Camp Invention is a weeklong summer camp developed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Each year, the camp debuts a brand-new curriculum, inspired by NIHF’s Inductees, to deliver hands-on activities that encourage divergent thinking.
Evidence shows that one week of Camp Invention translates to gains on the MAP math assessment and increased school attendance for students who were previously at risk. Additionally, a 2021 research study of the program suggests that invention education can offer a context for identity exploration, and children preferred activities with features that supported their autonomy and confidence.
With support from Overdeck Family Foundation, Camp Invention developed an at-home version of the camp where activity kits packed full of fun materials were shipped directly to each participant. To provide added flexibility, families participating in Camp Invention were able to decide whether to enroll in either the in-person or at-home program.
Enhancing each stage of childhood learning, from birth to high school.
Overdeck Family Foundation focuses exclusively on education, providing funding across four focus areas that encompass the whole child from birth through high school both inside and outside the classroom.