LA GRANGE ELEMENTARY HOSTS CAMP INVENTION

On June 10-14, Camp Invention was hosted at the La Grange Elementary School, where kids ages K-6 participated in activities like building a HydroDrop, learning about the science of light, and creating their own games. Mrs. Pietsch, one of the camps directors, says that the reason they host the camp is because “There are a lot of students that when in the classroom don’t really get a chance to do those open ended creative projects that we do here” and that “Camp Invention is a S.T.E.M camp, and it helps kids build up their science skills while still letting them foster their creativity.”

Ella is one of the camp’s instructors and a previous camper. “You really learn to appreciate the kids while they’re working with others problem solving on how to help people out of a flood or any other natural disaster.”

Camp Invention is known for opening up different ways for kids to be creative, something exhibited in the different physical activities the kids get to participate in. Brittni Keilers, the physical activities leader for Camp Invention, said that “It’s cool watching things sort of click in the kids brain during an activity, or watching the pieces of a puzzle all come together when they’re solving a problem. I think adding a physical aspect to Camp Invention is important just to get the kids up and moving, getting them going definitely gets their ‘wiggles out,’ while also getting them in the right headspace to learn.” When asked why Camp Invention is important, she said that “Giving the kids space and the materials that allow them to explore and invent things and build and let them put concepts together on their own.”

Sherry Schmidt, one of the camp directors, said “I love science, technology, engineering, and math and that all comes together here. The kids are our future, and just watching them with their ideas and excitement and knowing that can lead to something they want to explore and learn about more. All the projects they do are centred on technology and coding. They’re building HydroDrops, they’re making their own prototypes, they’re learning things that is giving them the base knowledge to do great things. And that’s what camp is all about, getting these young minds to think beyond the box and letting them create things that they wouldn’t get a chance to during the school year.”

When asked about her experience as a camper, Bailey Swisher said “Making things out of nothing, like going to the ‘supply room’ of all the materials they give you and grabbing things to repurpose into something important while the leaders let you be creative. “The staff always made you feel important, and they made you feel proud of the things you made. They really make you feel valued and confident in your ability to create,” Swisher added. You can register your child for Camp Invention on their website at invent.org/programs/ camp-invention.