BECOME A "MAKER" AT OPERATION INNOVATION SUMMER DAY CAMP
Naper Settlement is connecting the past to the present with an all-new STEM camp that helps kids find their inner “maker.” Aspiring engineers, architects, scientists or coders will interact with today’s experts during Operation Innovation, a camp that takes children grades 4 to 6 on a history adventure with hands-on activities.
Imaginations will run wild with interactive experiences during this summer day camp that will be held from June 27 to 29 at Naper Settlement. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an extended drop-off hour with activities from 8 to 9 a.m.
Campers will explore the evolution of innovation by learning how tradesmen, craftspeople and farmers of the past used science and technology in their everyday lives. The past will link to the present as campers meet modern-day pioneers—professionals from the fields of engineering, architecture, technology, communications and agriculture.
“Naper Settlement is thrilled to offer this new, unique STEM camp where kids will bridge the past to the present with fun, hands-on learning experiences.” Naper Settlement Learning Experiences Coordinator Anna DiCosola said. “Kids will learn how innovations in science and technology have shaped our world today.”
Each day, the camp will explore a different science- or technology-based theme. On the first day, campers will delve into engineering and architecture by constructing a miniature log cabin and by visiting the Blacksmith for a trades lesson in metal. Naperville Public Library will bring a 3D printer onsite to create a miniature plastic figurine. Kelsey Wuthrich and Milica Stojsavljevic, engineering and architecture representatives from Wight & Company, will speak to the campers about their professions and share the skills required for their modern-day jobs. The day will end with campers constructing mini beasts using Theo Jansen’s STRANDBEEST Mini-maker Kits.
Day two will explore communications technology by writing and sending “snail mail” through the Post Office. In the afternoon, campers will create their own interactive stories using Scratch Programming. Naperville Community Television will bring their “Tour the Truck” program to Naper Settlement, where campers can see television production in action.
On day three, campers will dig up history by planting a garden the old-fashioned way with rakes, hoes and water buckets. Kids will learn about the history of farming and innovations in agriculture. Kara Kinney, Executive Director of the DuPage County Farm Bureau, and a local farmer will lead an interactive lesson and discussion on how science and technology is used in farming today.
“Agriculture provides the food you eat, the gas you put in your cars and the clothes you wear on your back. The DuPage County Farm Bureau is dedicated to educating consumers and children on the products and the vast opportunities within agriculture.” DuPage County Farm Bureau Executive Director Kara Kinney said. “Operation Innovation will give campers the opportunity to learn first-hand about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.”
The program is limited to 25 campers and the fee is $150 per camper. To register, call (630) 420-6010.
In addition to Operation Innovation, Naper Settlement offers one-day to five-day Camp Naper Summer Day Camps through Aug. 5 with new extended hours. The first week of camp is already sold out, but there are still other camps still open for the summer!
June 20-24 and July 11-15, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Crack codes, decipher hieroglyphics and more during Treasure Hunters for grades 1-6.
June 27 to July 1 and July 25-29, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Campers in grades 1-6 will snoop for clues and examine evidence armed with tools used by detectives during Treasures Hunters Extreme.
July 18-22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Explore Naper Settlement’s 12 acres and throughout Naperville during Secret Seekers for grades 3-6.
July 6-8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Home on the Range was a log cabin and campers in grades 3-6 will experience the challenges and the rewards of pioneer life in this three-day camp.
July 7-8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Let your artistic side run wild in Drip, Scribble, Sketch, a two-day camp for grades 1-6.
July 18-22, 9 to 11:30 a.m: It’s the latest musical craze and campers in grades 4-6 will each have their own ukulele to strum up a storm with recording artist Kevin Presbey during Camp Ukulele.
July 29, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: The popular one-day immersion Civil War Camp for grades 5-8 returns. Parents can come for dinner.
Aug. 1-5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m: During the final camp of the season, Summer Sampling Extreme, campers in grades 1-6 will travel back in time to explore how science and history come together through the ages.
To register for camp, call (630) 420-6010. Members at the Settlement-4 level and above save $20 on five-day camps. For more information, visit napersettlement.org/camp.
About Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement is a nationally accredited, award-winning outdoor museum set on 12 magnificent acres in the heart of Naperville, where history comes to play and community comes to connect. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.
