Budding scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technology-minded students have an opportunity this summer to let their imaginations soar at Camp Invention in Kalispell for the first time.

This year’s theme, “Morphed,” will transform students into inventors as they build original prototypes, create a motor-powered vehicle and disassemble electronics to build an insect-themed pinball machine.

The week-long program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elrod Elementary June 23- 27.

Registration is open to students in grades one through six who live in the Flathead Valley. Cost is $200. Some scholarships may be available through a child’s school.

Camp Invention is a national educational program recognized for fostering innovative thinking, real-world problem solving and invention. Participants will engage in hands-on problem-solving using science, technology, engineering and mathematics in creative ways.

Area teachers will lead camp activities while local high school students will be chosen as leadership interns to work with campers.

Eliza Thomas, co-director of Camp Invention and director of the Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative, hopes the experience will inspire a generation of inventors. Elrod Elementary Principal Glenda Armstrong will also co-direct this year’s Kalispell camp.

“Camp Invention provides a great opportunity for inventive young minds to exercise their creativity and use their imagination in ways they don’t normally get to,” Armstrong said. “Through real-world problem-solving challenges, they build things, take things apart, explore different types of technology and so much more. Many times the students are having so much fun, they don’t even realize they are learning and developing new skills.”

Register at www.campinvention.org. For more information contact Armstrong at 751-3400 or Thomas at 752-3302.

Programming for Camp Invention is developed through partnerships with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, National Inventors Hall of Fame inductees and finalists of the Collegiate Inventors Competition.

Regional program sponsors include Kalispell Public Schools and the Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative consortium.