughout the program week, campers also learn how their interests can lead them toward awesome STEM careers. One way they experience this is by becoming young inventors themselves!
In the Game brings athletics and invention together with fun challenges and plenty of opportunities for collaborating with friends. Campers get their big ideas rolling as they learn about specialized materials used to create a variety of sports balls. Then they dream up and prototype sports equipment of their own, and use it for their one-of-a-kind light-up ball game. Throughout the week, campers explore the physics of gravitational pull and inclined planes as they build award-winning skills, earning them a spot in The Game of Fame.
In Prototyping Studio, campers become contestants in a game show where they experiment with ordinary materials to make extraordinary innovations. Equipped with a DIY toolbox and take-home tools, campers go through rapid prototyping challenges to transform everyday objects – just like great Hall of Famers have done before them. As they explore, they’re encouraged to dissemble objects to make something new, build strong communication skills by presenting to enthusiastic friends and practice protecting their ideas using intellectual property.
Operation: HydroDrop explores cutting-edge marine technology as campers set sail on a global water adventure. Practicing their creative problem-solving skills, campers tackle real-world water challenges like floods, droughts and pollution. They get the opportunity to build and customize their very own lab-on-wheels, a light-up, mobile bot that can help them along the way. To show how each of us can make a difference on a local level, campers also bring to life a tiny house and garden with an eco-friendly irrigation system.
In Let’s Glow, campers uncover the science of light as they work together to learn about LEDs, fiber optics, ultraviolet light and more. They even explore the genetic modifications of glowing animals as they investigate natural sources of illumination. Applying this knowledge in the biophysics lab, campers engineer a unique Glow Box, giving them the chance to engage in hands-on circuitry experiences while adding new, artistic layers to their creation.
Earn Badges at Camp
Camp Invention can help Girl Scouts explore new STEM interests and take on big challenges – all while having fun and earning badges. To do this, Scouts must verify with their Girl Scout troop leader that they will approve the badges earned by participating in Camp Invention. Through our all-new 2024 Illuminate program, Girl Scouts have the opportunity to earn badges in each of the below levels, from Daisy to Cadette.
Daisy
Grades K-1
Campers can earn STEM and innovation badges as they solve problems, conquer challenges and uncover future STEM career possibilities.
- Daisy Craft and Tinker
- Daisy STEM Career Exploration
- Daisy Create and Innovate
- Toy Business Designer
Brownie
Grades 2-3
Badges are up for grabs when campers discover their innovative potential by using STEM and 21st-century skills to develop great ideas and bring them to life.
- Brownie Craft and Tinker
- Brownie STEM Career Exploration
- Brownie Create and Innovate
- Fair Play
- Budding Entrepreneur
- Inventor
Junior
Grades 4-5
Campers practice problem solving and creativity as they build upon their innovative ideas and learn how they can pursue interests in STEM and entrepreneurship.
- Junior Craft and Tinker
- Junior STEM Career Exploration
- Business Jumpstart
Cadette
Grades 6-8
There are even more opportunities for STEM learning and personal growth when campers are introduced to inspiring role models and learn how to be a good teammate.
- STEM Career Exploration
- Good Sportsmanship
We encourage your Girl Scout to join us at Camp Invention to uncover opportunities in STEM learning while building skills that will serve them no matter where their innovative journey leads!
Learn More
Visit our website for more information about Camp Invention’s inspiring, new 2024 program and to find a camp near you!