World-Renowned Inventors Inspire The Next-Generation Of Innovation Through 2014 Nationwide Camp Invention Program

CANTON, Ohio, May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) Inductees and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are igniting a nationwide call-to-action to inspire America's next generation of innovation and creativity through Camp Invention.

The program is the nation's premier summer enrichment day camp that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and encourages creativity and curiosity for youth during summer vacation in order to prevent "summer slide," a term used to describe the loss of students' academic skills and knowledge during the summer. 

"Camp Invention provides us, as Inductees, the opportunity to inspire and challenge the children through our experiences in youth and beyond," said Steve Sasson, inventor of the digital camera and 2011 National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee. "Developing future inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and instilling the core values of creative problem-solving sets this camp apart from the rest. Children leave after a week with skills that will last a lifetime."

According to a Harris Poll study, conducted by Dr. Harris Cooper, professor of psychology at University of Missouri-Columbia, 65 percent of parents acknowledged that they take action to prevent summer slide. Yet, only 38 percent of those parents consider registering their kids for educational summer camps, such as the Camp Invention. The study also reveals that students lose an average of one to three months of what they have learned upon returning back to school after summer break.

Camp Invention's 2014 curriculum is inspired by the world's most well known innovators and is developed in partnership with the USPTO and the Collegiate Inventors Competition. This year's program is themed "Morphed!" and will immerse elementary students in hands-on activities where attendees will have a chance to build original prototypes, create a personalized motor-powered vehicle and disassemble electronics to build an insect-themed pinball machine. Local camp programs are facilitated and taught by educators who reside and teach in those communities.

"We work with our partners – who include world-renowned innovators – to create programs that inspire inventive thinking and creative problem-solving, while sharpening students' STEM skills," said Mike Oister. CEO of Invent Now, which coordinates Camp Invention. "The students that go through Camp Invention have bright futures ahead of them and we are proud to be a part of an organization that will continue to inspire innovation in youth for many decades to come."

The majority of the day camp programs will take place from May all the way through August. To find a camp in your local community, visit our Camp Finder or for additional information, visit www.campinvention.org.

Other findings from the Harris poll include:

• Fifty-six percent of parents said that they require their kids to read or participate in educational activities, such completing worksheets to prevent summer slide, and 52 percent said they engage in family activities that involve academic skills;
• Sixty-six percent of parents believe educational enrichment is important when they were asked what they consider when choosing a summer camp;
• When parents were asked about signs that indicate their children have creative minds, 48 percent said "interest in learning how things work," 40 percent said "imaginative play," and 38 percent said "interest in writing stories and/or reading."

About Camp Invention:
Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity, innovation, real-world problem solving and the spirit of invention. Through hands-on programming, Camp Invention encourages children in grades one through six to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics curriculum inspired by some the world's great inventors. Camp Invention, the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the Collegiate Inventors Competition serve as the authority on inspiring invention and compose Invent Now. This nationwide nonprofit organization is committed to the curious minds and innovative spirits of the past, present and future. Through these three entities, over 250,000 children, teachers, parents, college students and independent inventors are encouraged to explore science and technology programs every year. 

About Invent Now:
The mission of Invent Now is to be a catalyst for change through recognizing inventors and invention, promoting creativity, and advancing the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. Invent Now was founded in 1973 as the National Inventors Hall of Fame, now a supporting organization, with the mission of recognizing and honoring the great inventors of our time. A supporting organization of Invent Now, Inc., the National Inventors Hall of Fame honors individuals in recognition of their patented inventions that have created entire industries and driven this nation's economic progress.

CONTACT:
Beth Thompson
Gatesman+Dave
[email protected]
412-381-5400

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140507/85547

SOURCE Camp Invention