By Kelly Riibe

times2reporter@gmail.com

The ever popular Camp Invention happened at Dakota Valley at the end of May and was a fun time for all involved. The camp which focused on a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum and prioritized creativity had 100 campers in attendance. There were also nine leadership interns on-hand to run activities and supervise.

Lydia Reis, the STEM teacher at Dakota Valley, was the director for Camp Invention in the community. She has run this program in the past and was excited by the interest and turnout again this past May. The theme for the 2024 camp was “Illuminate!”. Each day, kids would rotate through four different modules to learn and put their STEM instincts to work. 

“Camp Invention creates a safe, fun space for kids to discover and explore the incredible world of invention,” detailed Reis. “Campers invented and built their own game; created and constructed a prototype of a new tool; assembled a lab on wheels to test water samples; and were electrical engineers when they wired their own glow box! In each module they worked through the Engineering Design Process to turn their ideas into reality.”

Camp Invention is a national program offered via the National Inventors Hall of Fame® in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is open to children in grades kindergarten through 6th. A primary focus of the program is to build confidence, develop leaders, and highlight the qualities of being resourceful.

Reis noted, “Every year I am amazed at the campers’ hard work, perseverance, and unique ideas.”