Elgin ISD Launches STEM Summer Camp

Camp Invention program brings hands-on learning to K-6 students

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a group of children building and launching model rockets, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the hands-on STEM activities of the Camp Invention program.A summer STEM camp in Elgin, Texas aims to spark young students' excitement about innovation through hands-on projects and collaborative learning.Elgin Today

The Elgin Independent School District is introducing a new summer STEM camp called Camp Invention for students in kindergarten through 6th grade. The 4-day program, developed in partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, will engage students in hands-on activities like building and launching model rockets, designing inventions, and solving real-world challenges.

Why it matters

As Elgin and the surrounding Bastrop County continue to grow, programs like Camp Invention aim to prepare young students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and STEM skills that will be valuable for future academic and career opportunities in the region's evolving economy.

The details

The Camp Invention 'Spark' curriculum encourages collaborative, project-based learning to spark students' excitement about innovation and build their confidence. Activities will include forensic investigations, invention pitches, and tackling common student challenges. The program is being introduced in Elgin ISD for the first time, though some educators have prior experience with Camp Invention and say it consistently draws returning students and positive feedback from families.

  • Camp Invention will take place July 6-9, 2026.
  • The program is new to Elgin ISD this year, though some educators have run it previously.

The players

Camp Invention

A nonprofit enrichment program developed in partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that provides hands-on STEM learning for K-6 students.

Tina Terrell

The director of the Camp Invention program in Elgin ISD, focused on helping students think critically, analyze problems, and build confidence.

Erin Muñoz

A past director of Camp Invention for around 15 years, who says the program consistently draws returning students and positive feedback from families.

Elgin Independent School District

The school district in Elgin, Texas that is introducing the Camp Invention STEM program for the first time this summer.

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What they’re saying

“One of the biggest things for me is having them think critically and to really analyze things and break them down in order to build something. You want them to get excited about learning but also you want them to build that confidence and that belief in themselves.”

— Tina Terrell, Camp Invention Director

“Parents really enjoy it because they see their kids getting excited about science, math and technology. Then they come back as teenagers and they want to give back.”

— Erin Muñoz, Former Camp Invention Director

What’s next

Registration and additional information about the Camp Invention program in Elgin ISD is available at invent.org/programs/camp-invention.

The takeaway

By introducing hands-on STEM learning at an early age through programs like Camp Invention, Elgin ISD aims to spark students' interest and build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be valuable for their future academic and career paths as the region continues to grow.