Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized, non-profit elementary enrichment program inspired by the brightest thinkers around, the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees, offering a brand-new curriculum each year.
Camp Invention provides an immersive STEM summer experience designed to ignite creativity, foster innovation, and develop critical problem-solving skills in children entering grades K-6. Through a dynamic, hands-on curriculum, campers engage in exciting challenges inspired by real-world inventors and the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. Participants delve into various STEM fields, often building prototypes, exploring concepts in forensic science with robotic capybaras, experimenting with physics to design floating boats, and constructing DIY rockets for space missions. They also learn about intellectual property and entrepreneurship by safeguarding their inventions. Children collaborate on open-ended projects, learning persistence, adaptability, and creative problem-solving as they experiment and bring their big ideas to life. The program aims to spark curiosity, build confidence, and provide a strong foundation for future innovators, helping to prevent summer learning loss and improve academic achievement. Each year features an all-new program, ensuring fresh and engaging experiences for both new and returning campers, all while fostering an "I Can Invent" mindset.
A typical day begins with check-in and team-building games at Base Camp, followed by two hands-on STEM challenges in the morning. After a packed lunch and outdoor games, campers engage in two more exciting activities before regrouping at Base Camp for a final problem-solving challenge and pickup.
Camp Invention is ideal for curious children entering grades K-6 who are eager to explore STEM concepts, build confidence, and develop creative problem-solving skills through hands-on invention adventures.
Various locations in Chicago and suburbs
Chicago STEM Summer Camps is a free directory service that aggregates publicly available information about STEM programs, summer camps, and educational opportunities. We do not operate, sponsor, endorse, accredit, certify, or have any affiliation with the camps and programs listed here unless explicitly stated.
All program details — including pricing, session dates, instructor credentials, curriculum, safety policies, refund terms, transportation, meal arrangements, and admission requirements — are sourced from publicly available information and may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Listings are partially generated and updated using automated AI-assisted research, which can occasionally produce inaccurate details. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for independently verifying every detail directly with the camp before enrolling, paying, or relying on any information shown here.
We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, suitability, safety, quality, availability, or fitness for any particular purpose of any camp, program, or information shown on this site. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind — including but not limited to financial loss, missed sessions, refund disputes, injury, child safety incidents, transportation issues, dissatisfaction with educational outcomes, or any other harm — arising from your use of this directory or your decision to enroll a child in any listed program. Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of these terms.
If you are a camp operator and notice any inaccurate information about your program, please contact us and we will review and update it. By submitting an inquiry via this site, you consent to the camp contacting you with information about their program.
