Camp Invention: Where Kids Build Robots and Dream Big

In Bourbonnais, a summer camp that started 16 years ago has become a yearly adventure for young minds. This week, 145 kindergarten to sixth‑grade students gathered at Liberty Intermediate School for a week of hands‑on science, technology, engineering and math projects. The program’s star was a quirky “Fur‑ensics” unit featuring robotic capybaras that taught kids how to analyze evidence and solve mysteries. Students even got to keep their creations, like the “Cap E. Bara” robots, when camp ended on Friday.Teachers who have led the camp for years notice how repeat campers grow more inventive each time they return. One teacher’s oldest daughter is training to become a counselor, while another student, nine‑year‑old Lila, praised the capybaras as her favorite part of camp. The camp’s founder, a local teacher, has retired after 16 years and passed the role to a new leader. She highlighted that community sponsors helped 30 kids receive scholarships, showing how the town’s support fuels the program. Many counselors are former campers who love sharing their experience. One 19‑year‑old, now studying to be a pediatric physical therapist, says the camp keeps her science passion alive and teaches her how much kids enjoy presenting their inventions to families.