Thank you Gift Ideas for Summer Camp Teachers

In my experience, summer camp teachers range from student volunteers to professional teachers. Although you do not NEED to give your summer camp teachers anything – It is a very sweet gesture to let the people who have cared for your children all summer long that you appreciate them.

What to Give A Summer Camp Teacher? Try on of these Gifts for Summer Camp Teachers

Gift Cards:

Sure a gift card to an ice cream shop or coffee shop is a great idea. But what happens where there are several camp teachers or counselors that work with your child? This can add up and take a big chunk out of your family budget.

Hand Written Note:

My go-to teacher gift is truly a hand written note from either the parent of child. It is the most personable and meaningful in my opinion.

Want to sweeten the thank you up a bit?

Salt Water Taffy:

Salt water taffy’s are a great summer treat. They are also bright colored, liked by many, and are a bulkier candy (meaning even if you buy a small bag, it still feels like a nice sized gift). Salt water taffys are also a break from the traditional chocolate teacher gift.

Another added bonus is that they are a seasonal product and often seen as a symbol of summer!

Last, but not least, they are a sharable treat. If you have a team of summer camp teachers or counselors, you can give them a larger bag and address your thank you to the team.

My kids like to stop by Fresh Market to pick out the salt water taffy for their teachers from the bulk candy bins. I hand them a small plastic bag and let them choose away. I think the biggest bag that my eight year old JAMMED as many in as she could was only around $3.00 (pictured above).

Then comes the best part – the BOW!

MOST, but not all, floral sections of stores will let you have one of their bows for your gifts at no extra charge. Ours asked us if we wanted the small or BIG bows for our packages. You can, of course, see that my children chose the biggest ones possible. She even helped the kids tape the bows to their packages. We added a hand-written thank-you card and were set!

The Reasons Why I Try To Give Gifts to Summer Camp Teachers

As I wrote earlier, you shouldn’t feel that end of the summer – summer camp teacher gifts are needed. I personally like to say thank you for adults who were influential in my child’s life.

For me, it is also a time to teach my children how to show gratitude. Gratitude is being able to say thank you for an experience or gift that you have received. Gratitude is taking the time to notice the little things that made our lives better in some way.

No matter what you decide to give your summer camp teacher – make sure you at least give them a BIG SMILE and say THANK YOU for spending the summer with your child.

For more teacher gift ideas, we recommend

• Thank you teacher for helping me bloom
• Teacher appreciation gift ideas
• Back to school crafts and gift ideas
• Tips for how to Thank Summer Volunteers

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Pirate Books for Kids

Here’s a fun way to incorporate Pirates and Reading into your fun this Summer! Create a Pirate LOVE BOOKS Package for your child!

I have a very special child in mind, my nephew. He lives in London right now so I am sending him a special Pirate Package in the mail to celebrate his 4th Birthday. 

Recently Inner Child Fun shared ways to connect with kids even when they are far way. It made me think about how to celebrate Birthdays when you are far way. Here’s my way of wishing Happy Birthday, I’m sending him a PIRATE PARTY. 

In my PIRATE PACKAGE, I’m also including resources for him to create a special PIRATE THEME in his house for the birthday boy. Of course, I’m always putting my “Spin On” things and some of these Pirate Activities will help prepare him for his preschool too in the fall.

Pirate Activity Package for Kids

Let’s start with the Pirate Package we’re sending. I quickly ran into a few stores to find pirate themed items. I’d tried really hard to keep all items around a $1.00. First I stopped by Target’s Dollar Spot and look what I found!  I found all the items needed for a Pirate Party. 

They had dress-up items like the bandanna, eye patch, earrings, and even a sword! They also had pirate invitations, thank you cards, gift bag, and goody bags. I also stopped by Michaels to discover a Pirate Paint book. 

Then a quick stop at Walmart for a Pirate T-shirt, Jack and the Neverland Stickers, and Moveable Decorations.

Here’s my “Spin On” these Pirate items…

• Pirate Party Bag – Toy Storage for Pirate Items
• Pirate Invitations – Treasure Hunt Clues Game
• Pirate Dress Up – Use them in dramatic play, Pirate Dress Up Game, and to Retell Stories
• Pirate Stickers – Create a Pirate Story using Stickers (See more)
• Pirate Paint Book – Once you’ve painted the pictures tell a pirate story about it

Now we’re all set for a Pirate Party Package! But wait now we need to add a Pirate Book! We selected Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC but there are many others to choose from depending on age.

Let’s start by finding the perfect Pirate book! Welllll maybe just a few.

I guess since I have two younger daughters we’ve stayed away from the pirate theme for awhile.

Tinkerbell has always been a big hit and Peter Pan just recently but now that Jack and the Neverland Pirates is one of my daughter’s favorite shows. Here’s a great resource for Jack and the Neverland Pirates .

We’re now all about Pirates now at our house! Here are some books we’ve discovered and enjoyed about Pirates, we even found a few with girl pirates!

DOWNLOAD our Ahoy Matey! Pirates Mini Pack!

Pirate Themed Books

(Affiliate Links Included)

Pirate Activities for Kids

I also included links to make a Pirate Ship, Pirate Map, How to Talk Like a Pirate.

These Pirate Captain Jack Learning Videos are cute to include too.

Jack and the Neverland Pirate Kindergarten Printables by 1+1+1=1

Here are a few Pirate Craft Ideas we send for ideas as well.

Plus a few pirate songs like the Silly Pirate Song, Swab the Deck, Pirate Exercise, Over the Deep Blue Sea, The Pirate Life, Blippie Pirate Song, Alphabet Pirates, A Pirate You Shall Be.

We sure hope our Pirate enjoys receiving a Pirate Package for his birthday. This summer we’ve invited bloggers from all over to send LOVE BOOKS packages just like this or more handmade ones too. 

They are simple and easy to do to keep our children READING all SUMMER. 

You can also include our Pirates Activity Pack!

Pirate Summer Camp for Preschoolers

PLUS we’d love for you to join us for Virtual Summer Camp! One of our themes is PIRATES, it’s a full week of Pirate Activities for you! 

My daughter is getting VERY excited about her upcoming week at science camp! In preparation for this amazing week-long summer camp, we are trying to get into the habit of “thinking like a scientist!”  

This week, we focused on solar science experiments and creative problem-solving.

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Solar Science Experiments for Kids

A collection of solar science experiments to try with your child in the backyard to encourage them to “think like a scientist!”

Converting Sunlight into Heat.

We bought this great little kid pool for our backyard and filled it up with cold water right from the faucet. Our baby put his finger in and announced, “COLD pool” and refused to get in. Without filling the pool with water from our home heater, I posed the question:

How can we heat up water the fastest?

This is the solar experiment we decided would best help us answer this question.

Materials Needed:

• 3 identical cups,
• 2 sheets of white paper
• 1 sheet of black.
• 1 plastic lining or plastic bag to cover one cup
• thermometer

Directions.

1. Fill each cup with the same amount of liquid of the same cool temperature.
2. Measure the water temperature and set one cup on each paper. Cover one of the glasses on white paper with plastic.
3. Have a discussion and make predictions about what you think will happen to the water in each glass.
4. Measure
5. Let the water sit in a sunny place for one hour.
6. Remeasure and discuss the results.

What do you think my kids should do to heat up the water in their pool faster?

* Parent tips:

A black background absorbs more heat than a light background.

Covering the cup slows or stops evaporation. The plastic covering may also absorb some of the suns’ rays.

Absorbing and Reflecting Heat: Solar Oven

The kids were fascinated with warming the liquid with the sun and asked, “If the sun can heat up water, what else can it heat up?”  They got to work building their own SOLAR oven using recycled materials.

Materials Needed: (use recycled materials when possible!)

• cardboard box
• black paper
• tinfoil
• saran wrap
• tortilla chips
• shredded cheese

Directions

1. Let your child build their own oven.
   
   My second grader found some black paper (the back was colored on) and started gluing it inside the box.
   
   She then added in some tinfoil, predicting that the foil would reflect the suns rays and heat up her cheese better.
   
   She covered the top with saran wrap in hopes it would heat the nachos faster.
   
2. Set the solar oven in a sunny spot.
3. Add the chips and top with shredded cheese.
4. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Record your results.
5. Once the cheese has melted, eat!
6. Then, if you choose, try to build another model of a solar oven. Make some changes and compare your results.
   
   * THINK like a scientist!!!!*
   
   A scientist will perform experiments over and over again to collect data and to figure out better and more efficient ways of doing things.

* Parent tips:

Some people have tried cooking hot-dogs, nachos are WAY easier!

Keeping a science journal is a great way to connect literacy to science!

Solar Heater: Sun Tea

Now my kids were on a solar experiment role. “Hey, MOM, do you think we could make your tea with energy from the sun instead of wasting electricity to heat your water inside?” Sure kiddos, what will we need to do?

I love that they were thinking creatively, asking questions, and applying what they have learned.

Materials Needed:

• Large glass jar
• Water
• 2 Bags of Tea

Directions.

1. Fill the jar with water.
2. Add 2 tea bags
3. Place in a sunny place
4. Gently shake every once in a while (per the kids instructions)
5. Wait HOURS (they learned the sun is powerful, but does take time to harness the energy)
6. Serve warm OR pour over ice cubes for iced tea!

Solar Prints

You could talk to your kids about the sun and have them make sun-prints. We used the solar sun print kit, but should have just bought the re-fill package ($5.99 vs $10.49) as we just used the paper.

Here’s the directions for How to Make Solar Prints with Kids.

More Ideas for Solar FUN :

• Solar Power STEM Camp Activities
• Studying the effects of the sun and the importance of sun screen at the beach
• Solar Eclipse Videos and Activities for Kids
• Sunshine and Solar Energy Activities for Kids

Solar Energy Books for Kids

• Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work? by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
• Solar Power: Capturing the Sun’s Energy by Laurie Brearley
• Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant by Allan Drummond
• Time to Shine! by Catherine Daly

You can explore more sun and solar energy books here in our Summer Books for Kids Book List.

Solar Cars

Now we are going to work on keeping our “science caps” for the rest of the month (we are stopping at a thrift store tomorrow to pick up our take-apart to be used during the camp week.

We are going to be on the lookout for electronics powered by the sun – maybe a calculator with a solar panel?

Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be fun to disassemble and tinker with. I’m thinking we won’t be able to wait until camp and may have to find a couple of items for home too! I’m not sure who is more excited about a whole week of science and inventing – her or me!

Looking for more science activities for your child? Try these…

At-Home Summer Camp Activities for Preschoolers

Summer! The word itself conjures up images of sunshine, laughter, and… a whole lot of time to fill with your energetic preschoolers and curious toddlers. If you’re dreaming of giving your little ones a memorable, engaging summer without the logistical juggle or expense of traditional camps, we’ve got exciting news for you!

This year, you can be the super fun camp counselor your kids will rave about, all from the comfort of your home. How? With our fantastic Downloadable At-Home Summer Camp Activity Guides!

We’ve Done the Planning, So You Can Have ALL the Fun!

Let’s be honest, an unstructured summer can sometimes feel a little daunting. You want to create those core memories, see their eyes light up with discovery, and maybe even sneak in a little learning through play. But who has the time to spend hours scouring Pinterest, planning activities, and gathering obscure craft supplies every single day?

That’s where we come in. Our Virtual Book Club for Kids Activity Guides are designed by busy moms and early childhood educators to be a complete “camp-in-a-click” solution. We’ve poured all the creativity and planning into easy-to-follow guides, so you can skip the stress and jump straight to the giggles and shared moments.

Pick Your Passion: Themes to Spark Every Child’s Imagination!

The best part? You can tailor your at-home camp experience to exactly what fascinates your child. Does your little one roar for dinosaurs? Dream of space adventures? Love to get messy with colors and textures?

Our downloadable guides cover a range of exciting themes that are perfect for preschoolers and toddlers. Our guides are inspired by some of our most favorite books and book activities. Simply browse our collection and choose the theme (or themes!) that will make your child’s eyes sparkle. Imagine a week dedicated to:

• Dinosaur Dig: Unearthing fossils, stomping like a T-Rex, and creating prehistoric crafts!
• Mad Scientist Lab: Fizzing potions, colorful experiments (all safe, of course!), and mind-blowing discoveries!
• Little Artists’ Studio: Exploring paint, playdough, collage, and unleashing their inner Picasso!
• Bugs & Butterflies: Going on garden hunts, crafting creepy crawlies, and watching caterpillars transform!

Each activity guide is packed with a variety of age-appropriate activities, including:

• Creative Crafts
• Sensory Play Ideas
• Simple Science Fun
• Story Time Suggestions
• Movement & Gross Motor Games
• Themed Songs
• Easy, Themed Snack Ideas

Why an At-Home Summer Camp with Our Guides is a Win-Win:

• Stress-Free for Parents: Seriously, just download, glance through, and you’re ready to go. Most activities use common household items or simple craft supplies.
• Flexible Fun: No rigid schedules here! Dip in for an activity or two, or create a whole themed day. It fits your family’s rhythm.
• Budget-Friendly: Get a full camp experience for a fraction of the cost.
• Quality Bonding Time: These aren’t just activities; they’re opportunities to connect, explore, and make precious memories together.
• Learning Through Play: Your little ones will be developing crucial skills (fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, social-emotional) without even realizing it – they’ll just be having a blast!
• Comfort of Home: Perfect for little ones who thrive in familiar surroundings.

Ready to Unlock an Unforgettable Summer?

Stop wondering how you’ll fill those long summer days. Let us help you transform your home into the coolest summer camp on the block!

Click here to explore our exciting themes and download your first At-Home Summer Camp Activity Guide today!

This summer, it’s not about elaborate plans or expensive outings. It’s about shared laughter, a little bit of happy mess, and the joy of discovery. We’ve laid the groundwork; the magical memories are yours to build.

Downloadable Summer Camps for Preschoolers & Toddlers

Here’s our collection of themed summer camp to choose from for $9.99

• Cool Science Camp
• Get Creative Camp
• Let’s Cook Camp

We also have a few Mini-Camps available for just $3.99

• Bugs and Butterflies Mini-Camp
• Construction Mini-Camp
• Dinosaurs Mini-Camp
• In the Garden Mini-Camp
• Out of this World Mini-Camp
• Ahoy Matey! Pirates Mini-Camp

We also have a combined camp with 3 Themed Camps discounted for $24.99

• Dinosaurs and Volcanos Camp
• Let’s Go Camping Camp
• Things That Go Camp

You can learn more about this special online summer camp here.

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Explore these fun summer camp themes for an at-home summer camp that kids will love!

Which theme will your little adventurer dive into first? We can’t wait to hear about it!

Happy Camping (at Home!)

How to Plan a DIY Summer Camp at Home

1. Pick a Fun Theme
2. Plan Your Activities
3. Gather Your Supplies
4. Set Up Your Space
5. Have Fun

You can host your own DIY Summer camp with just your kids or invite a few friends to join the fun.

One advantage of inviting friends is that there’s more to help with the planning and supplies. Plus more hands on deck when it’s time for the camp week.

I’d recommend keeping your summer camp theme to one week. You can always host another theme a few weeks later but you’ll want to spread them out to keep them special and memorable.

One fun way of looking at planning a DIY Summer Camp is to think of it as a themed birthday party where you’re not rushed to do everything in a limited amount of time of a party.

Get your kids involved in the decorating part, it will be something excited about and remember.

Here are some fun themed ideas for creating your own summer camp with your child. They’re linked up to ideas for what to do during your summer camp.

Summer Camp Theme Ideas

• Under the Sea
• Mermaids
• Pirates
• Super Heros
• STEM
• Lost in Space
• Sports
• Bugs
• Zoo
• Dinosaurs
• Construction
• Transportation
• Solar Energy
• Harry Potter
• Around the World
• Rainforest
• Safari
• Camping
• Gardening
• Art
• Cooking
• Music
• Science Lab
• Detective
• Water Park
• Camp Olympics
• Fairy Tale

Go to in-person Summer Camp?

Here are a few tips for first day of summer camp jitters to help your child.

Have you looked into the program safety policies that you’ve signed up for this summer? Here are 12 questions that you should ask to ensure your child is in an environment that’s set up to ensure child safety and prevent child abuse.

You may also find these activities helpful for planning your summer with kids…

• At-Home Summer Camp Activities for Preschool & Toddlers
• STEM Camp Ideas for Home
• The Best Summer Book List
• Indoor Tent Activity Ideas
• The Ultimate Summer Activity Bundle
• Summer Virtual Field Trips for Kids
• Summer Bucket List Planner

STEM Camp Ideas

Summer makes the perfect time for our kids to get hands-on with activities, games, and challenges that connect learning to science, technology, engineering, and math.

I really would love to see more time for our kids to simply experience STEM concepts in the classroom. These ideas would make for great monthly STEM themes in a classroom too.

What is STEM?
That’s easy STEM stands for S=Science, T=Technology, E=Engineering and M=Math.

Let’s be honest there are some skills that our kids need to know that weren’t necessarily a focus when we were kids. These 21st-century skills include media and technology literacy, productivity, social skills, communication, flexibility, and initiative.

The skills your child can learn with STEM education include problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, creativity, curiosity, entrepreneurship, leadership, acceptance of failure, and many other skills.

By creating your own STEM Camp at home your child will get hands-on experiences and real-world applications required for developing an innovative mind.

The ability to think critically and challenge standards is the basis of innovation.

This summer here are some fun ideas for creating your own STEM Camp at home for your child.

Each STEM Themed Camp includes suggestions for STEM books, STEM products, STEM activities, and even STEM inspired snack ideas.

STEM Camp Themes

• The Human Body
• Electricity & Circuits
• Engineering
• Chemistry
• Coding
• Robotics
• Solar Energy
• Microscopic World
• Measurement
• Outer Space

We’ve included several choices for STEM Camp Themes for your child.

Pick a topic that your child is most interested in first. You don’t have to do all of these, pick a few that you think will encourage your child to have fun and explore more this summer.

Each themed camp should cost less than $100 for all the supplies and you get to keep them all which is an awesome BONUS to hosting your own STEM Camp.

Keep in mind these make for really fun after-school activities too for the upcoming school year.

You can use this STEM Camp Ideas table of content to quickly look at the camp designed for your child’s interests.

Just click on the theme and it will take you to that spot below to start planning your summer fun.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Human Body

There are so many fun things to explore when it comes to the human body for kids. Frankly, it’s concepts that will help them throughout their lives. Have fun exploring anatomy with your child in this Human Body STEM Camp.

STEM KITS:

SmartLab QPG Lab For Kids, Squishy Human Body
Lightweight Stethoscope Dual Head, Doctor Stethoscopes
Newest Human Body Model for Kids
Learning Resources Anatomy Models Bundle Set
Melissa & Doug Magnetic Human Body
Abacus Brands Virtual Reality Human Body

BOOKS:

Stephen Biesty’s Incredible Body Cross-Sections by Richard Platt
Human Body Activity Book for Kids by Ph.D., Katie Stokes, M.Ed.
Knowledge Encyclopedia Human Body! by DK & Smithsonian Institution
Me and My Amazing Body by Joan Sweeney
My First Book About Genetics (Coloring Book) by Wynne & Silver
How Does My Body Work? Human Body Book for Kids by Sara LaFleur MD

ACTIVITIES:

• Q-tip Skeleton Craft
• Human Body Project
• Human Body Coloring Pages
• Free Printable Skeleton Bones Activity
• How Long Are Your Intestines
• Inflatable Heart Craft
• Blood Cell Membrane Experiment
• Blood in a Bottle
• Brain Hemisphere Hat
• Respiratory System Model
• Printable Human Body Systems
• Body Measurement Activities
• Human Eye Activities
• Felt Anatomy Model
• Printable Human Body Playdough Mats
• Pasta Skeleton
• Draw Inside of a Human Sidewalk Chalk
• Life-sized Skeleton

SNACK IDEAS:

• Make a Candy Spine
• Candy DNA Model
• All About Me Pizzas
• Veggie Skeleton Tray

Robotics

A big topic everyone is talking about is Robotics and for good reason, there’s so much a child can learn from exploring, building, and testing out things. Many schools lack the funding to have enough hands-on time with robotics for your child to truly grasp all the concepts robotics can teach. Here are a few ideas to make an epic Robotics STEM Camp.

STEM KITS:

Makeblock mBot Robot Kit
ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Smart Robot Car Kit V4 with UNO R3
Sphero Mini Activity Kit: App-Enabled Programmable Robot Ball with 55 Piece
Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set
Osmo – Coding Starter Kit for iPhone & iPad
Educational Coding DIY Building Kit Rechargeable Robot Toy

BOOKS:

I Can Make Remarkable Robots by Kristina A. Holzweiss & Amy Barth
Robots, Robots Everywhere! (Little Golden Book)
Pete the Cat: Robo-Pete by James Dean
Love, Z by Jessie Sima
A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown
Awesome Robotics Projects for Kids by Bob Katovich
Robo-Sauce by Adam Rubin
Unplugged by Steve Antony
Boy and Bot by Ame Dyckman
R Is for Robot: A Noisy Alphabet by Adam F. Watkins

ACTIVITIES:

• How to Build a Brush Bot
• Simple Homemade Robot Car
• How to Make a Propeller Car
• Build a Wooblebot That Makes Art
• Gliding Robot Toy
• Sponge Paint Robots Craft
• Magnetic Robot Art
• Junk Art Robot Project
• Robot Toilet Paper Roll Craft
• Robot Sensory Jar with Parts
• Build and Stack Robots
• Easy LEGO Robots

SNACK IDEAS:

• DIY Robot Snacks
• Nuts and Bolts Trailmix
• Marshmallow Robots
• Robot Juice Box Treat

Coding

Learning about coding is more accessible than ever! Summer makes a great time for tackling some coding projects with your child. There are both technology and non-tech activities that kids can learn to code with. Are you ready for a fun Coding STEM Camp?

STEM KITS:

Bit Coding Robot by Ozobot
Snap Circuits Code Journey, Build Your Circuit
LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox
OKK Coding DIY Building Kit Rechargeable Robot
Kids First Coding & Robotics
Botley The Coding Robot 2.0 Activity Set
Osmo – Coding Starter Kit for iPhone & iPad
Wonder Workshop Dash – Coding Robot for Kids
The Official Scratch Coding Cards

BOOKS:

How to Code a Rollercoaster by Josh Funk
Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas
How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk
Coding for Kids: Python: Learn to Code with 50 Awesome Games and Activities
DK Workbooks: Computer Coding with Scratch 3.0 Workbook
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark
Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World by Reshma Saujani
Doll-E 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey
Lift The Flap Computers & Coding by Rosie Dickins
Look Inside How Computers Work by Alex Frith
Gabi’s If/Then Garden (Code Play) by Caroline Karanja
Rox’s Secret Code by Mara Lecoq and Nathan Archambault
The ABCs of Programming by Arthur & Madison Johnston
Who Says Women Can’t Be Computer Programmers by Tanya Lee Stone
How to Talk to Your Computer by Seymour Simon

ACTIVITIES:

• Coding a LEGO Maze
• Super Hero Coding Game
• Secret Message Coding Bracelet
• Binary Code Bracelet That’s Out of This World
• Coding Game for Critical Thinking Skills
• Debug Coding Game Printable
• 20 Easy Ways to Get Kids Coding
• Magnetic Tile Coding Activity
• Wooden Coding Game Pieces

Electricity

Do you remember learning how to make a potato light up? Learning about electricity and how circuits work has grown leaps and bounds for kids. There are so many resources available. You never know what your child can create with the basic foundation of knowledge of electricity with the Electricity STEM Camp.

STEM KITS:

Snap Circuits Jr. SC-100 Electronics Exploration Kit
EUDAX School Physics Labs Basic Electricity
Squishy Circuits Kit Electric Circuit for Kids
Giggleway Electric Motor Robotic Science Kits
Sntieecr Electric Circuit Motor Kit
100 Pieces Clear LED Light
Copper Foil Tape with Double-Sided Conductive
3V Lithium Battery
Battery Box Holder w Cap On/Off Switch
Copper Wire
Super Strong Neodymium Disc Magnets
Tinkering Labs Robotics Engineering Kit

BOOKS:

I Can Make Exciting Electronics by Kristina A. Holzweiss
Amazing MakerSpace DIY Electricity by Kristina A. Holzweiss
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer
Oscar and the Bird: A Book about Electricity by Geoff Waring
The Magic School Bus And The Electric Field Trip by Cole & Degan
Awesome Electronics Projects for Kids by Colby Tofel-Grehl PhD

ACTIVITIES:

• Easy Playdough Circuits
• Build a Simple Electric Motor (Homopolar Motor)
• Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment
• How to Make a Magic Wand
• Tiny Dancers (A Homopolar Motor)
• Easy Static Electricity Experiment
• Paper Circuit Cards
• Building Electric Circuit Cards
• Electric Circuit Game
• Paper Circuits
• Potato Powered Light
• Lemon Battery Experiment
• Light Up Circuit Maze

SNACK IDEAS:

• Light Bulb Candy Snack Holder

Chemistry

Chemistry is one of the topics that kids are always drawn to and memorized by. With just a few supplies from around the house, you can make your summer chemistry lab. What magic reaction will you try first?

STEM KITS:

Learning Resources Primary Science Lab Activity Set
Real Chemistry Experiments: 40 Exciting STEAM Activities for Kids
Molecular Model Kit with Molecule Modeling Software
Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (444 Pieces)
7 Crystal Growing Science Experimental Kit with Display Cases
STEM Challenges Learning Cards

BOOKS:

DK Eyewitness Books: Chemistry by Ann Newmark
The Kid’s Book of the Elements by Theodore Gray
My First Book About Chemistry (Coloring Book) by Wynne & Silver
Basher Science: Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction by Simon Basher & Dan Green
Quantum Mechanics! The How’s and Why’s of Atoms and Molecules by Pfiffikus
What’s Chemistry All About? by Alex Frith & Lisa Jane Gillespie

ACTIVITIES:

• 50 Chemistry Activities for Kids
• Chromatography Art Experiment
• Balloon Experiment with Baking Soda
• Bottle Rocket Experiment
• What Will Freeze First Experiment
• Red Cabbage Acid/Base Experiment
• Density Science Experiment
• Dancing Raisins Experiment
• How To Do The Classic Chromatography Experiment
• Skittles Rainbow Science
• LEGO Slime
• Monster Lab Science Experiment
• Painting with Ice and Salt
• How to Make Oobleck
• The Best Basic Slime Recipe
• Elephant Toothpaste Experiment
• Crystal Science Fair Project
• How to Grow Overnight Crystal Garden

SNACK IDEAS:

• Growing Sugar Crystals Experiment
• Making Ice Cream in a Bag
• Edible Starburst Slime

Engineering

Take time this summer to truly explore how things work with this Engineering STEM Camp. Be sure to have on hand an Inventors Box to encourage their problem-solving and building skills. Ask them to tackle some everyday problems in your house and see what they design.

STEM KITS:

Learning Resources City Engineering and Design Building Set
51-Piece GeoMagnetic Vehicle Building Set
132Pcs Marble Maze Game Building Toy
SmartLab Toys Archi-TECH Electronic Smart House
Engino – Buildings & Bridges

BOOKS:

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
The Way Things Work by David Macaulay
Seven Wonders of Green Building Technology by Karen Sirvaitis
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Be a Maker by Katey Howes
Boxitects by Kim Smith
The Big Book of Amazing LEGO Creations with Bricks You Already Have by Sarah Dees
Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro

ACTIVITIES:

• Newspaper Engineering Challenges
• Button Playdough Tower Challenge
• Host a Building with Boxes Playdate
• Building a Trebuchet
• Balloon Car Project
• Paper Building Blocks
• How to Build Tall Straw Structures
• Build a Cardboard Tube Marble Run
• Make Your Own Zipline Challenge
• DIY Parachutes
• DIY Rubber Band Racecars
• Popsicle Stick Bridge Projects
• Catapult Experiments for Kids
• Toothpick Structures
• Easy Paper Helicopter
• DIY Paper Airplanes Project

SNACK IDEAS:

• Snacktime Structures

Solar Energy

Summer and sun go hand in hand, so this is the perfect time to explore solar energy! Set up a fun Solar Energy STEM Camp as you test and try out all that you can do when you harness the sun’s energy.

STEM KITS:

12-in-1 STEM Solar Robot Kit
Pica Toys Solar-Powered Wooden Car with Remote Control
4M Toysmith, Green Science Solar Rover
5 in 1 Model Car Kits, 3D Wooden Puzzles
Hot Bee Robot Dinosaur Toys, 3-in-1 Solar Robot Kit
6-in-1 Solar Robot Space Building Kit
Snap Circuits Green Energy Electronics Exploration Kit
Solar Robot Space Toy
Solar Fan Mini STEM Kit
Build and Race Your Own Solar Powered Toy
Cyanotype Paper Sun Art Paper Kit
Energy Wise Premium Solar Oven

BOOKS:

Running on Sunshine: How Does Solar Energy Work? by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
Solar Power: Capturing the Sun’s Energy by Laurie Brearley
Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant by Allan Drummond
Time to Shine! by Catherine Daly

ACTIVITIES:

• Solar Energy Science Experiments
• Solar Prints
• Build a Solar Car Challenge
• Solar Oven Project
• DIY Sun Dial for Kids

SNACK IDEAS:

Sun Tea
Solar Oven Smores
Solar Oven Nachos

Space

Launch into space during the summer with a week full of space themed fun. There’s so much to explore and discover about astrology with your child. From planets and stars to rockets and space stations. Here are a few ideas for hosting your own Space STEM Camp. Start off with a Straw Rocket STEM Challenge!

STEM KITS:

4M Green Science Rotating Solar System Kids Science Kit
Circuit Explorer Deluxe Base Station Circuit for Kids
Smithsonian Optics Room Planetarium and Dual Projector Science Kit
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope

BOOKS:

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space by Will Gater
The Know-Nonsense Guide to Space: An awesomely fun guide to the Universe by Heidi Fiedler
Ara the Star Engineer by Komal Singh
A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Slade
Space Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond by National Geographic Kids
Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and Constellations by Meg Thacher
Look Inside: Space (Look Inside) by Rob Lloyd Jones
Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond by Martin Jenkins
Think like an Astronaut! How Do Rockets Work? by Pfiffikus
Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole & Bruce Degen

ACTIVITIES:

• Solar System Puzzle
• Making Star Shaped Stamps Challenge
• Build and Paint and Starry Night
• Space Shuttle Craft
• A Year in Space with Astronaut Scott Kelly
• Straw Rocket Project
• Pipe Cleaner Constellations
• Why Are There Craters on the Moon Experiment
• Build a Cardboard Rocket Ship
• 12 Star Gazing App
• Shooting Star Spinning Project
• Free Printable Space Activity Pack
• DIY Soda Rocket

SNACK IDEAS:

• Moon Bread
• Star Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

Microscopic World

There’s something so magical about discovering the microscopic world that we live in. The summer is ideal for your little learner to simply ask questions and find answers to what their world is made up of. Here are some fun ideas for hosting your own Microscopic STEM Camp.

STEM KITS:
Learning Resources Elite Microscope for Kids
Bysameyee USB Digital Microscope 40X to 1000X
Jiusion 48Pcs Prepared Microscope Slides Specimen
Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (444 Pieces)

BOOKS:
All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World by Lori Alexander
See Inside the Microscopic World by Rosie Dickins
My First Book of Microbes: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and More by Sheddad Kaid-Salah Ferrón
Unseen Worlds: Real-Life Microscopic Creatures Hiding All Around Us

ACTIVITIES:

• Preschool Microscope Activities
• Digital Microscope Activities
• Beginner Microscope Experiments
• Microscope Guessing Game
• Glass Gem Fingerprint Magnets
• Glitter Gem Magnets
• Magnifying Glass Montessori Tray Ideas
• How to Make Your Own Mini Microscope
• How to Make a Microscope with Water

Measurement

Measurement is key to both science and math exploration for kids. These are the basic supplies we think every STEM Kit should have.

SUPPLIES:

12 PCS Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stackable
Stainless Steel Digital Kitchen Scale
10X Shatterproof Magnifying Glass
Tape Measure 25 ft /16 ft
Learning Resources Classroom Thermometer
Clear Flexible Acrylic Ruler 12 In
Digital Stopwatch Timer
Learning Resources Primary Bucket Balance Teaching Scale
Student Geometry Math Set

BOOKS:

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Measurements by Heidi Fiedler
Me and the Measure of Things by Joan Sweeney
Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy
How Big Is a Foot? by Rolf Myller
Inch by Inch by Leo Lionni
How Long or How Wide?: A Measuring Guide by Brian P. Cleary
How Tall?: Wacky Ways to Compare Height by Mark Andrew Weakland
How Long?: Wacky Ways to Compare Length by Jessica Gunderson
How Heavy?: Wacky Ways to Compare Weight by Mark Andrew Weakland
Peg + Cat: The Puddle by Jennifer Oxley
Perimeter, Area, and Volume: A Monster Book of Dimensions by David A. Adler
Millions to Measure by David Schwartz

ACTIVITIES:

• Garden Math Measurement
• LEGO Weighing Activity
• Measuring Activities with Cooking for Kids
• Measurement Exploration Center
• LEGO Measurement Activity
• Measuring with MAGNA Tiles
• Go On a Measurement Hunt
• Linear Measurement STEM Cards
• Unit Conversion Puzzles
• Exploring Volume
• Capacity and Volume Activities
• Measurement Activities for Kids

Additional STEM CAMP Supplies

To set up your STEM Camp you’ll want a few supplies!

What makes it super fun is to create a special place where you’ll be hosting your summer camp or even a special make lab that is in a corner of the house for your child (or classroom).

Gather a few basic tools of observation, measurement and lab supplies to really set the stage.

You can learn more here about building your own DIY Dollar Store STEM Kit.

Here are some tips for how to store your STEM Activities to create your own STEM Lab

• Best STEM Toys for Kids
• Build an Inventors Box
• 50+ STEM Activities for Kids
• Ultimate Summer Book List for Kids

Go to in-person Summer Camp?

Here are a few tips for first day of summer camp jitters to help you child.

Have you looked into the program safety policies that you’ve signed up for this summer? Here are 12 questions that you should ask to ensure your child is in an environment that’s set up to ensure child safety and prevent child abuse.

Join Bill Nye is his virtual reality lab in an ultimate immersive learning experience! This 50 piece set includes everything you need, like VR Googles, beakers, measuring cups, baking soda, paint brush and much more to dive in and experience the projects right out of the box, making it an ultimate kids VR toy set!

One of the best things your child can do over the summer is READ! Take a look above at our top picks of STEM Books for kids if you’re looking for additional book suggestions.

Here are a few additional suggestions for your Summer STEM Reading.

STEM Activity Books for Parents, Teachers and Kids

Need a little inspiration for your STEM Camp at home? These are some of my favorite STEM Activity Books for Parents and Teachers.

Packed full of activity ideas that foster creativity, problem solving, learning and most imporantly FUN!

There are so many ways to have fun with kids surrounded by STEM activities and STEM books. They are prefect for summer learning and after school activities to encourage them to grow and explore as an innovative thinker and problem solver.

When you create your own STEM Camp at home your child will get the hands-on experiences needed for developing an innovative mind.

Which STEM Camp are you going to do first?

Summer is approaching! Are you looking for some ideas for summer camp for kids? We have a solution! An online summer camp with everything all planned out for you and your child our Virtual Book Club for Kids Summer Camp.

You’ll have the kids saying this was the bestest summer ever!

When I became a mom, I realized very quickly that the cost can add up with summer camps, especially when you have more than one child. And then you realize many camps don’t accept enrollment for younger children.

I’m the parent that really does look forward to making memories with my little ones during the summer and I know you are too. With one of my children who’s already moved away from home as now an adult, I truly understand that feeling of there’s only 18 summers with your child.

That’s why the Virtual Book Club for Kids Summer Camp was created.

Virtual Book Club for Kids Summer Camp

I’m excited to be hosting our virtual summer camp again this year. I would love to have your family join us online for 3 weeks of book inspired fun!

This is one of my favorite times of year getting kids ready for school with this summer camp online. {JOIN HERE}

• 3-weeks of awesomeness!
• Easy to follow plans!
• Playful and hands-on activities!
• Book themed ideas for hours of fun! So you can ROCK this summer!

It’s just that simple… all the plans are already put together. Easy activities, simple materials lists, and even book ideas!

We’ve created an online summer camp to set up at home to make your summer plans fun to enjoy with the kids!

Virtual Book Club Summer Camp is a 3-week online summer camp planned for you.

**Ready to join?  BUY NOW for $24.99  **

Watch now for a quick peek at our Summer Camp!

Here’s a peek at the SUMMER CAMP THEMES 

Transportation Week

During this week we’ll get moving! From diggers to trackers to simple science projects with simple machines, we’ll explore the world of transportation with our imaginations and hands on fun. Are you ready for “Things that Go!”

Dinosaurs & Volcanos Week

This week we’ll explore the pre-historic world of dinosaurs. Your child will experience various dinosaur themed activities to create those classic summer camp memories with arts & crafts. Plus we’ll add our favorite dinosaur themed children’s books to enjoy this week.

Camping Week

During this week we’ll head outdoors and enjoy those moments of nature together. Bring your backyard to life with camping themed activities. The best part is they also will all work indoors in the living room too to keep camping fun going all summer long.

Let’s Go Camping!

When is summer camp?

You can use the camp materials ALL SUMMER LONG!

• Things That Go! 
• Dinosaurs & Volcanoes
• Let’s Go Camping

ALL SESSIONS INCLUDED for only $24.99  

We do all the work of planning, so you can spend your time being creative and enjoying it with your kids!

BUY THIS SUMMER CAMP

What is included in this Online Summer Camp?

• 15 new and fun themed activities straight to your inbox. 3 weeks of Camp!
• Book recommendations for toddlers & preschoolers!
• Supply lists ahead of time so you can be fully prepared!
• Printable Songs!
• Printable list with Field trip ideas!

BONUS: PICK AND CHOOSE TO ADD MORE WEEKS TO YOUR SUMMER CAMP!

• Science Camp Week
• Out of this World Camp Week
• In the Garden Camp Week
• Construction Camp Week
• Bugs and Butterflies Camp Week
• Pirates Camp Week

Why Should I Join the Summer Camp?

• The summer camp plans are filled with easy to follow, play based, hands-on activities.
• This summer camp at home is not only fun, it’s also educational. No summer boredom or too much screen temptations in your house this season!
• We include activities for reading, writing, math and more BUT the activities we provide are so fun, your kids won’t even know it’s educational!

Meet your Summer Camp Hosts!

We’re teachers and busy moms who are excited to welcome you to our Summer Camp.  Here’s a little about each of the 3 Virtual Book Club for Kids Summer Camp Hosts.

Kristina loves the toddler crowd! Kristina blogs at Toddler Approved. She also loves to throw parties, travel, and workout with her four crazy kids (ages 10,7,5, and 2).

Kim blogs here at The Educators’ Spin On It, sharing ways to make everyday moments into teachable opportunities with fun and easy activity ideas with her 3 kids.

Cerys blogs over at Rainy Day Mum, if you don’t find her planning her next trip with the family, then she’ll be digging in the garden, mixing up a recipe or getting creative.

**LIKE IT? PIN IT! **

Let me know if you have any questions. I’d love to help you figure out if this is a good fit for your family as you get ready to plan your summer.

It’s summertime, and our kids are going to be home from school. Are you signed up for any special summer programs or summer camps? Chances are your child will be around new friends and new adults as they create summer memories. Have you done your safety check for child safety?

Child Safety at Summer Camp

Being around a new environment makes you anxious as a parent because you want to ensure your child’s safety. Recently I shared some tips for how to end bullying. Unfortunately, in this conversation we turn to something even more difficult to discuss: Keeping our kids safe from sexual abuse.

As a parent there are some elements that you need to address this summer at home when it comes to school, church, summer camps, clubs and even friends’ homes. Have you discussed with your child the red flag that could indicate an unsafe situation and how to tell someone?

• Statistics show that 75% of victims never report sexual abuse – it’s time to move this conversation from taboo to talked about.
• 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday
• Talk with your child about abuse prevention.

12 Questions Parents Need to Ask Their Child’s Summer Camp

Have you looked into the program safety policies that you’ve signed up for this summer? Here are 12 questions that you should ask to ensure your child is in an environment that’s set up to ensure child safety and prevent child abuse.

• What trainings do staff receive to keep children safe?
• How are staff screened?
• Are criminal background checks performed on all your employees?
• How do you screen for possible sex offenders?
• What is the ratio of staff to children?
• How does the camp screen visitors?
• How does the camp handle emergencies?
• How will your child be oriented to the camp?
• How does the camp handle bullying?
• What does the camp practice for sun, insect and water safety?
• Is the camp accredited by the ACA?
• Is there abuse-prevention training provided for all employees who work with kids, including camp counselors who might be youth themselves?

This summer before you head to camp as a parent I encourage you to learn more about the 5 Safety Rules from the MBF Child Safety Matters® Program and go through them with your child.

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children has developed a research-based, proven child abuse prevention program to help keep your child, or a child you care for, from becoming a statistic.

Their mantra: Every child deserves to be safe.

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children teaches students about red flags that could indicate an unsafe situation, and how they can avoid those situations and tell parents or another Safe Adult – including teachers.

They understand that these are not easy conversations to have, but they need to happen.

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children

• For students in grades kindergarten through five
• Two classroom lessons per grade level annually (four-lesson option available)
• Lesson times range from 20 to 55 minutes

Start Building Support for the Upcoming School Year This Summer

Ask your school this coming year to use the Monique Burr Foundation for Children Programs so that ALL students get this necessary information. Did you know your child’s principal and guidance counselor are year round employees, and they are at the school most of your child’s summer vacation. I encourage you to set up a time to chat with them about your concerns. Share about the MBF Child Safety Matters® Program and how administrators can implement it at your child’s school. Even an informal email to the guidance counselor is a great way to start the conversation for the 2018-2019 school year.

Prevention programs can improve test scores, grade point averages, lower dropout rates, and improve overall school safety and climate. Children and families thrive when they have access to safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. We can help support all of this through abuse prevention programs like the one provided by the Monique Burr Foundation for Children.

MBF Child Safety Matters® Program

Research-based curriculum has empowered more than 2 million children to prevent, recognize and respond to bullying, cyberbullying and all types of abuse. Florida state appropriations through the Florida Attorney General’s Office continue to fund the program, allowing schools to use the curriculum at no cost.

Monique Burr Foundation for Children Mission

At the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, we believe every child deserves to be safe. And we are on a mission to change the way prevention education is delivered, to ultimately create a culture change that changes the conversation from #MeToo to #NoMoreMeToo. Research shows that 95% of abuse is preventable through education, so we provide research-based prevention education programs to schools across Florida and in multiple states. Our programs teach students in K through 8th grade, 5 safety rules to help protect them from bullying, cyberbullying and all types of abuse. We’ve reached over 2 million students in six years and hope to reach every student in the United States.

Sign up now for the MBF Child Safety Matters® and let’s keep our children safe this summer.

Do you have a preschooler at home this summer ages 18 months to 8 years old? Are you wondering what to do with them at home to make it memorable with tons of fun but simple too? Plus sneak in a little bit of learning too during the summer.

I’m excited to announce that we are hosting the 4th year of our Virtual Book Club for Kids Summer Camp.

Are you ready to join the fun?

The Virtual Book Club for Kids Summer Camp is 3 WEEKS of children’s picture book themed activities and crafts for Ages 18 months to 8 with ALL NEW THEMES!!!

Virtual Book Club for Kids Summer Camp is available!

You can sign up and download the 3 camp planners and use them when you are needing ideas for summer fun, especially when older siblings are away at camp this is perfect for at home too. You can use the activities through the summer too that works with your own schedule.

Click HERE to Purchase

Virtual Book Club Summer Camp Membership

Are you interested in joining in? Here’s what a Virtual Book Club (VBC) Summer Camp Membership includes…

Once you’re registered you’ll be all set and ready for the Virtual Book Club Summer Camp

Camp Directors

Your camp directors are myself – Kim from The Educators’ Spin On It , Kristina from Toddler Approved and Cerys from Rainy Day Mum,  – we are all Moms and former teachers. The crafts and activities we have created just for this camp have been tried and tested by our own children at home. 

To make camp extra awesome this year, we’re breaking it down into three age groups and we will be providing different activities and books to cater to each age group. Each group will be led by a different specialist who will provide resources, activities, and tips to help you have a great camp experience.

• Toddlers (ages 18 months- age 3)- led by Kristina of Toddler Approved 
• Preschoolers (ages 3-5)- led by Kim from The Educators’ Spin On It {That’s me!}
• Early Elementary (ages 5-8)- led by Cerys of Rainy Day Mum

Summer Camp that works with your Family’s Schedule. 

One of the best features of the VBC Summer Camp is that you can do it at your convenience.  You can chose to follow exactly the plan or you can spread out the activities over as long as you want – newsletters with all the details for the following week will be sent to your email address (the one you use in your registration process) but you can save, print and do the activities when you want. 

Every activity in our VBC Summer Camp will be simple, have easy to get materials, and will be geared towards kids ages 18 Months to 8 years old. I can’t wait! Hope to see YOU at camp this summer!

This post is sponsored by Camp Invention.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

One summer camp option we think that you should consider is Camp Invention.

Camp Invention captured our attention last summer when both of our children were invited to participate. Each of them had an amazing time learning to THINK and become INVENTORS. It was an environment filled with curiosity where campers were challenged and teachers encouraged them to explore their own ideas. This year’s theme is Illuminate.

Find a Camp Near You

Choosing Camp Invention for Summer Camp

The 2015 camp theme, Illuminate where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) meets real-world inspiration and lots of fun!

Illuminate^TM will encourage your child to explore their inventiveness and problem solving skills with experiences that will harness their curiosity, inspire creativity and evoke a sense of accomplishment!

Your child will not want to miss out on the chance to imagine, tinker and invent prototypes that they can take home with them this summer! Illuminate^TM will generate excitement and encourage a passion for innovation that will open up a world of new possibilities!

The Illuminate^TM curriculum features five energetic and fun-filled modules that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities, which will empower your creative thinker and further inspire them to innovate and solve problems!

Illuminate your child’s inventive spirit at Summer Camp!

We will be sharing about our experience at Camp Invention this summer with our girls and we’d love to invite you to join us at your local Camp Invention.

Camp Invention is the only nationally recognized, non-profit elementary enrichment program backed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Over the past 40 years, and in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Camp Invention programs have encouraged nearly two million children, teachers, parents, college students and independent inventors to explore science, technology and their own innate creativity, inventiveness and entrepreneurial spirit.

Camp Invention Resources

• Build an Inventor’s Box
• Tips for Preparing for Camp Invention
• How to Think Like an Inventor S.T.E.M.
• First Day of Summer Camp Jitters
• Solar Science Experiments
• The Best STEM Toys for Kids

Join the fun on social media with Camp Invention by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and youtube!

Use the hashtag #campinvention to follow along!