For 30 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) has inspired millions of students across the country through Camp Invention®, its flagship K-6 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) summer program.

Traditionally, Camp Invention is an in-person summer program hosted by more than 3,000 schools and districts nationwide. While the curriculum and immersive hands-on activities change from year to year, the world-changing NIHF Inductees who are the heart of the program remain embedded in videos and challenges throughout the camp week. 

This year, while some school districts are running Camp Invention in-person nationwide, many partners are unable to host the program as planned. But that did not stop Camp Invention from delivering. Instead, it forced the Camp to reinvent itself and deliver a brand-new, one-of-a-kind, at-home summer learning experience: Camp Invention Connect™.

Developing Camp Invention Connect

By gathering valuable insights from both educators and parents about how to best address their needs during these unexpected times, Camp Invention’s education team began developing a customized solution. Using the new Elevate curriculum as a base, they quickly created a set of module kits packed with a robust amount of materials and hands-on activities.

Working one-on-one with districts across the country allowed them to identify if traditional Camp Invention or Camp Invention Connect was most appropriate. For partners who needed the latter, they transformed that site and delivered the activity kits directly to each participant. 

Throughout the program week, children learn the value of creativity and perseverance as they go outside, get active, and experiment with the contents of their kits. They can also enhance their experience through virtual collaboration with their peers and benefit from real-time guidance from certified educators.

“The materials are engaging and fun, and at the perfect level for my child to feel confident enough to work independently. I am impressed with how well this program allows my child to express her creativity! Also, this is the happiest she has been in weeks!”

– Debbie A.

What does a week of Camp Invention Connect look like?

Monday through Thursday, children are invited to attend a morning kickoff session where they can interact with friends and get excited about the day’s challenges and activities. During this virtual experience, a Coach walks through each day’s unique set of activities — taking apart their very own robot and learning about the principles of flight to designing their very own game!

After the morning’s optional kickoff, children are free to tackle their daily challenges. Because each participant receives four complete activity kits filled with all the necessary materials, they are free to invent independently. If the weather is nice, they are encouraged to go outside to get both their brain and body moving. There is no limit to what they can imagine and create throughout the day!

During midday and afternoon hours, children have the option to attend virtual check-ins to collaborate with their Coach and other young innovators. These sessions give children the opportunity to share their ideas and brainstorm ways to make their inventions even better. Through the process of invention, children naturally build confidence and begin to see themselves as creators.

At the end of their week with Camp Invention Connect, children participate in the Inventor’s Showcase — an opportunity to celebrate and share what they’ve created throughout the week with their Coach and fellow innovators.

With the support of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, Camp Invention is providing this innovative STEM education to approximately 80 underserved children in grades K-6 in the Clearview, Elgin, and Lakewood school districts during a time when it is needed most. Underserved children have limited access to out-of-school time STEM activities and arts enrichment opportunities, explain educators involved with Camp Invention. Without programs such as this, they risk missing the chance to develop important soft skills and confidence as innovators alongside their peers. Funding from the Foundation will help these children see themselves as inventors and understand that their ideas have value.

“My child has ADHD, and this program kept his focus and interest. He was so proud of what he completed on each project and shows it off to everyone. Thank you for this experience.” – Tami H.           

“My son began to play with items around the house by mixing and matching to see what new ways he could use them. He’s thinking of ways to meet objectives, on his own, and proudly using creativity to do it. He was happy all week!" – Sara F.

Learn more about Camp Invention Connect

As Camp Invention Connect runs throughout the summer, it remains committed to its philosophy of constant improvement. Because of this, Camp staff continue to hold live focus groups with camper parents and Coaches and send surveys to everyone who participates. Using this feedback, and in the spirit of its innovative Inductees, this program never stops improving.

To learn more, please visit the website to check out the Camp Invention Connect welcome video to get a glimpse at what children can look forward to this summer.

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