An Innovative STEM Summer Camp Curriculum and More for Grades K-6
What is Camp Invention?
- What: Camp Invention® is designed to help students create, collaborate and gain confidence through building prototypes and solving real-world problems. This nationally accredited, standards-aligned STEM summer camp program is informed by the insights of world-changing inventors and has inspired children nationwide for more than 30 years. A new, tested program is developed by our team of educators each year and is differentiated to meet the needs of primary and intermediate students. The program includes four unique modules with 32.5 curriculum hours*.
- Who: Students in grades K-6
- When: Summer
- Where: Camp Invention is hosted locally and led by local educators. If a district building is not available, the program can be hosted in a community building, library or other local facility.
- How: Materials are shipped in classroom sets from our in-house warehouse directly to your program location.
**Camp can be implemented using a parent-paid model or purchased as either a full program or individual modules. It also can run as a unique, standalone summer experience or as the perfect complement to a larger summer learning program.
Engaging Curriculum
Designed for hands-on engagement and open-ended exploration, Camp Invention encourages children’s natural curiosity and creativity. Our 20-month curriculum development process ensures students enjoy a quality experience.
Funding Qualified
Camp Invention qualifies for ARP/ESSER, Title I-IV, 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Migrant Education funding, as well as state and local district funding resources. Our team works with you to both identify and apply for funding opportunities.
Stress-Free Implementation
The National Inventors Hall of Fame® provides all materials and resources needed for hassle-free implementation, including dedicated customer support throughout the program.
Evidence Based
Independent evaluations show that one week of Camp Invention can produce short- and long-term improvements in creativity, interest in STEM subjects, collaboration and problem-solving skills. Learn more about our impact.
What is Included in Camp Invention?
Program Preparation
Program Team Member orientation, promotional tools including flyers, posters, social media and digital content, and exceptional guidance and one-on-one coaching provided by a dedicated National Inventors Hall of Fame support team.
Implementation Support
Materials, step-by-step curriculum and instructor guide for 32.5 hours of programming, daily schedules and prerecorded videos to supplement the curriculum, a central registration system, and Camp Invention T-shirts for participants and Program Team Members.
Explore Our 2024 Program: Illuminate
Read on for a preview of this summer’s all-new program, or click here for more details.
In the Game™
Children explore physics and materials science as they create their own light-up game and sports ball, all while discovering the importance of intentional design!
Let’s Glow™
Children explore optics, molecular biology and genetics, experiment with glowing materials and engineer a double-sided circuit board to illuminate their one-of-a-kind Glow Box.
Operation: HydroDrop™
With the help of a robotic lab-on-wheels, children gather data, tap into ingenuity and use creative problem solving to take on water challenges around the world.
Prototyping Studio™
Children step into Prototyping Studio, where they explore the innovation spaces of Our Nation's Greatest Innovators™, customize a toolbox and transform their ideas into unique inventions.
What Educators Are Saying About Our Education Programs
We want to partner with more educators just like you!
Contact us at 800-968-4332, [email protected] or complete our form to bring transformative, hands-on learning to your school.
References
- Donald J. Treffinger, Camp Invention Evaluation. Sarasota (FL): Center for Creative Learning (2001); Bureau of Research Training and Services in the College and Graduate School of Education, Health and Human Services at Kent State University (2007); A. Scarisbrick-Hauser, B. Hauser, 2010 Camp Invention Program Evaluation (2010); ChangeMaker Consulting, LLC, Camp Invention Evaluation (2014); J. Falk, Camp Invention Evaluation Report. Institute for Learning Innovation (2018).
- A. Bell, R. Chetty, X. Jaravel, N. Petkova, and J. Van Reenen, Who Becomes an Inventor in America? The Importance of Exposure to Innovation. Opportunity Insights (2017).
- J. Garner, E. Matheny, A. Rutledge, & M. Kuhn (2021, August 11). Invention Education as a Context for Children's Identity Exploration. Journal of STEM Outreach.
Bring Camp Invention to Your School