This summer, Washington County 4-H welcomed youth to two exciting three-day STEM camps—Build It! Camp and Inventor’s Quest Camp—where creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork were on full display. Both camps immersed young people in hands-on learning experiences that challenged them to think like engineers, designers, and inventors while building confidence in their abilities. Through engaging activities and supportive coaching from staff and teen leaders, participants discovered that STEM is not only about science and technology—it is about curiosity, persistence, and turning ideas into action.
During Build It! Camp, youth explored the engineering design process through a variety of creative design challenges. Campers worked together to design and build an entire play city using LEGO bricks, imagining how engineers, architects, and planners create spaces for communities. They also designed and constructed a cardboard arcade for a 4-H carnival, developing games and interactive experiences while learning about design, construction, and user experience. One of the campers’ favorite challenges was creating a Rube Goldberg machine using materials found throughout the room, encouraging them to think critically, collaborate, and discover how simple machines and chain reactions work together. The camp received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 100% of participating youth reporting that they enjoyed the camp, would recommend it to a friend, and would attend again in the future. In addition, 100% of participants shared that they felt welcomed, included, and valued throughout the camp experience, reflecting the positive environment created by staff, volunteers, and teen leaders.
At Inventor’s Quest Camp, youth took on the role of inventors by identifying authentic problems, interviewing potential users, brainstorming solutions, and building prototypes. Campers experienced the full invention process, learning how innovation develops from an idea into a workable solution. Throughout the week, youth applied science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and design thinking skills while refining their inventions and preparing to share them during an Inventor Showcase. High school teen teachers played an important leadership role by mentoring younger participants, facilitating activities, and modeling teamwork and perseverance.
Both camps highlighted Washington County 4-H’s commitment to preparing young people for the future by helping them develop critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, and leadership skills. Most importantly, youth left camp believing they can make a difference in their communities by solving problems, working with others, and learning from challenges. The enthusiasm, innovation, and determination displayed throughout the camps demonstrated that Washington County is home to the next generation of inventors, engineers, and community leaders.
