Science Enrichment Camp Invention in Hilton Summer 2011 for current kindergartners through grade five: animal adaptations, coded messages, compounds that bounce, new games and "I Can Invent" workshop on tap

Hilton's Quest Elementary School will again be a host site the national science enrichment summer camp, Camp Invention, which works to develop creative thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills through hands-on exploration and fun for K-5 students - current kindergartners through grade five.  The program runs Aug. 8-12, 2011 from 9 am to 3:30 pm at Quest Elementary, 225 West Ave., Hilton. 

Working in teams, younger children focus on building ball machines that send a ball into one of two ending points, while older children create multi-step, Rube Goldberg-type machines that raise a flag proclaiming their success in the "I Can Invent" workshop taught by Scott Moon, at left.

New Games  Another module exploring new ways to play games is Game On: Power Play.™     The Game On: Power Play module combines physical activity and creativity asking children to modify games using nontraditional approaches. According to Camp Invention: employing the concept of upcycling, children use found materials to create completely new games. Unlike competitive games or sports, this module stresses creative problem solving, rather than winning or losing, while boosting self-confidence and encouraging active physical participation which facilitate inventive and inquisitive thinking skills and feature nontraditional sporting equipment such as recyclable items, water balloons, and other unconventional materials.

On Friday, Aug. 12, at 2:15 pm there will be an "Invention Showcase" at Quest Elementary.  Parents and all interested are welcome to attend. 

Michelle Barton, primary teacher at Quest Elementary is Camp Invention coordinator and teacher at Quest Elementary School. "Kids can be natural inventors because they are so curious," she said. "This summer we have 62 children, primarily from the Hilton School District."

For more about the national program: Camp Invention

For further information: Quest Elementary Teacher Michelle Barton may be reached at 585-392-1000 ext. 6133.