Young Inventors Create, Innovate, Learn at Science Camp

Calling all young scientists and inventors—a camp for budding Thomas Edisons kicks off Monday in Moorestown and there are still spaces available.

Camp Invention is a weeklong enrichment program for children entering first through sixth grade. The science curriculum will expose children to everything from biological adaptations to atoms, and allow campers to create their own inventions during the week.

Director Ray Kucklinca described the camp as inquiry-based learning where children are encouraged to find their own answers to problems.

The camp offers a cross-discipline look at the sciences, explained Kucklinca, who teaches environmental science at William Allen Middle School. Camp Invention has a national curriculum, and Moorestown’s will follow the Spark plan.

In the morning, campers rotate through three modules:

• WILD (Wondrous Innovations and Living Designs) is a biology-based section that looks at how animals have adapted, and how humans use animals’ ability to adapt in innovations. Children learn about concepts like biomimicry, the properties of color and infrared light.

• Bounce: an Atomic Journey introduces campers to atoms, compounds, molecules and more. The kids experiment with different combinations, ultimately create a super bouncy ball.

• During the Curious Cypher Club, campers combine math and logic to become gumshoe decoders. They learn the history behind decoding, and work together to solve coded messages and problems.

Then, in the afternoon, campers summon their creative spirit to make their own inventions. The kids channel Thomas Edison’s innovative approach to making something new out of old materials.

“They bring what we call ‘take aparts,’ things like a broken computer or VCR or phone … and recycled material like paper, cardboard or fabrics,” Kucklinca said. “We give them a topic and then they come up with a new invention.”

Three teachers lead the sessions, and couple education with fun activities, Kucklinca said.

One teacher this year is his wife, Amanda Kucklinca, who teaches biology at Haddonfield Middle School. She will lead the WILD module.

When the camp is over, she hopes kids learn “an appreciation for nature and what it has to offer. You realize there are a lot of answers outside, rather than inside on your TV. It’s about asking questions and being inquisitive.”

Ray Kucklinca agrees. Camp Invention is about moving beyond computer use, which saturates many children’s lives, and learning outside of a traditional classroom.

“Our national math and science scores in the United States are lower compared to many countries. And girls especially can fall behind in these areas,” he said. “It’s very important at a young age to learn these lessons (taught at the camp) and for kids to work at their own pace to come up with answers.”

Camp Invention runs July 25-29, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at . Forty-five campers are already signed up, with room for double that amount, Kucklinca said.

The camp costs $255. Parents can register their children through the national Camp Invention site or call 800-968-4332 for more information.