SCHOOL STAFF KNOWLEDGE for CAMP INVENTION

I had a call from a certified teacher this morning. She received a flyer from her son and was very impressed with the Camp Invention program. She wants to get her two children in camp but had just moved and was tight on funds, so, she wants to be a volunteer. For a director that is a wonderful prospect. There's nothing like super qualified free and enthusiastic volunteers!!! They can really help out throughout the week, esp. on Monday morning for registration, preparing snacks, working with the I Can Invent teacher, and for Friday afternoons open house and clean-up.

Now, imagine this teacher calls someone at your school and they don't know anything about the camp!

This email update is about your school's secretaries, executive body, etc. The person I described above called the host school and the secretary was less than fully knowledgeable. Obviously, your school secretaries, asst. principal, other teachers, PTA/PTO folks should all be well informed of your camp. Camp Invention is a super asset to a district and perhaps the best regarded nationwide enrichment summer day camp.

The more people that are aware of the fun and benefits that Camp Invention offers, the better of a camp you will have.

SUGGESTION:

Cut n' Paste the following onto your own word program and make copies for your co-workers and others. Also give them a flyer or, when you get them, color brochure.

CAMP INVENTION BASICS

· Will be held at _____________ Elementary on June/July __ - __, 2003.

· Runs from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. for one week, Monday thru Friday.

· Costs $175 till Feb. 28th, then is $190 till May 31, and last minute parents and walk-ins cost $199.

· The children of full time staff and volunteers for Camp Invention can enroll their children at $100.

· Camp capacity is 110 (except Bromwell and Crofton).

· Program was approved to run by the district, but is not a district program. It is a non-profit program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

· "The curriculum at the camp features integrated, thematic units and meets the new science standards set by the national Association of Science Teachers which stress 'science as inquiry'." (Teaching PreK-8, April 1999)

· Camp is for children entering grades 2-6. Some exceptions are possible.

· Children are divided by age/grade level. Exceptions are made to put friends/cousins together.

· While educationally beneficial, the goal is a fun camp for all.

· A professional study by the Center for Creative Learning found a satisfaction rate of parents and children of well over 90%.

· Children entering 7th & 8th grades can serve as Jr. Counselors (unpaid). They should be very mature and responsible.

· Students aged 14 or older can serve as paid counselors. Students 16 or older, or better yet, paraprofessional teachers, retired teachers, etc. make excellent counselors.

· Anyone calling requesting to register or find out general information about the program can contact Camp Invention at 1-800-968-4332, or visit www.campinvention.org The website has a FAQ section, listing of camps nationwide, etc.

· Anyone wishing to serve in a staff position can leave a message for _____________ by [you choose] __ note in school mailbox __ voice mail __ calling seperate phone # ___-____ , __ visiting after school, __ leaving resume, __ $%#@*!

· Unless you have some in your hand or from elsewhere, there are no scholarships available from Camp Invention as of Feb. 5, 2003. Some might or might not develop later. Suggestions of whom to solicit scholarships from may be forwarded to regional coordinator: Logan Perkins - 303 777-5511, logan@priorities.org

· Camp Invention staff and f/t volunteers wishing to register their children for $100 may do so by sending a check made out to Camp Invention to:

Logan Perkins, Camp Invention Regional Coordinator
1565 California St. #607
Denver, CO 80202
Phone/Fax: 303 777-5511
Cell: 720 217-6896
Toll-free: 1-866-777-0233

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Children documenting "finds" during the archeological dig with Dig It!

Please make sure your secretaries and other staff are well informed about the camp. This will help build enrollment and enthusiasm.

Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome.

- Logan Perkins