Scientists in training: Camp Invention provides hands-on summer learning experiences

MT. COMFORT — An ocean scientist or a space scientist – Hamza Housseyni isn’t quite sure what he wants to be when he grows up.

But entrepreneur might be in his future too, thanks to hands-on learning this summer through Camp Invention.

The Mt. Comfort Elementary student took the first week of his summer break not sleeping in or in front of a screen on a couch, but rather joining dozens of other children in a program that explores science, technology, engineering, art and math.

The week-long national STEAM program was hosted at Mt. Vernon and Southern Hancock elementary schools this month, and will be at a Greenfield-Central elementary school in July. It brings in local teachers and teenagers to help children in grades 1-5 design projects from skateboard ramps to business plans.

Holding up a bat-themed rainforest robot that he created, Housseyni was eager to talk about a business plan he’s putting together.

“I want to encourage people to eat more vegetables so they can get more healthy,” he said. “I wanted two things – a vegetable stand and a car wash. Maybe I can just combine them together and have it be a vegetable car wash – I’m still working on the name.”

He’s among 100 children that took part in Camp Invention at Mt. Comfort Elementary School earlier this month. Children came not only from MCE, but Lawrence, Fishers, homeschool and private institutions for over six hours each weekday.

“Some of their business ideas, I’m telling them, ‘You need to trademark that because you’re going to be a millionaire,’” said teacher Jessica Buell, who led the program.

But it’s not just their entrepreneurial skills she’s been impressed with. As a mother of two herself, Buell said it’s fun to watch children come up with creative ways to solve problems, work as teams or develop their own unique ideas.

“This is so hands-on; this is how I wish I could teach my classroom all year long,” she said, adding, “I don’t think I would have the energy to keep it up.”

Students were grouped by age and moved through modules throughout the day, building upon each project as the week went on. NineStar Connect provided a grant to allow 20 students to attend at a discounted rate, and Buell said parents are thankful for an opportunity for children to continue to learn during the summer.

“They love this; I’ve had nothing but amazing feedback from it,” she said. “The kids love it, the parents love it. They really do learn amazing things from this camp; they’re learning life-long skills.”

Kynley Voils created a daisy-themed robot through the program, designing a costume for a toy that can talk back, dance, cheer and sing. Homeschooled, she said her favorite subject is cursive writing but, “I think my new favorite is robotics.”

Buell said she enjoys how Camp Invention keeps students moving and active while learning.

“It’s really amazing to see the stuff they come up with,” she said. “They’re brilliant kids.”