Check out what the Children of Excellence are up to!

This summer, InnovatEd Learning proudly launched its pilot Creator Camp, a four-day STEM experience designed to help students discover that engineering is about much more than building things—it's about learning how to think, solve problems, and create meaningful solutions.

Hosted at the ODU iLab, Creator Camp welcomed students ages 8–12 into the role of young engineers. Throughout the week, campers explored real-world challenges, worked collaboratively to solve problems, and discovered how creativity, perseverance, and critical thinking can turn ideas into action.

Students learned about innovators such as Moses West and Lonnie Johnson, connecting history and current events to engineering while exploring how ordinary people have created extraordinary solutions to real-world problems. These discussions encouraged students to see themselves as future innovators capable of making a difference in their own communities.

Each day built upon the engineering design process through hands-on experiences. Campers brainstormed ideas, sketched original designs, built prototypes, experimented with 3D printing pens, and created digital models using Tinkercad. Along the way, they discovered that engineering is an ongoing cycle of imagining, building, testing, and improving.

Beyond technical skills, Creator Camp emphasized teamwork, communication, resilience, and character development. Students earned creator cash by demonstrating collaboration, perseverance, and thoughtful problem-solving, reinforcing that success comes through effort, curiosity, and continuous learning.

Creator Camp was designed and facilitated by InnovatEd Learning using original curriculum and educational resources from Imagery Matters. Together, the experience combined STEM education, creativity, and real-world problem-solving in an engaging environment that encouraged every child to think beyond the classroom.

The pilot program exceeded our expectations. Students left with new technical skills, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding that they have the ability to recognize problems, imagine solutions, and create positive change.

This is just the beginning.

We're excited to continue expanding Creator Camp and creating more opportunities for young people to discover the joy of engineering, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Because every great invention begins with someone willing to imagine a better way.