This June, nationally recognized non profit summer enrichment program Camp Invention will return to Dawson County, aimed at teaching important STEM skills to local students in kindergarten through sixth grade. 

According to a release by the camp, Camp Invention is a program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF), in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and is made to challenge students to use their creativity to solve problems and to explore their natural curiosity. 

“Through hands-on activities, Camp Invention promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning; builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship — all in a fun and engaging environment,” the release said. “In the unprecedented times we’re all experiencing, with ‘unfinished learning’ and other challenges due to COVID-19, these lessons and opportunities for fun ways to learn are even more valuable.” 

Each year, Camp Invention features new curriculum, and according to the release, this year’s “Explore” program will include hands-on activities such as: 

Robotic Aquatics: Featuring cutting-edge ocean research and allowing children to adopt their own aquatic animals and design and patent aquatic plants. 

NIHF’s The Attic: Combining science and art to build a robotic artist, engage in design thinking, make spin art and learn how inventions can change the way people create. 

Spacecation: Discovering real space exploration technology and allowing children to create Spacepacks and Astro-Arm devices, mine an asteroid and observe erupting ice volcanoes. 

Marble Arcade: Experimenting with physics, engineering and gaming to design, build and test mega marble arcades. 

According to the release, the 2022 Camp Invention program will follow state and local guidelines to help provide a healthy, safe and fun environment for the students. 

In Dawson County, this year’s Camp Invention program will take place from June 20 through June 24 at Dawson County Junior High School, located at 109 Allen Street. For more information including pricing or to register for the camp, go to https://invent-web.ungerboeck.com/programsearch/moreinfo.aspx?event=37141.