Camp Invention

As a parent, do you dread summer time because you struggle finding worthwhile activities for your child to partake in? As a teacher do you feel the same for your students regarding preparation for the upcoming school year?

Luckily, there are some great educational opportunities over the summer for students. One of them is called “Camp Invention.” I had the opportunity to work for Camp Invention the summer of 2009. Not only did I grow as a teacher, but the students who participated were challenged intellectually, received daily physical activity and healthy snacks, and created meaningful relationships with each other and their teachers.

If you have never heard of this program, let me explain. It occurs over the summer at various elementary schools in the district. It is geared towards students in grades 1-6 and it is meant to be a science based enrichment camp. There are four programs a school can sign on to host:  Create, Innovate, Envision, and Encounter. Each activity requires students to work together to develop teamwork and problem solving skills. My previous school signed on to do the “Create” program. I was in charge of helping students utilize recycled materials to CREATE a car to race on an obstacle course later in the week. Students’ creativity was at an all time high. The use of recycled materials required students to think through how they could use unusual objects in an ordinary way. Students problem solved as materials ran low, or materials did not last through a test run. By the end of the week, all students successfully raced. The winner had the fastest obstacle course time; but the inventions had been run ragged. (Hey, we never said the invention had to be able to function after the obstacle course!)

Each year my previous school signs up to host Camp Invention. The students rave about the experience and parents say it was well worth the time and money spent. See Camp Invention in action!

Have you ever participated in the Camp Invention experience?

Are there other programs that are similar or as motivating and worthwhile?

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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