Camp · STEM · Ages 5–12
Directory · United States · Oregon · Salem
▌ STEM · Ages 5–12

McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark

McKinley Elementary

Camp Invention: Spark at McKinley Elementary offers an engaging STEM day camp experience for K-6th graders, focusing on hands-on activities and creative prob...

▌ Editor's read The provided URL loads successfully, leading to the official Camp Invention page for the 'Spark' program at McKinley Elementary in Salem, OR. Camp Invention is a national program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, offering STEM-focused day camps for children in grades K-6. The website details the curriculum, which includes activities like 'Marble Run Mania' and 'Mini Golf Challenge,' designed to foster creativity and problem-solving. The program emphasizes safety, stating that 'all program team members have passed a background check.' While specific staff-to-camper ratios are not explicitly listed, the program is well-structured with a clear daily schedule. Google reviews for 'Camp Invention' generally show high satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 reviews, praising the engaging activities and enthusiastic staff. The camp is a day program, running from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It is not accredited by the ACA, and no specific state license number is provided on the site, which is common for school-hosted programs under a national umbrella.
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Who thrives here Ages 5–12

McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given stem program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Day camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
Not listed
Operator
Not listed
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: STEM
  • Ages: 5–12
  • Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Address: 466 McGilchrist St SE, Salem, OR 97302
  • Cost notes: Pricing starts at $285 or ~$9/hour. Payment plans are available. See local camp for exact pricing.

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark

What ages does McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark accept?
McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark cost?
McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark doesn't publish a flat per-week rate — pricing varies by session. Pricing starts at $285 or ~$9/hour. Payment plans are available. See local camp for exact pricing. Contact the camp directly for the current schedule of fees.
What are McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark's hours?
McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark runs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Does McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark provide lunch?
McKinley Elementary - Camp Invention: Spark does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

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