Camp Invention sparks creativity and innovation in Harlan Community students

HARLAN — Anyone walking through the intermediate building June 1-5 would have quickly realized this wasn’t a typical summer school program.
Instead of students sitting quietly at desks or studying for tests, the halls were filled with excitement, creativity and the sounds of young inventors hard at work. Camp Invention, a hands-on summer program from the National Inventors Hall of Fame, gave elementary and middle school students the opportunity to become creators, problem-solvers and innovators.
Throughout the week, campers dismantled gadgets, designed prototypes and explored new ideas through hands-on STEM activities. Rather than following step-by-step instructions, students were encouraged to experiment, take risks and learn through discovery.
For instructor Amanda Donahoo, watching students grow throughout the week was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
“My favorite part of leading Camp Invention is watching kids explore, modify and adapt their projects, and persevere throughout the week,” Donahoo said. “Kids enjoy Camp Invention because it allows them to create using a variety of tools and materials, and it provides them with choices in how they want to show their learning.”
That freedom to experiment without the pressure of grades allows students to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and build confidence in their own abilities.
Instructor Gaylen Petsche said she noticed campers becoming more comfortable taking on challenges as the week progressed.
“One of the things I appreciated most about STEM Camp was watching students learn through exploration, curiosity and hands-on discovery without the pressure of immediate mastery,” Petsche said. “The environment encourages risk-taking, problem-solving and creativity, allowing students to engage with learning in a meaningful way.”
Making Camp Invention accessible to as many students as possible was a priority for organizers. Thanks to support from local sponsors, more than 20 students were able to attend through scholarship assistance.
“It was so wonderful to remove financial barriers and welcome so many learners to camp this summer,” said Camp Director Kyleigh Kumm. “I’m thankful for the generosity from our sponsors that provided scholarships to our students. We thank the Harlan Parian Lodge, Harlan Community Education Foundation and the Iowa West Foundation for sponsoring over 20 kids to attend Camp Invention this summer.”
Kumm also credited the camp’s success to the dedicated educators, parents and volunteers who helped create a positive experience for campers throughout the week.
Leading the camp were instructors Gaylen Petsche, Gina Schmitz, Emily Powers, Sarah Fink and Amanda Donahoo. Camp parents Heidi Langer and Erin Goddard provided behind-the-scenes support, while a group of middle school and high school volunteers assisted younger campers and helped bring activities to life.
By encouraging creativity, perseverance and critical thinking, Camp Invention provided students with more than just a week of summer fun. The program gave young learners the opportunity to develop skills that will serve them well in the classroom and beyond, while inspiring the next generation of thinkers, dreamers and problem-solvers.
For more information about Camp Invention or future pro-grams, visit invent.org/programs/camp-invention.