Explore the All-New Camp Invention 2025 Program

Children are introduced to captivating optical illusions, discovering the mechanics of how the mind and eye perceive our surroundings. While exploring special effects in the entertainment industry, they find inspiration from the inventors behind real-life theme park technology for their own moving props using pneumatics. Blending the realms of science and art, they are challenged to create their own spin-o-scope to show the illusion of motion.

Children build their very own functional claw machines complete with prizes as they explore the world of physics and mechanics. Along the way, they discover the biology of claws, talons and pincers, and they mimic how animals use these external parts to help them survive, grow and meet their needs. After exploring entrepreneurial principles and crafting marketing strategies, they pitch their arcade ideas to hook investors and secure funding for their claw arcades.

Children embark on an eco-expedition to investigate penguins and the geography and climate of their home in Antarctica. With the help of a Snow-ver – a rover equipped with a robotic research penguin that can roll and glide across snowy and icy surfaces – they enter penguin colonies undetected. Then, they create launchers that propel their own magnetic, wearable plush penguin across the South Pole and beyond, delivering penguin and planet-saving messages.

Children put their navigation skills to the test on the ultimate road trip as they study a travel map and learn about the use of artificial intelligence in everyday items, such as the GPS. They explore electromagnetic waves as they assemble their very own receiver and transmitter and are given secret messages in Morse code. When their journey takes an unexpected detour, they use creative problem solving and build persistence by inventing their way out of numerous bumps in the road.