Think Tank: Young Inventors Lab

Service Description

Imagine it. Build it. Pitch it. Think Tank is an immersive innovation experience where curiosity drives the process and creativity leads to real solutions. Campers step into the role of young engineers and designers — identifying everyday problems, developing ideas, building prototypes, and refining their work through testing and iteration. Grounded in Virginia K–5 Standards of Learning, this week strengthens critical thinking, adaptability, and inventive confidence — helping children see themselves not just as learners, but as creators capable of shaping the world around them. 🎯 Big Question: How can we use creativity and problem-solving to design something new? 🧠 What Campers Will Explore: ⚙️ Science: Forces and motion 💻 Technology: Prototyping tools 🎨 Arts: Concept sketching and visual design 📐 Math: Area, scale, measurement, and spatial reasoning 🔧 Engineering: Invention and build processes 🚀 Signature Experience: Campers will move through a real innovation cycle: Ideate → Prototype → Test → Iterate → Pitch By week’s end, explorers will present their inventions at a final showcase, building confidence in communication while learning how great ideas evolve through persistence. 🌎 Adventure-Based Learning: Innovation happens everywhere — including: M: Ida Lee Park — Ideation in motion T: Udvar-Hazy Center — Innovation research W: Brambleton Library — Prototype development Th: CRAFT Makerspace — Iteration and build F: Chapman DeMary Trail — Pitch & presentation ⭐ Ideal For Campers Who… * Ask big questions * Love inventing and building * Enjoy creative challenges * Think outside the box * Are ready to turn ideas into reality (No engineering experience required — just curiosity and courage.) 👉 Enrollment is intentionally limited to support deep thinking, collaboration, and individualized coaching.