BY: Tom Williams | July 9, 2025
Clarksdale, Mississippi – This summer, young minds in Clarksdale are sparking their creativity and curiosity at Camp Invention, a nationally recognized day camp that brings STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) to life through imagination-driven activities. Designed specifically for elementary school students and led by local certified educators, Camp Invention offers a full week of engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire innovation and build confidence.
The camp features four interactive modules, each designed to introduce STEM concepts in a fun and meaningful way:
Illusion Workshop
Campers dive into the fascinating world of optical illusions, discovering how visual effects are used in art, theater, animation, and film. Inspired by real-life inventors, students create their own moving props and illusions while learning how perception shapes what we see.
Claw Arcade
In this exciting module, kids design and build their very own working claw machines. While showcasing their creativity and personal flair, they explore the principles of simple machines and physics, gaining hands-on experience through play.
Penguin Launch
Campers embark on a virtual eco-expedition to Antarctica, exploring penguin habitats and navigating icy terrain with a custom-built “Snow-ver” rover. Accompanied by a robotic research penguin, students learn about ecosystems and environmental conservation in an imaginative and interactive way.
In Control
In this module, campers construct functional control panels equipped with real transmitters and receivers. As they simulate a STEM-powered road trip, they also explore how artificial intelligence supports GPS and other everyday technologies.
Latasha Turner, Coahoma County School District (CCSD) Curriculum Director and enthusiastic supporter of the program, praised the camp, stating, “Camp Invention offers an engaging, educational, and fun-filled way for kids to stay active and inspired during the summer months. It’s not just a camp—it’s a launchpad for future innovators.”
After attending the camp to write my review, I can confidently say that the students are going to absolutely love learning here! They were engaged, actively listening, and deeply focused on their creations. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them work and grow. The teachers and assistants in each group were knowledgeable, patient, and well-prepared. It was clear that Mrs. Calvin worked hard to ensure everything was organized and running smoothly.
Camp Invention is more than just a summer camp—it’s a vibrant space where students are encouraged to dream big, take risks, and explore the endless possibilities of the world around them. For Clarksdale’s young innovators, this is a summer they’ll never forget.
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