As children grow into the next generation of confident and thoughtful creators, the skills and mindset they learn through STEM exploration can be applied throughout life, across any interest or career. Keep reading to uncover three of the many benefits of participating in hands-on STEM programs from a young age.

Develop Problem-Solving Skills
As children face exciting STEM challenges, they become problem solvers. With the opportunity to explore new ideas in a safe space, they can take healthy risks, overcome failure with persistence and confidently tackle critical thinking, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Practice Innovative Thinking
In STEM programs, children are encouraged to think creatively and seek out innovative ideas – then have the courage to bring those ideas to life. By continuously looking to try new ideas and ways of doing things, children learn how to improve upon what already exists and step outside their comfort zone.

Expand Their Curiosity
Children are empowered to be inquisitive during many STEM programs. Whether exploring how something works, questioning why a process is performed a certain way or seeking knowledge on a topic unfamiliar to them, curiosity is not only a big component of STEM, but it is an essential trait of a lifelong learner. Children who never stop asking why, how or what if are growing into the future changemakers of the world.

Find a STEM Program Near You
To find a hands-on STEM program for your child, look no further! For more than a decade, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® and the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) have joined forces to shine a light on innovation and creativity. Thanks to AEOP’s generosity and collaboration, our partnership provides STEM education to more than 2,000 children across the country annually.

Each summer, STEM learning is brought to life through Camp Invention®, a high-energy, hands-on invention education program designed to inspire curiosity and boost confidence for kids in grades K-6. This one-of-a-kind program features four imagination-stretching STEM challenges that are reimagined each year, offering a different experience every time your child attends.

In this year’s all-new program, campers practice circuitry and Morse code as they wire a custom control panel, use physics to launch plush penguin pals, get creative as they build a functional claw machine and uncover the science of special effects behind some of their favorite movies, art, theater and animation.

Ready to Register?
Learn more about Camp Invention and find a program near you here.