Camp Invention - Ankeny, IA

06/23/2026

Thank you so much for all of the great upcycles you've been sending to camp so far this week! Our campers have been making some GREAT things!

We could use more: wooden items, small metal items, and small toys.

If you're looking to do some cleaning/downsizing of any of these items... feel free to send them our way!

06/22/2026

Our campers are all checked in and having a great time so far this morning! (There are 78 campers with us this week, so Camp Director Alisa will *definitely* be using her bullhorn this year!)

Mr. Mark and Miss Teagan are sorting through all of the "upcycles" that have been donated to camp so far - feel free to keep sending them throughout the week!

Please note: This is the only time this week that we'll be sharing photos from camp online. Please plan on attending our "Inventor Showcase" on Friday at 2 pm for a chance to see more photos and hear all about the great things your campers will have accomplished this week!

(Also - be sure and ask your camper what they did with the "weird creature" in the bottom left photo when you see them later today. Ha!)

06/20/2026

Our "Camp Invention" Staff met this morning to get things organized for camp next week! We are sooo excited to see everyone on Monday morning!

Remember that while camp starts at 9 am, doors will open on Monday at 8:30 so everyone can get signed in (and pick up one of these fun t-shirts)! Remember that guardians must walk their camper(s) to the front door and sign them in/out each day!

Don't forget to have your camper bring a lunch, a water bottle, and an optional snack (labeled with his/her name) daily. Please note that no refrigerators or microwaves are available.

Camp Invention is a nut-free zone. We ask that lunches and snacks be free of peanuts, tree nuts, cashews, pistachios, sesame, and lentils.

See you Monday morning! It's going to be a great week! 🥳

05/25/2026

We are so excited to see all our campers at Heritage Elementary the week of June 22- June 26! We'll be sending you more information closer to the start of camp - but feel free to start collecting those "upcycles!"

(What's an upcycle? Click here for more details: https://www.invent.org/blog/trends-stem/upcycle-materials)

Do you have a first-time camper or do you need a refresher on what to bring to your Camp Invention® program? It’s simple:

✅Packed Lunch
✅Water Bottle
✅Upcycling Materials
✅Weather-appropriate clothing
✅Big Ideas

04/22/2026

Happy ! 🌎♻

We can't wait to see your camper this summer and encourage them to think creatively to help solve real-world challenges through hands-on fun!

It's also exactly 2 MONTHS until the start of our camp! It's probably time for your camper to start thinking about what "upcycles" they want to bring to camp in June! 🤔

What's an upcycle? Click here for more details: https://www.invent.org/blog/trends-stem/upcycle-materials

04/15/2026

Celebrate by registering your curious creator for the hands-on STEM fun of Camp Invention! Your camper will design a wearable device, build their own DIY space rocket and more during this one-of-a-kind adventure!

Less than FIVE spots remain in our Ankeny Camp for this summer! Register today and save $20 with code SUM20: https://shorturl.at/r7x0h

04/07/2026

Did you know it's ?

Celebrate by registering your child for a week of hands-on STEM fun at Camp Invention! This summer, campers will investigate the inner workings of a robotic capybara to crack mysterious critter crimes. How fun is that?!?

Less than 10 spots remain for our June session! Don't wait - Click here to register your camper for this summer: https://shorturl.at/r7x0h

04/02/2026

Be part of the "Leadership Intern Program" at Camp Invention in Ankeny this summer!

Who: Leaders in grades 10-12 and college available the week of June 22!

What: The ultimate college application or resume builder! Leadership Interns work closely with Camp Invention participants to help them explore STEM concepts and become creative thinkers who can invent a better tomorrow.

Send an email with your contact information to Alisa at [email protected], or send us a message on Facebook!

Designed exclusively for high school and college students, our Leadership Intern program offers up to 40 hours of volunteering, and a unique opportunity to b...

03/31/2026

Still haven't signed up for Camp Invention? Don't wait! Our camp at Heritage Elementary in Ankeny this June has LESS THAN 15 spots remaining for campers!

Don't miss out! Register your camper today: https://shorturl.at/r7x0h

(PS - Not only do we want your child to spend a week with us... we want YOU to get a discount! Register with code CA25CAMP and save $25 on your registration!)