Camp Invention at J.B. Watkins Elementary School, Virginia

Illuminate New Possibilities at Camp Invention

For over 35 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has brought hands-on STEM experiences to K-6 students across the country through our flagship summer program, Camp Invention®. This weeklong camp sparks creativity and boosts confidence as campers tackle fun STEM challenges inspired by real-world inventors.

This summer, Camp Invention at J.B. Watkins Elementary School, Virginia is offering this nationally acclaimed program full of open-ended, hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering and more! Each year, Camp Invention delivers an all-new program to ignite the spirit of innovation. As campers collaborate to take on fun, hands-on challenges, they uncover their potential to become creators, innovators and entrepreneurs while building persistence and creative problem-solving skills. In our innovative program, Illuminate, campers explore everything from the science of light to designing athletic sports balls in four inspiring experiences.

In the Game™

Campers blend athletics, design and entrepreneurship as they tackle challenges and bring their creative ideas to life. Drawing inspiration from popular design features and specialized materials, children craft their own unique sports ball design. Elevating their game, campers jump into hands-on experiments with inclined planes and gravitational pull and construct a personalized, illuminated ball game. Diving into intellectual property protection and brand building, campers customize their light-up game with a unique logo as they explore sports and innovation.

Let’s Glow™

Children discover the science of light through illuminating inventions and build a one-of-a-kind Glow Box using circuitry and ultraviolet light. Stepping into a biophysics lab, campers dream up ideas while unraveling the mysteries of light in LEDs, fiber optics and the genetic code of glowing animals. As children learn about ultraviolet light, they reveal clues hidden in plain sight. Harnessing the power of light to make their ideas gleam, campers enhance the design of their Glow Box and find inspiration for a brighter future.

Operation: HydroDrop™

Campers embark on an epic global operation to tackle water challenges with the help of a robotic lab-on-wheels. As they explore and address real water-related issues across our planet, they customize their mobile robot illuminated by the latest marine science technology. Next, children team up to draw inspiration from patented water-based inventions, from flood control technology to water-cleaning devices. As campers craft their own solutions, they learn how they can make a significant impact on our planet.

Prototyping Studio™

Children star as contestants on Prototyping Studio — a game show hosted by NIHFty Bot™ — and go on an inventive journey to unveil the ultimate place for creation. Campers develop fresh ideas and learn how to mold and shape them into awesome inventions with everyday items from their DIY toolbox, all while exploring the inspiring invention spaces of National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. Through a series of swift prototyping challenges, campers hone their invention concepts and safeguard their intellectual property, making each child a winner in their own creative realm.

Register today

Led by qualified local educators, Camp Invention combines hands-on learning and unforgettable fun. Children find a fresh take on STEM each time they join us. We can’t wait to see campers spark new ideas this summer!

Early registration discounts are available! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 off the registration fee. Families with multiple campers can share in the savings! Bring on the sibling love and save $60 using SIBNAT30 when you enroll two campers or save $120 or more using code SIBNAT40 when you enroll three or more campers. Spots are limited! Visit invent.org/save/camp or call 800-968-4332 to secure your child’s spot today! Interest-free payment plans are availa