Neshannock Township School District hosted its sixth annual Camp Invention from June 11-16, 2018. Ninety-eight rising kindergarten through sixth grade students descended upon Neshannock Memorial Elementary School for the week of innovative fun! Camp Invention is the only nationally-recognized, non-profit elementary enrichment program inspired by the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. New curriculum is introduced each year and is led by local, experienced educators. From building a robotic dog to designing a smart home filled with gadgets, LEDs, and technology, campers enhance their 21st century thinking skills through various physical and mental activities. In addition, campers work in teams to investigate, brainstorm, problem solve, explore, and design. It is a camp where every idea is encouraged and thinking outside the box is a must.
Mrs. Alicia Measel, Camp Director at NMS, said that corporate sponsors, such as Nordson Corporation, help to significantly reduce the cost of camp registration fees from $225 down to $125 per participant. Several other local sponsors also helped to lessen the registration fees.
We are thrilled that so many students — participants, Counselors in Training, and Leadership Interns — got to enjoy a wonderful week at Camp Invention!
Video Link: Camp Invention 2018
Special thanks to Grace Beal, NHS Junior and Camp Invention Leadership Intern, for creating the video capturing the memories of the week!
Camp Invention Staff
- Mrs. Alicia Measel, Director
- Mrs. Stephanie Peluso, Assistant Director
- Mrs. Concetta Fiorante, Camp Advisor
- Mrs. Sherron Henry, Camp Nurse
- Mrs. Jen Passarelli, Camp Parent
Instructors and Modules:
- Mrs. Chelsea Phillian – Optibot
- Mrs. Bobbi Medure- Mod My Mini Mansion
- Mrs. Danielle Norge – Stick To It
- Mrs. Michelle Lockley- Robotic Pet Vet
- Mrs. Shannon Burick- Camp Invention Games
Instructional Assistants:
- Mrs. Regina Manos
- Mrs. Judy DeMatteo
- Mrs. Amy Allshouse
- Mrs. Christine Shearer
About the Modules:
- Mod My Mini Mansion: Students build their own mini mansions and sketch plans to turn them into creative smart houses.
- Robotic Pet Vet: Campers are acting like real veterinarians performing surgery on malfunctioning robotic pets.
- Optibot: Campers build ramps and crash tested vehicles to see how sensors are used.
- Stick To It: Campers were challenged to “stick to it” when they made launchers to knock socks off a clothing line.
- Camp Invention Games: Teamwork, problem solving skills, as well as cooperation are all vital entities of this last module. Creative thinking and problem solving skills are emphasized to campers rather than winning or losing. Students have physical fun while transforming the recess experience.
School Districts Represented:
- Neshannock
- Laurel
- St. Vitus
- Union
- Shenango
- Coatesville
- Slippery Rock
- Poland
- New Castle
- Butler Catholic
- New Castle Christian Academy
Sponsors: Nordson Corporation Foundation, Lawrence County Community Action Partnership, Neshannock Township Education Foundation, Neshannock PTO, GEM Builders, Lindy Paving, Neshannock Lions Club, Neshannock Township School Board, Medure Bonner Bellissimo Law, Norge Construction, Mr. Jim Medure, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Medure, Mr. and Mrs. Preston Flannery, and Castle Security