Sometimes we don’t know what we can do until we see someone like us doing it. This is especially true for children whose realm of possibilities is shaped by the role models in their lives. Camp Invention® knows the importance of inspiration through representation. This is why The National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductees are an integral part of the Camp Invention experience.
Camp Invention was inspired by the thousands of children who visited the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum and demonstrated their imagination and creativity in this space. In turn, the curriculum development for the camp is inspired by the accomplishments of the Inductees. This perfect combination of innovation and inspiration has encouraged over 1.5 million young innovators across the country to explore, learn and create.
Role Models Help Address Gaps in the STEM Pipeline
The most concerning barriers in STEM fields are the gaps in the STEM pipeline. According to a National Inventors Hall of Fame white paper, the levels of diversity within STEM fields for historically disadvantaged and underrepresented groups continue to lag behind that of other populations.
They propose that introducing diverse STEM role models can make a significant impact, helping students realize what they too can achieve. In fact, a study from Harvard University-based Opportunity Insights found that exposure to innovation significantly increases the likelihood that children will innovate as they age.
“If girls were exposed to female inventors during childhood at the same rate that boys are to male inventors, the gender gap in innovation would fall by half,” said the researchers.
Inductees Inspire Future Innovation
Not only is the Camp Invention curriculum inspired by National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees, but campers also learn about their accomplishments. Each camper gets an Inventor’s Log, which includes fun facts about other inventors related to the program experiences. They also will view exclusive video content from National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees encouraging children to be confident in their ideas and explore their ability to innovate.
2024 Inductee Lanny Smoot has over 100 lifetime patents. Smoot has developed technological advancements for The Walt Disney Company’s theme parks, attractions, resort hotels and cruise ships. His inventions include a realistic, extendable and retractable lightsaber and an entire interactive lightsaber experience that enabled guests to battle a training droid and deflect laser blasts like those seen in the “Star Wars” movies.
“My path was paved by people who believed in me,” said Smoot. He developed the desire to invent, as well as the drive to contribute, both to his family and to the world around him.
2017 Inductee Frances Ligler was the inspiration for a previous camp experience known as the Optibot™. She invented portable optical biosensors, benefiting fields from health care to food production to military operations.
Ligler developed a new chemistry for attaching biomolecules on sensor surfaces and then integrated emerging technologies from a variety of fields to make optical biosensors smaller, more versatile and more automated. Portable optical biosensors have since been used in food production plants, clinics in developing countries and pollutant cleanup sites.
Ligler is passionate about empowering others, especially women and underserved youth, to pursue careers in STEM. “As I think about my legacy as an inventor, there’s no greater tribute than being a mentor, role model and inspiration to future generations,” she said. She has served as a Judge for the Collegiate Inventors Competition® and made in-person visits to Camp Invention program sites, providing mentorship and encouragement to aspiring innovators.
Inspiration through Representation
You can give your child the gift of inspiration through representation this summer at Camp Invention. The 2024 Illuminate program opens the door to a whole new world of possibilities for your future inventor.
Early registration discounts are available. Register using LOCAL15 by May 16 to save $15 off the registration fee. Availability is limited, so visit invent.org/local or call 800-968-4332 to secure your child’s spot today!