More Than a Summer Camp: The Magic Behind Camp Invention on Massachusetts’ South Shore

Massachusetts’ South Shore is full of wonderful summer camps for kids. But as parents, how can we choose the right one(s) for our kids? What kind of camps are truly worth it? How much information can we really learn about any particular one through its website? Outside of the logistics, schedules and registration processes, what exactly is the magic that camp holds? What about their programs makes kids light up, grow in new ways and come back for more?

We sat down with some of the program directors in the area so you can hear directly from the people who make that magic happen. Here we chat with Corey Nielsen, marketing coordinator of Camp Invention®, about its nationwide STEM-focused program that leads kids to become confident, creative problem solvers.

MomBrains: Let’s start with the basics. Can you give us an introduction to Camp Invention?

Corey: Camp Invention was started in 1990. It’s a camp brought by the National Inventors Hall of Fame®. And it’s a one-week, hands-on, immersive STEM program for kids entering kindergarten through sixth grade.

We also encourage older kids (from seventh grade to college students) to get involved as Leaders-in-Training or Leadership Interns.

Our programs are offered in every single state in the U.S. and run between May and August. Program Instructors are qualified educators within each location.

MomBrains: Wow, every single state? How do you have such a wide footprint?

Corey: Yes, and we’re actually also in Puerto Rico and some military bases around the world. The program has really grown over the years due to the demand.

MomBrains: Very cool. Can you tell us how you design your programs and what kids can expect to see and do at Camp Invention?

Corey: We induct a new class of inventors into our Hall of Fame every year. That new class is the inspiration for that year’s program. We never repeat experiences.

Our team of STEM education experts designs everything in-house. The result is a fully immersive, colorful, hands-on program that’s structured enough to guide kids, but open-ended enough to let creativity really shine.

Camp Invention has just the right balance of structure and freedom. There’s a clear framework, but within that, kids are encouraged to be creative and explore their own ideas.

MomBrains:  What would you say is the magic of Camp Invention?

Corey: The magic is kids realizing all they’re capable of. By collaborating with other kids to solve challenges, build inventions and test ideas, they build persistence, creativity and problem solving. They start to see themselves as creators, innovators and even entrepreneurs. They become confident in not only who they are today, but who they can become in the future.

We see those benefits last far beyond camp. We partnered with Georgia Tech on a study recently that looked at the impact of just one week of Camp Invention. We consistently saw that self-efficacy, confidence in STEM and engagement in school were all up.

It’s not just fun for a week; it helps bridge the gap between the school year and summer in a really meaningful way. 

MomBrains: That’s such a great point. As a parent, I sometimes think about planning a summer to keep my child happy and occupied while I’m working. But there’s so much value in camps that focus on building life skills too.

Corey: Exactly. And when kids design their own inventions, they start to understand that inventors aren’t just people in history books. When they learn about our Hall of Fame Inductees, they see people from all backgrounds and they start to see themselves in those stories. That representation matters so much.

MomBrains: Definitely. Is there a camper or a story in particular that comes to mind to illustrate this magic?

Corey: Actually, I have a personal story. My son attended Camp Invention last year. He’s autistic. The first day was hard. He was hesitant and almost didn’t go. He really thrives on structure and didn’t know what to expect. But once he got there, everything clicked. After the second day, he couldn’t stop talking about it. It was incredible to watch him light up. He’s already signed up for this summer.

I want parents to know that whether your child is neurodivergent or neurotypical, they have a place here.

MomBrains: That’s such a beautiful story and I’m so glad your son had a great experience.

Corey: I can’t wait to see how this year’s program will reignite his passion for STEM.

MomBrains: That’s a great segue. Let’s zoom in on this summer. What can families expect from Camp Invention in Summer 2026?

This summer’s program is called Spark, and it’s packed with four incredible experiences that campers work on throughout the week:

• Fur-ensics™: Campers team up with a robotic capybara to investigate mischievous animal pranks, exploring fingerprints, DNA and forensic science along the way.
• Make Waves™: Campers explore entrepreneurship through physics experiments, prototype pitching and creative marketing as they turn ideas into market-ready inventions.
• The Infringers™: Campers learn how to protect their ideas by exploring cryptography, security technology and intellectual property while designing inventions and outsmarting mischievous idea-stealing Infringers.
• Space Morphers™: Campers design and transform a new planet by building rockets, racing rovers and creating inventions to survive extreme environments.

Each module is tailored to the various age groups. Campers work on each of the four modules each day and build gradually. We’ve found that approach helps them retain what they’re learning. It also ensures that if a camper misses a day, they don’t miss an entire experience.

MomBrains: I honestly don’t know how you fit all of that into one week.

Corey: Sometimes we don’t either! But it’s amazing to see it all come together.

MomBrains: Do kids ever wish the camp was longer?

Corey: All the time. Last year, we had 126,000 campers nationwide. I read over 8,000 testimonials and the responses are overwhelmingly positive. Many of them said they wished their location offered a second week. Sometimes we can accommodate this request depending on interest and staffing, which is always really great.

We also run funded camps through donations and partnerships, helping bring Camp Invention to many more children. One of our Hall of Fame inductees, Sara Blakely of Spanx, donates to fund camps, which is really inspiring.

MomBrains: Speaking of locations, where can families find Camp Invention along the South Shore this summer?

Corey: Camp Invention partners with local schools and community organizations, so locations vary each year. This year, I know we’ll be in Abington, Carver, Duxbury, Hanover, Marshfield, Pembroke and Plymouth.

You can search by ZIP code on our website to find the closest location to you.

MomBrains: Great! Many of these towns are close by, so parents have a few options to choose from.

Corey: In addition to offering various locations, we try to accommodate families in other ways, like early registration and sibling discounts, interest-free payment plans and early drop-off/late pickup at some locations.

MomBrains: What would you tell parents who may be hesitant to sign up for something new?

Corey: I get that. I was in the same position last year. I encourage them to try it. Bring a friend. If they’re still unsure, ask the teachers running it about their experiences. And learn more through our video to see why I’m so proud to show up to work here every day and keep the STEM magic alive in kids.

MomBrains: As we wrap up, if you had to pick a few words you want parents to remember about Camp Invention, what would they be?

Corey: Fun, exciting, creative and hands-on.

MomBrains: Love that. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of this. It’s easy to see why kids (and parents) love Camp Invention.

Corey: Thank you. We’re so excited for another summer of sparking curiosity and creativity.

MomBrains: Stay tuned for more spotlights on the amazing camps along Massachusetts’ South Shore.

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‍For more information on Camp Invention and other STEM-focused programs in your area, check out MomBrains’ Camp Finder. We’ve got all the go-to resources you need to save you time planning a summer that will spark curiosity and creativity for your kids.