Teachers turn curious kids into innovative thinkers at STEM camp

Camp Invention is a STEM Summer Program for grades K-6 that turns curious kids into innovative thinkers. For the last 15 years, Camp Innovation has been partnering with the Wenatchee School District to inspire students with an engaging hands-on camp experience. Created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame® the program partners with certificated teachers to deliver a learning experience that gets kids thinking, moving, exploring, and creating.

Washington Elementary Teacher Jodee Smith has been the Camp Innovation Director in Wenatchee for the last three years. She said this was a rebuilding year for the program after the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the worldwide health crisis reduced the number of campers from 100 campers to just 33.  This year the camp met at John Newbery Elementary School July 26-30 from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM daily.

"This STEM camp provides a community connection and promotes hands-on learning," explained Smith. "I have two instructors this year, Shannon Reichert and Katie Bomgardner, who both teach at Washington Elementary. They each teach 2 sections and are integral in making the day fun and educational."

Smith noted that the camp counselors, or Interns, are local high school students that volunteer their time giving back to support the learning. "Camp Invention is also committed to training up leaders with their Leaders-In-Training program for middle schoolers. This triad creates a fun, safe and healthy learning environment for all," Smith said.

Learn more about Camp Invention here