From rebuilding old electronics to team-building exercises, Plant City students this summer will be given an opportunity to explore science and math during Camp Invention.
It is the first time the camp will be held in Plant City.
“It’s all about hands-on team-building science and technology that goes into it,” camp counselor and teacher Paul Coletti says. “They’re wearing goggles; they’re using tools; they’re learning the engineering.”
Coletti, who teaches at Walden Lake Elementary, has been interested in bringing the educational program locally for six years. He ran Camp Invention for 12 years at his former school in Gainesville and knows his Plant City students will love the program.
Camp Invention’s new curriculum for 2014, called Morphed!, immerses students in hands-on activities, such as building original prototypes, creating a personalized motor-powered vehicle and disassembling electronics to build an insect-themed pinball machine. Local programs are facilitated and taught by educators who reside and teach in those communities.
At the end of the camp, the students will have an Inventors Showcase open to parents and the public. There, they will be able to display their new inventions and camp projects.
Coletti first got involved with the program at Hidden Oak Elementary, in Gainesville. When he saw his principal walking on campus with one of his old friends from college, he took a little time to catch up with them.
Later, his principal said they were there to encourage the school to host a Camp Invention. The principal asked if Coletti was interested in leading the effort.
In Plant City, Coletti will host the camp at Plant City’s First Baptist Church. As it grows, it may move to a larger venue.
“I know once we have the first one, it will spread like wildfire,” Coletti said. “That’s how it was in Gainesville. We started at 38 campers and now have 110.”
The goal is to have at least 35 campers signed up by the end of May. Parents can save $15 on registration before May 16.
Camp Invention was founded by Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Programming is developed through partnerships with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and inspired by Inductees of the Hall of Fame and finalists of the Collegiate Inventors Competition. It is the only nationally recognized summer program focused on creativity, innovation, real-world problem-solving and the spirit of invention.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
CAMP INVENTION
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 23 to 27
WHERE: Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St.
COST: $220; $205 before May 16
AGES: Rising first- through sixth-graders
REGISTRATION: campinvention.org