JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Nearly 100 students from Toms River recently participated in “Camp Invention,” an annual program run by Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst designed to introduce them to various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields while developing lasting friendships.
“Camp Invention” is just one example of Lakehurst’s community and education outreach efforts. Earlier this year team members went across the Hudson to participate in “Kids Week” at the USS Intrepid. Lakehurst team members have also been involved in an event where students got an up-close look at the field of underwater engineering.
The program included hands-on challenges and open-ended adventures, allowing the students to unlock their creativity through collaboration and problem-solving. The week-long camp included four different experiences, including a chance to create a light-up gameboard while studying how athletics, design, business, and invention come together to create a new game. Successful teams had their creativity recognized with induction into the program’s “Game of Fame.”
Students also created illuminating inventions and glowing animals by making a “Glow Box” and experimenting with different forms of lighting in their designs.
The program also included a real-world aspect as students learned more about water challenges facing populations worldwide. During this unit, the students learned about the critical role of water and created a robotic lab-on-wheels to design engineering innovations to help address these issues in the future.
Finally, the students competed in a gameshow meant to mold, shape and transform their ideas into inventions using a do-it-yourself toolbox and everyday materials. During a series of challenges, the campers learned how an idea or invention can come along at any time and how that idea can affect people in the real world.
Haidy Oliveira, Lakehurst’s education outreach coordinator, said it was fun to see the students enter the program apprehensively and end the week thriving and confident in their abilities.
“My favorite part of Camp Invention was allowing students to explore and create with no restrictions,” Oliveira said. “It’s also great seeing past participants, some who have attended Camp Invention since they were 6-years-old, return to be counselors every year because they loved it so much and helped lead them in their own career decisions.”
A similar program for students in Lakehurst is scheduled for August. Oliveira said she was particularly proud that NAWCAD could provide scholarships for 10 students to attend the Toms River program and 20 to attend the program in Lakehurst.