Published: July 16, 2008 12:34 am      

Registration still open for Camp Invention

Children in the Huntsville area have the opportunity to spend their last days of summer getting creative at Camp Invention.

The camp, sponsored and hosted by Sam Houston State University, runs July 28 through Aug. 1, offering a week of activities for first- through sixth-graders.

Camp registration is $235 per child.

Limited discounts are available on a first come basis.

The camp, back for its third summer at SHSU, brings new curriculum this year where youngsters can clean up a polluted environment, build extravagant art displays and explore planet Mars.

Huntsville camp director Mary Gedelian said Camp Invention has about 15 spots still open.

“We have about 40 children signed up right now,” she said. “Due to limited space, we only have a few more slots available.

“Camp Invention is a day camp and it’s the perfect time during the summer. A lot of the summer programs are ending, so this gives parents and grandparents another way of keeping kids active through the end of the summer.”

Camp Invention is based out of Ohio, Gedelian said, through the National Invention Hall of Fame Foundation (NIHFF).

“Since it began in 1990, Camp Invention has grown into a huge program offered in 47 states,” she said. “There is different curriculum every year so even if kids have done it before, it’s still something new. Kids literally invent something — that’s a big draw.”

In 2007, Camp Invention was attended by more than 60,000 people.

According to www.campinvention.org, children “will explore, learn and question if they can find ways to solve challenges and find solutions to real-life problems — all while having fun.

“The program utilizes local teachers and staff members that not only make each experience unique to the area but that allow children and parents to feel comfortable.”

Gedelian said Camp Invention is an incredible experience.

“It’s amazing to see what these kids create,” she said. “They get to be creative and they get to be messy — a lot of times kids aren’t allowed to be messy and take things apart. In today’s society, when things are broken, we throw them away and buy something new. This camp allows kids to take things apart and see how they work.

“Last year, the kids talked with an alien and then created space clothes to go to the moon. They used recyclable materials to create suits out of things like foil and shoes out of show boxes. The kids really have a blast.”

The week of activities is concluded on Friday with an invention showcase where parents and grandparents can view their children’s work.

“Kids who like exploring and experimenting — they probably enjoy it the most. Although, I didn’t see many frowns last year but a lot of smiles.”

The NIHFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and fostering creativity and invention.

For more information about Camp Invention, visit www.campinvention.org where applications are available.

Children can also register with Gedelian who has limited discounts available.

Contact Gedelian at (936) 295-6935.