May 15, 2018 -- CH-UH students who like to build, invent, explore and create have two excellent camp opportunities this summer, offered right here in our district. Two sessions of Camp Invention will be held at Boulevard Elementary School: Fast Forward from June 11-15 and EPIC from August 6 – 10.

The five-day long camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and are open to any children in the district entering kindergarten through grade six. Camp Invention is a national program with lessons and activities designed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

“There is not one minute of downtime,” said STEM coordinator Jackie Taylor, who directs the camps. “All the activities are full immersion, completely hands-on, and really, really fun.”

 

 

The turnout for 2017’s single week of Camp Invention was so large that the district decided to offer two options this year. Students are welcome to sign up for one or both weeks as there will be no concept overlap. 

The first week’s theme, Fast Forward, “will explore with fun, hands-on activities that encourage creative problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship and curiosity,” according to the Camp Invention website. That week, campers will bring home their own personalized robots.

The second theme, EPIC, focuses on designing for the future, from dog parks and playgrounds to energy-saving homes and appliances. “Everything is student-driven,” said Ms. Taylor. The camp provides the materials, demonstrations and oversight, but “the kids provide the ideas and creativity.”

Canterbury 4th grader Liam Harlor attended last summer and still has his creations in his room. “He especially liked the day they did reverse engineering,” said his mom Moira Glover. “They took apart electronics to determine how they work, arguably something adults would enjoy doing as well!”

Camp Invention is not just for the youngest kids. Students entering grades 7 through 9 have the opportunity to serve as Counselors-in-Training, acting under the guidance of district teachers “to gain real world experience on how to be a positive mentor and coach.” Students would still participate in the fun hands-on activities of camp, but with some added leadership responsibilities, building their skills – and their resumes. They can register for this leadership opportunity online. 

Ms. Taylor is willing to accept older students as well: those entering grades 10 through 12 who would like to volunteer at one or both weeks of camp should contact her directly at [email protected].

Registration is open now and can be found at campinvention.org by typing 44118 after clicking the “Find A Program Near You” box. Each week costs $225 for campers and $125 for CiTs, with discounts available when siblings register together.