Find Out How This Year’s Camp Invention Program Is Making an Impact

Throughout their week at camp, children rotate through four themed experiences to engage in hands-on challenges that encourage creative problem solving, build confidence and promote familiarity with key STEM concepts. Each exciting experience guides children to see their ideas have value and their innovative efforts can change the world.

Innovation does not necessarily require expensive materials or technology. Through the use of upcycling materials commonly found at home, Camp Invention promotes STEM accessibility and creative thinking. Children in our programs visit the Inventor Supply Room to find an array of materials they can use to create their invention prototypes.

Children benefit from opportunities to go outdoors and engage in physical activity. Each day, as the weather allows, children take on high-energy challenges, find inspiration and reenergize through play and exploration outside.

Camp Invention includes embedded professional development, providing educators with practical, hands-on learning strategies they can easily transfer to their classrooms. Educator surveys reveal that after leading Camp Invention:

• 90% have enhanced their knowledge of STEM application
• 90% will integrate different disciplines and subject areas into their lessons
• 93% will use open-ended inquiry as an instruction technique
• 94% will create problem-solving challenges for their students

Camp Invention provides children with equitable opportunities, introduces them to diverse role models and supports important life skills like self-management and responsible decision-making. Research shows shows children who have participated in the program:

• Show improvements in creativity, STEM interest, collaboration and problem solving
• Demonstrate even higher gains with multiple camp experiences
• Increase their average and median standardized test scores in reading and math
• Maintain higher GPAs and better school attendance