Camp Invention

Camp Invention Inspires Young Innovators Through Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Perseverance

This week, 74 students entering grades 1-5 are spending part of their summer imagining, designing, testing, and inventing through Camp Invention at Roosevelt Middle School.

The nationally recognized STEM enrichment program has brought together 65 students from Weld RE-5J elementary schools, along with campers from Eaton and Windsor, creating opportunities for students to build new friendships and connections across school communities.

Roosevelt Middle School serves as the ideal setting for the camp, allowing elementary students to experience a learning environment many will eventually attend while strengthening connections throughout the district.

Made possible through the generous support of The Weld Trust, Camp Invention is offered at no cost to families. The experience reflects Weld RE-5J's commitment to developing the skills, mindsets, and characteristics outlined in the district's OuR Graduate Profile.

Throughout the week, campers rotate through four immersive learning experiences that challenge them to think critically, collaborate with teammates, persevere through obstacles, and bring creative ideas to life.

• In Space Morphers™, students take on the role of planetary engineers and scientists. They design rockets, build model habitats, collect and analyze data, study geological samples, create crystal structures, explore materials science, and engineer solar sail prototypes inspired by real-world space innovations.
• In Make Waves™, campers tackle engineering and entrepreneurship challenges. Students explore buoyancy, test prototypes, improve designs through rapid iteration, conduct market research, develop brands and logos, and pitch innovative products designed to solve authentic problems.
• In Fur-ensics™, campers become detectives, using scientific inquiry and deductive reasoning to solve a mystery. Through fingerprint analysis, DNA investigations, microscopic observations, evidence collection, and critical thinking, students learn how scientists use data and evidence to reach conclusions.
• In The Infringers™, students focus on invention, cybersecurity, and innovation. Campers identify community challenges, develop original solutions, explore coding and encryption concepts, protect intellectual property, and design wearable technologies while learning how innovative ideas move from concept to creation.

The week also showcases a unique partnership between educators and student leaders. Camp instruction is provided through a collaboration between Weld RE-5J staff members and Roosevelt High School student interns participating in the district's Work-Based Learning (WBL) program. The partnership provides younger students with positive role models while giving high school students valuable leadership and career-connected experiences.

Perhaps the greatest lesson campers are learning is that innovation rarely happens on the first attempt.

As one student explained:

"I am an inventor and I don't give up. My ideas didn't work right away but scientists keep trying and experimenting. It doesn't always work the first time so it's important to try again."

That spirit of perseverance can be seen throughout Camp Invention as students test ideas, learn from failures, refine their designs, and discover that creativity and resilience go hand in hand.

By the end of the week, campers leave with much more than projects and prototypes. They leave with greater confidence in their ability to solve problems, think creatively, work collaboratively, and embrace challenges—skills that will serve them well both in school and beyond.