Creating a Supportive Environment for Every Child

“There isn’t anyone who makes anything today without the help of others.” – George Alcorn, National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF) Inductee

Here at NIHF, we know that many viewpoints are needed to solve the world’s biggest challenges, and we believe this starts with each child believing they have something unique to offer to the world around them. We wholeheartedly believe that every kid has the potential to create, innovate and problem solve.

Whether your child enjoys inventing new objects or games, playing sports, creating art or making music, they have a place in our education programs. Programs like Camp Invention^® speak to kids of all interests, backgrounds and learning styles, fostering diversity in a way that encourages every kid to engage in hands-on invention education. Here’s how our programs are developed to create a supportive environment for every child.

An Environment for Everyone

When it comes to choosing camps and activities, we know you have a wide variety of options. It might seem overwhelming to select a program for your child based on what they’re interested in, while also hoping they learn and grow through what they experience. While many kids already know they enjoy STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), it can feel intimidating to others who might excel in different subjects.

The good news is that our STEM programs overlap with areas of art, sports, games and awesome adventures! We’re here to provide a safe space for your child to explore a multitude of interests as they learn about STEM concepts.

Creating Healthy Spaces for Maximum Support

When groups of children are learning, creating and building together, social anxieties can creep up. Even in young children, this can prevent them from being their most authentic selves. From being reluctant to share their ideas to not enjoying the activities they’re involved in, feeling intimidated or uncomfortable in certain conditions can severely impact a child’s ability to learn and have positive experiences.¹

To alleviate anxieties and uplift all children, NIHF education programs cultivate inclusive learning environments where kids can build confidence and persistence. We understand that while the call for diversity in STEM fields is strong, research shows that women and girls remain underrepresented in this academic realm. Though girls and boys show similar interest in these subjects during elementary school, only 30% of female students worldwide select STEM-related fields in higher education. To help close this gender gap, NIHF programs are designed to keep every child engaged in STEM learning. In fact, Camp Invention offers new, hands-on experiences each year to keep kids excited about innovative challenges while they build vital skills.

NIHF strives to create a welcoming and anxiety-reducing environment where all participants both value and celebrate the different perspectives and experiences they bring to the program. We wholeheartedly embrace every child as we work to close gaps in innovation and inspire the next generation of inventors.

See What Educators and Families Are Saying

We know how important it is to see what family members and educators have to say about the impact of our programs. See how Camp Invention promotes a supportive atmosphere directly from a camp teacher and parent.

“Every kid was on equal footing! Camps of other types can favor certain groups or abilities, but this camp put everyone on the same level. Each day when I asked kids what their favorite part of camp was, every single one said, ‘everything!’ You don't have to love science to love this camp!” – Darren K., educator, Blue Ash, OH

“Camp Invention was a great and safe place to send our kiddo who has ADHD and anxiety. She was able to express her creativity, think outside the box, and was supported by many amazing teachers and staff. We were offered a scholarship this year for her to attend, but next year we'll definitely be sending her back, if possible, regardless of the scholarship. She had so much fun and still talks about it weeks later.” – Amy M., parent, Vandalia, IL

Benefits at a Glance

• NIHF education programs strive to create a welcoming, anxiety-reducing environment by valuing the variety of experiences and perspectives brought by children from diverse backgrounds. In this kind of atmosphere, children are encouraged to share their ideas and create without judgment.¹
   
• NIHF education programs empower every kind of kid as they make meaningful connections through collaboration
   
• No matter how your child prefers to learn, play or create, NIHF education programs provide varied experiences to appeal to their interests. Each program is inclusive, inspiring and supportive of every kind of learner.

Experience the Benefits of NIHF Education Programs

Learn more about what NIHF programs, including Camp Invention, can do for your child.

¹ Garner, J. K., & Kuhn, M. (2022, January). Invention Education Programming: Perceptions of Children and Teacher-Facilitators, A Technical Report Prepared for Camp Invention.