Camp Invention(science camp)?

[Magalex]

I just like to know if anyone's child had participated in this science camp called Camp Invention for grades 1-6. I think it is national. What were the programs like in other cities? I was not pleased with my DS's program. I think the website was misleading.

 

[tinatark]

It is a national program - my older son went 2 years ago and loved it, my younger son went last year and I wasn't pleased with it - the first day - I called the regional rep for information about pulling him out and getting a partial refund - she didn't return my call until a couple of days later. It was an expensive mistake! My son wasn't the only unhappy one there - I had referred several others based on my previous experience, and they were disappointed as well.

I think the camp is only as good as the directors/volunteers at the individual schools.

 

[Magalex]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Camp Invention. This is the last day and my DS stayed home. I think he would of went but he was so stress that myself and DH did not want him to go today. I sent an e-mail to the national headquarters. My DH went to the school to talk to the teacher managing the program and to pick up the project he was working on.

On their website it states that the children will be placed in their grade level and the material will be suited for that group level.. My DS is 6 1/2 yrs old entering 1st grade. On the first day I counted 18 boys in his group and most were in 3rd grade(a red flag there). Well doing the week my DS had problems being accepted by his group and his ideas were being ignored. When my DH talked to the teacher he explained for this program they did not have a large enrollment so they combined age groups(4 1st/2nd graders to 14 3rd graders) So I am assuming they geared the program to the 3rd graders and maybe hope the 1st graders could keep up. Oh yea that teacher teaches 3rd grade at a different school. He said in a near by school district they are able to have the individual grade levels because of more children signing up.
Before the program I wished I could of been notified of this and have the choice to pull my DS out of the program. But that would be asking too much. When you have 14 3rd graders to 4 1st/2nd graders who do you think is going to be the boss? Plus it was not worth the money in my opinion. He did enjoy the small activities when he was pair up with another 1st grader.
My DS has always done well in school and social activities so I hope this week doesn't deter him from joining activities. He is excited now for soccer camp and flag football camp. So we will just keep with the sports related games for summer.