How Camp Invention Encourages Collaboration

For more than 30 years, the education team at the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® (NIHF) has continued to develop Camp Invention^®, our flagship summer program, using lessons and stories from some of our nation’s greatest innovators: our NIHF Inductees.

Throughout our history, we’ve come to understand the importance of collaboration, both in inventing and in context of social-emotional learning (SEL). Because of this, we have made sure that whether participants choose an in-person or at-home Camp Invention format, they enjoy plenty of opportunities for collaboration.

In-Person Collaboration 

We know the most impactful innovations are often the result of teamwork and feedback from others, so we design every camp activity to give children the opportunity to collaborate. From incorporating others’ ideas while building inventions to working in teams to problem solving their way through challenges, each day is filled with opportunities for children to practice working together. 

One of the keys to effective collaboration is a group’s ability to listen and respect the opinions of others. Through the act of play and discovery, participants are empowered through the lens of SEL, building responsible decision-making skills and developing self-awareness. In the spirit of continuous improvement, students practice communicating their ideas with clarity and focus and learn that constructive feedback from others is a necessary step in producing the best outcomes.

At-Home Collaboration 

Because the same activities and ideas are presented in both camp formats, our at-home participants have the opportunity to collaborate and build off one another’s ideas. Each day, children engage in multiple live sessions. These sessions include a morning Kickoff session where interactive icebreakers are used to help kids get more comfortable within their group, and Afternoon Hangout sessions that give kids a chance to socialize. These experiences help children build confidence in working together and giving each other feedback and inspiration. Additionally, kids are invited to work on their own inventions while they are online and can share ideas and feedback as they team up to improve their invention designs throughout the week.

With remote work becoming more common around the world, the ability to collaborate online is an increasingly important skill. The more familiar children become with this kind of teamwork, the better prepared they will be when they enter the workforce.

Learn More About Camp Invention

Unsure if you’ll want an in-person or at-home experience this summer? Not a problem! With our new Peace of Mind Promise, you can sign up for camp today and switch your format choice up to six weeks before camp starts!

To learn more about Camp Invention, we invite you to visit our website.