Bring innovation, creativity, and real-world problem solving to your camp this summer.

In partnership with People of Play and Happy Camper Live, the Young Inventor Challenge gives campers the opportunity to design, build, and pitch their own original toy or game. This is not just an activity. It is a full experience that empowers campers to think differently, collaborate, and bring their ideas to life.

WHAT IT IS

The Young Inventor Challenge is a hands-on program where campers move through the full creative process from idea to prototype to pitch.

Camps receive a simple, easy-to-follow design guide with everything needed to run the program successfully, whether as a single activity or a multi-day experience.

WHO IT’S FOR

Open to campers ages 6 to 18

Junior DivisionAges 6 to 12

Senior DivisionAges 13 to 18

Camps may run this as:

• Individual participation

• Team-based challenges (entries are limited to teams of 2)

• Bunk or divisional programming

HOW IT WORKS

Campers follow a structured but flexible process:

• Brainstorm ideas

• Develop their concept

• Build a prototype

• Test and refine

• Create a video to pitch their idea

The result is a finished invention they can present with pride.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Encourages creativity, innovation, and problem solving

• Builds confidence through presentation and pitching

• Works across all age groups and skill levels

• Flexible format for any camp schedule

• Can be run as a period, a one-day event or expanded into a multi-day program

COMPETITION & WINNERS

Each camp may submit:•

One Junior Division entry

• One Senior Division entry

Winning inventions advance to the International Young Inventor Challenge Competition in Chicago in November, with options to participate in person or virtually.

GREAT FOR

• Choice or elective periods

• Bunk challenges

• Divisional evening activities and special events

• CIT team building

• Rainy day programming

WHAT CAMPS RECEIVE

• Downloadable program guide

• Step-by-step instructions

• Easy implementation for staff

• A meaningful, structured experience for campers

REGISTRATION DETAILS

• No cost to participate

• Camps may enter as individuals or teams of 2

• Camps may submit one final entry per division

• Camp registration deadline: August 30, 2026

WHY CAMPS LOVE IT

This is more than just an activity. It gives campers a chance to create something that is truly theirs, while building skills they carry far beyond the summer.

It also gives camps a standout program that feels fresh, meaningful, and different from traditional programming.

Bring the Young Inventor Challenge to your camp this summer.

Give your campers the opportunity to think big, build something real, and share their ideas with the world.