Nevada hosts national science literacy and creativity program

Northern Nevada will be the site for Camp Invention, a national science literacy and creativity program that encourages children to develop their innate creative abilities.

This year, Camp Invention will be in three sites across Northern Nevada, including Lenz and Hunsberger Elementary schools in Reno and one site in Incline Village.

Camp Invention is designed for children entering second through sixth grade in the 2004-05 school year.

A program of The National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention is a nonprofit center for creativity and innovation and sponsored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Because the discovery-based curricula stretch a child's imagination, programs attract many children, including gifted, special needs and those who are attracted to learning via a multi-sensory approach.

All programs are presented in partnership with local schools. There are no costs to a school to host a Camp or Club Invention. Provided are the curriculum, marketing support, a central reservation system, staff orientation and an array of materials for the many activities for both the after-school and summer programs.

"When I opened my Camp Invention box, I was amazed at the things that were provided," said Suzanne Harn, a teacher at Hunsberger Elementary School. " We had roles and roles of masking tape which kids love, art supplies and really neat tools. We had charts and diagrams, and even shaving cream."

For details or to register for one of the nearby camps, go to www.invent.org.