Has anyone sent their child to "Camp Invention"?

[jfranklyn]

I'd like to hear reviews on this week-long summer daycamp program that is held around the country. Has anyone done this?

 

[smb6]

My kids have brought home papers on this camp; but I don't think we will be participating at this time..... But would not mind knowing more information....

 

[minniebeth]

Sometimes I think it varies from different locations. I had a friend from another state who's kids did it and loved, loved it, but when my son did it (the year between 2nd and 3rd grade), he was bored to tears with it. The program sounded perfect for him, it sounded like a week-long science fair type of program, and he loves to be hands on. He spent much of the time in a classroom with paper and pencil rather than doing. This was just our experience, (and the kids he went with too) but like I said, I think it's all how the program is run.

Hope you can find some differing reviews from other places, or particularly from someone local who has done your particular program~
Good Luck!

 

[IdesOmarch]

That sounds interesting.

 

[taitai]

We did it last year and are doing it again this year. Maybe the implementation varies around the country. For us, it was extremely hands on, extremely creative. It really encouraged the kids to think in different and creative ways and to problem solve interesting issues. Our boys really loved it and my DH and I were very impressed when we went to the final day presentation for the parents.

This year we are doing the SPARK curriculum.

 

[Treblerose81]

I wish I could give this no stars. After signing up for CAMP invention, getting a scholarship for it, and paying, my son was thrilled. A week before the Camp started, I get an email saying that not enough kids registered, and it is being changed to Club invention, and the scholarship no longer applies, so I owe more $ to keep my son registered. A family member helped me cover the cost difference. Tuesday, June 3rd rolls around, and my son is more excited then I've ever seen him. When I pick him up from his first day of Camp invention, he's not nearly as gung ho and happy as I thought he would be. Then, he starts showing me the projects they did for Echo and Axon that day. The projects are made from drinking straws, cheap putty, masking tape, and construction paper. Most of it was destroyed even before it got home.
Day 2 rolls around, it's supposed to be 'Trash Island' where they are learning about the big garbage heap in the Pacific Ocean, the project he brings home this time? A 'fishing' pole made from, you guessed it, drinking straws, and masking tape!!!!!!!! TOTAL GARBAGE.
Day 3 they start on Castles and Catapults, he finally comes home a little excited, closer to how I had expected, no projects came home that day.
Day 4, ding bits from each of the three clubs. He makes a catapult... more junk! The rest of his 'stuff' comes home. It is ALL JUNK. Construction paper, drinking straws, bathroom size paper cups, masking tape, CHEAP putty that wont stick right, and plastic spoons. NOT a single item he made is something worth saving.
The ideas behind the clubs are sound, the kids are given problem scenarios, and 'found' items to create prototypes that can solve the problems. However, My problem is with the quality of the 'found' items. Small wooden dowels, or Popsicle sticks or wood skewers instead of STRAWS, decent putty, cardboard instead of construction paper, etc, and you could make the same items, only have them be sturdy and strong. For example, my daughter wanted to make catapults at home, since her brother was making them at the club. We used popsicle sticks, tree sticks, spoons, and rubber bands for one, and cheap wooden rulers, a cardboard tube, and an old plastic jar lid for a larger one. They are STRONG, work really well, and will last a long time. My sons at the club was made from straws, paper cups, spoons, and masking tape, it sort-of worked, however, it was falling apart within 5 minutes of use.
I talked to several other parents, they were upset also, and I spoke to the teacher, and she said she would never be willing to run a Club Invention again, and would not recommend any of her students do the program. In the comments I have attached photos of what I paid a LOT of money for my son to learn how to make. (as well as what I spent $0 on making at home). You decide if it's worth it! He might as well have gone to a daycare program (which would have cost less) instead of a Invention Club.
Sadly, this was his special summer treat, and now its wasted.

 

[dlandersson]

Your experience is going to vary depending on the location. I have an education doctorate and I was looking forward to having my children enroll. Never again.

Essentially, the "home office" contracts with local areas and hires staff part-time. It's a "nationally acclaimed" program just like products are sold "as seen on TV". In Munster, Indiana, it's all about the money. You may or may not have people with a science background. My children were told to destroy (not take apart) the take-apart items - which I wasn't expecting.

The first day, I was told a refund would be issued if I did not continue to bring my children. I agreed and did not bring my children. The home office "changed their tune" and the local PT's refused to return my calls. It's all about the money - once they have it - you can forget it. This is a summer scam much like the other various summer scams (want a good deal on getting your driveway sealcoated?).

I'd like to hear reviews on this week-long summer daycamp program that is held around the country. Has anyone done this?

 

[lovetoscrap]

Wow-- ZOMBIE THREAD bumped twice by people who just joined the DIS to complain.

In case others are doing a Google search and come across this thread thought I would throw in my $.02.

This program is not a scam. As has been said, it is run by local people hired to implement the camp so your experiences may vary. They are sent all of the information, lesson plans and materials from the Camp Invention organization and should be implementing it just as they advertise-- it is supposed to be a lot of hands on creative discovery.

My DD 14 was a Counselor in Training last year and for that part of the program I didn't think she got a lot out of it. They were just too busy with the kids to do the actual mentoring of the CITs. So I paid for her to be a volunteer. But she loved it and had a great time so I didn't sweat it. This year she is a volunteer counselor working with the kids to assist them during the activities and DD18 is a "Leadership Intern" so she will be leading the groups of kids to the various stations throughout the week and also assisting in the lessons. All of the actual lessons are taught/led by licensed teachers at the one my kids will be at. I have friends that have their kids in the program and the kids love it. Our program is run like it is intended and they kids have a great time discovering and building and learning.

If you are considering this Camp I would use common sense as you would with any camp. Ask questions before you sign up. Find out who is leading it and call them. Ask who the teachers and counselors will be and what their qualifications are. Ask about what specific activities they plan to do. Find out others that have attended before and ask them what they thought.

 

[mikehn]

My 10 year old just finished up a week there. Every kid has their own interests and that was just not his thing

 

[Treblerose81]

I am the author of the review listed above beginning with the words "I wish I could give this no stars." After extensive discussion with the company, we found out that because of not enough enrollment the program my son went in last month was actually the 'Club Invention' program, which is supposed to be an after school program, and my opinion from above stays. However, we decided to try again, this time with the actual full CAMP program, and one that had been established and highly rated for several years. My son and daughter both attended an actual CAMP invention program last week, and it was WONDERFUL. I'm beginning to believe most of it comes down to both the right program, and the right location with good teachers. My one MAJOR MAJOR complaint is that one of the student counselors thought it would be ok to give my son, who has Celiac disease and a major corn allergy SKITTLES. My son is suffering because of this oversight. I feel a bit more adult supervision would not go amiss. My son wants to attend again next year, "As long as it's the CAMP not the CLUB" in his words.

 

[Caleb's Mom]

My son attended as a camper for 3 years and has been a counselor in training for the past 2 years. He loves it. Great program in our area (WI). To some extent it is what you make of it. The first day of camp, you are asked to bring a take apart items (like a VCR or radio) and some upcycle items such as paper towel rolls or clothes pin. Bring cool stuff, you'll enjoy it more. The creative kids also seemed to create 'better' experiments.