If you’re looking for a way to capture a child’s imagination after school lets out, perhaps focusing on a fun project about the hit movie “Avatar” will do the trick.
Stanwood math teacher Clarene Ricarte is organizing a Camp Invention Innovate program for June 28 to July 2 at Stanwood High School.
She said kids will learn, in a creative way, about technology, engineering, math, history and the arts. One of the units will use “Avatar” as the theme.
“My daughter’s daughter attended this program two and three years ago and she loved it,” Ricarte said. “I had her signed up to go again last year, along with her little brother, but it was canceled due to low enrollment.”
Her granddaughter, Olivia Hurley, 10, came from Bonney Lake to the camp. Jonathan Hurley, 6, hopes to attend this year.
Ricarte needs 35 students to make the camp a go.
The program costs $210 but there are discounts. Camp Invention is sponsored by a nonprofit organization called Invent Now Kids in Ohio. Teachers act as camp counselors, and teenagers are assistants.
Since 1990, Camp Invention has grown to include almost 1,500 sites in 49 states. In 2009, more than 65,000 children participated around the country.
Campers are elementary students who attend different sessions each day. This year there is a station called SMArt, meaning Science plus Math plus Art.
One session is always very popular, Ricarte said. “Kids take apart an appliance and use the parts to create a new invention,” she said.
For instance, a VCR could become a broccoli-throwing device.
“The last afternoon we have a program where the parents are invited to come and see what the kids have done all week,” she said. “The materials are excellent and the kids always have a great time.”
Ricarte and her husband, Steven, have no problem filling their summer hours. They’ve shared their home on Lake Goodwin for six years with foreign exchange students.
One of her teacher’s assistants, junior Brooke Nicholas, said she isn’t surprised the teacher is organizing a summer program.
“She is very hands-on with her students,” Brooke said. “Really sweet. She honestly cares about you.”
Ricarte has a degree from Washington State University and her master’s degree from Eastern Washington University. She picked up credits while traveling with her husband at Seattle Pacific University, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, Portland State, George Fox University and Central Washington University.
Ricarte said she is glad they landed near Stanwood, where she has coached Science Olympiad teams at Port Susan Middle School and Stanwood High.
“I want to see kids excited about science at an early age,” Ricarte said. “I believe early education is vital.”
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
Camp Invention
Elementary students may attend Camp Invention June 28 to July 2 in Stanwood. For more information about the national program, visit campinvention.org or call 800-968-4332.
For more information about joining the Stanwood session or volunteering, call 360-629-1300, ext. 5811, or e-mail cricarte@wavecable.com.
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