Oxford Intermediate's Camp Invention Aims To Create Next Generation Of Entrepreneurs

For the third straight year, the Oxford Intermediate School will host Camp Invention, giving children from Pre-K through 6th grade the chance to solve real-world problems with the use of the materials provided over a four-day period. A release from the school provides insight into the type of activities attendees can expect. 
“Students will discover what it takes to be an entrepreneur while exploring circuitry, energy, bioengineering, and economics to create smart gear, program a mini robot, and prototype lifesaving technology. They’ll use skills to research, pitch, and invest in a product while learning alongside fellow creative thinkers!” 
While these may sound like complicated areas, director of Cam Invention, Candies Cook, Ed S. knows that exposure to these types of problem-solving camps are a useful tool at any age. 
“This is what the world is using: science, technology, engineering, math, and this program starts helping them think about the areas they may want to pursue later in life,” Cook said. 
With upwards of 70 children participating, Cook enjoys watching the students come out of their shell to interact with their group members. About 15 kids will be in each group, and it teaches them to work in a group dynamic to ensure everyone’s input is heard. 
“There is a lot of team building within each group, and they build a bond with each other. We want to hear everyone’s ideas, and they’re working with each other,” Cook said. “Everyone gets to give input, and everyone’s ideas are valued, and then they decide as a group what they are going to go with.”
The camp will conclude with a day for parents to walk through and see what the children have produced during the camp. 
While the camp participants are limited to Pre-K to 6th grade, there are opportunities for kids of all ages to get involved. Students from 7th and 8th grades are able to assist the participants during the camp, and high school students volunteer to monitor and teach alongside the teachers from Oxford Intermediate School. 
“It gives them a chance to help, and I’ve had some students go on to be teachers, and this gives them a chance to help kids and teach them what they know,” Cook said. 
Camp Invention will take place at Oxford Intermediate School from June 5-9 and each day will last from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students can eat both breakfast and lunch at the school, or they can opt to bring their own. Sign up costs are discounted through the end of April, and parents can register their child at campinvention.org. 

Steven Gagliano is a writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com. 
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